When a bypass diode activates due to a leaf on a solar cell, what is the expected outcome on a single string?

When a bypass diode activates due to shading—such as from a leaf obstructing a solar cell—the outcome in a single string is primarily a reduction in voltage, which is represented as the activation of the bypass diode allows the current to flow around the shaded or malfunctioning cell rather than through it. This means that instead of the current being impeded by the shaded cell, it continues to travel through the bypass diode, effectively allowing the rest of the string to continue functioning rather than causing a complete halt in power production.

While the system continues to generate power, the voltage may drop because the bypass diode is now conducting and not allowing the full string voltage to contribute to the system output. The overall effect is a loss of efficiency and a net reduction in power output, but the system continues to operate, albeit at a lower voltage. Therefore, the activation of the bypass diode leads to this outcome rather than an outright shutdown or increased current production.