SMA · inverter

SMA — partial shading

Shading affects SMA systems the same way it affects any solar equipment. New tree growth, nearby construction, or seasonal changes in sun angle can introduce shading that reduces output significantly.

Partial shading details

New tree growth, nearby construction, or seasonal shading patterns reducing output on part of the array.

Typical loss: 5–30%Detection: visualLikelihood: moderate

Self-check tip:

Check panels at different times of day. New tree growth or structures may cast shadows that didn't exist when the system was installed.

Brand lifespan

15 years

Warranty

10 years

Check your SMA system

Use our free Solar Loss Checker to estimate how much energy your SMA system may be losing.

Check my system

Based on conservative solar performance modelling and published degradation data

NRELIEA-PVPSSunSpecPVsyst+ published research

Updated April 2026 · Structured performance modelling

How we calculate →

Other SMA issues

→SMA — Natural panel degradation →SMA — Cell hotspots →SMA — Panel soiling →SMA — Inverter efficiency loss

Partial shading — other brands

→Tesla Solar — Partial shading →SunPower — Partial shading →Enphase — Partial shading →SolarEdge — Partial shading