Model shading losses for rooftops, canopies, and fields. See kWh, revenue, and carbon changes instantly. Adjust geometry, hours, and electronics to recover energy fast.
Shading reduces irradiance on modules and can trigger mismatch losses across strings. Even small obstructions such as parapets, vents, and nearby trees may create recurring energy deficits. Quantifying loss early supports better row spacing, setback decisions, and electrical zoning that protect annual production targets during early planning.
The calculator converts a loss percentage into lost kilowatt-hours by multiplying baseline annual energy by the loss fraction. Baseline can be estimated from system size and site-specific yield, or entered from measured production. This makes results comparable across rooftops, carports, and ground-mount arrays. For upgrades, use last-year kWh to anchor estimates to real performance.
When detailed shading observations exist, the time and impact method estimates loss using shaded array fraction, irradiance reduction during shade, shading hours per day, and shaded days per year. Diffuse fraction reduces sensitivity because diffuse light is less directional. The method is intentionally conservative for feasibility checks. Use seasonal shade days to reflect winter sun angles and deciduous canopies.
Power electronics influence how localized shade propagates into whole-string losses. Multi-MPPT inverters can isolate differently oriented planes, while module-level devices can limit mismatch to only shaded modules. Use the electronics selector to compare mitigation scenarios and quantify potential recovered energy. Pair the comparison with layout changes to target the highest-loss hours.
Annual value loss uses your electricity rate to translate energy deficits into monetary impact, supporting payback and contract discussions. The emissions factor estimates carbon tied to the lost clean generation, useful for ESG reporting. Compare options such as pruning, relocating equipment, or increasing setback to reduce recurring losses. Document assumptions in commissioning notes so stakeholders understand the uncertainty range.
It is the share of annual energy that the system does not produce due to shading and related mismatch effects. It is expressed as a percent of baseline annual energy.
Use percent when you already have an annual loss estimate from monitoring or simulation. Use time and impact when you only know how often shading occurs and how severe it is.
Module-level electronics reduce mismatch propagation, so shade on one module has less impact on the rest of the array. The calculator applies a mitigation factor to reflect this improvement.
Diffuse light arrives from many angles and is less blocked by narrow obstructions. A higher diffuse fraction lowers the beam component and reduces modeled sensitivity to shading hours.
Yes. Enable the custom baseline option and enter your annual kWh. This anchors loss estimates to actual site performance, which is useful for retrofits and diagnostics.
No. It is an estimate based on your provided electricity rate and net-metering assumptions. Use it for planning comparisons, and confirm project economics with your tariff and contract terms.
| Scenario | System (kW) | Yield (kWh/kW·yr) | Method | Loss (%) | Lost (kWh/yr) | Net (kWh/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light chimney shade | 6 | 1450 | Percent | 4.5 | 392 | 8,308 |
| Tree shade mornings | 10 | 1500 | Percent | 8.0 | 1,200 | 13,800 |
| Winter horizon obstruction | 12 | 1600 | Time & impact | 3.2 | 614 | 18,586 |
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.