NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Shading has a significant impact on the performance of solar panels, primarily decreasing their energy output and efficiency. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity, and any obstruction that blocks sunlight will diminish the amount of energy generated. When a solar panel is shaded, even partially, less sunlight reaches the photovoltaic cells, which directly affects the amount of electricity produced.

Moreover, shading can also cause "hot spots" within the panel if bypass diodes are not utilized properly. This can lead to a drop in overall performance and may even damage the cells over time. It's crucial for solar installations to be designed with careful consideration of potential shading from trees, buildings, or other obstructions throughout the day and across different seasons.

In contrast, the other options misrepresent the effects of shading. Claiming that shading has no effect or that it increases output contradicts the fundamental principles of solar technology. Additionally, stating that it only affects performance during the night misunderstands how solar panels operate since they do not produce electricity without sunlight, but shading can affect performance during daylight hours.