Shade

Shade is more important to nomads than for most other people. The obvious positive benefit is that shade provides passive cooling in warm weather, but a significant disadvantage is the negative impact on solar harvest for the solar panels that most nomads use for charging batteries. Maximizing the advantages and minimizing the disadvantages is important for comfort and power generation.

Natural shade includes any shade that results from objects present in the area: trees, clouds, buildings, bridges, parking garages, and so on.

Artificial shade includes any shade that results from objects added in the area: awnings, shade cloth, etc.

Impact on solar harvest

Be aware of the shade impact on your solar harvest, which can be significant even if your panels are only partially shaded. Ensure the panels are not shaded by natural and nearby obstructions (trees, overhangs, buildings, etc.) or by obstructions on your own vehicle (antennas, A/C units, roof vents, etc.). Park so that the greatest expanse of panel is facing south and any obstructions are on the north side of the van.