[RFI] Potential noise from he solar panel itself

[Steve Dyer W1SRD]

Thanks for clarifying Dennis - and hopefully putting the panel as the 
source debate to rest.
And to be very clear, per-panel PWM electronics are either "optimizer" 
type (DC to DC) or inverter type (DC to AC), correct?
Of course, no PWM electronics is also possible and often preferable.
73,
Steve
W1SRD
> I previously worked in research involving solar panel electronics.  The
> solar cells themselves produce miniscule levels of noise, essentially that
> of forward biased silicon diodes.  In fact the only difference between a
> solar cell and a forward biased diode is the source of the current.  The
> cell has photo generated carriers.
>
> Can a panel composed of a series string of such cells cause RF noise?  No,
> not unless there is something wrong with a particular panel.  For example
> if a connection between the cells becomes intermittent or if the discrete
> diodes (anywhere from 3 to 6 that are shunted across cell groups to
> redirect current should a portion of the panel experience shade) have a bad
> connection, then noise could result from the subsequent arc'ing.  It would
> be relatively broadband (no tones whatsoever) and could be significant
> because the currents are fairly high.  But that would be an outlier panel,
> not the array.
>
> The RFI is coming from the per-panel PWM electronics.
>
> Dennis AE6C
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