Yes. Could some knowledgable person explain the purpose for these bypass and
blocking diodes and the problems without them, please?
Background for those who need it: A diode conducts electricity in only
one direction.
Blocking: If the positive line is more positive than the panel, a
blocking diode prevents panel draining power from the system. Connects
in series between the panel and battery. Causes a bit of power loss
(power=0.6v * amps, where 0.6v is a typical power-diode drop).
Bypass: A shaded cell or panel in a large series string (typically 72
or more cells in series, a 24v or greater nominal array) can be damaged
in the potential across it is too great and causes junction breakdown.
A bypass diode allows the current to bypass that panel instead of thru
it. Connects in anti-parallel to the panel so there is no conduction
and hence no loss in typical case. My 100W@24v panels came with bypass
diodes already wired across both 12v halves of each panel.
sdb