Shading

Shading is the blocking of sunlight from a solar PV module, string or array by an object such as a chimney, tree, neighbouring building, roof feature or horizon line. In MCS performance estimates, shading is one of the three main site factors alongside inclination and orientation, and the standard annual output calculation applies a shade factor where shade is present. The amount and timing of shade can change with the sun path, season, distance and object height, so a shading assumption should be read as part of a survey or performance estimate rather than as a separate product rating.