Diodes are unsung heroes in the solar energy sector. These devices act like valves forcing current to flow in one direction, from solar cell to battery. Without diodes, power loss would be unavoidable because on cloudy days or at night, stored electricity would flow out of the battery and back to the solar panels. Diodes are key to the “electrical plumbing” that makes storage of solar energy possible.
Diodes also protect solar panels from being damaged by “hot spots.” These areas heat up when a part of the panel is in the shade while the rest is in sunlight. Hot spots can reduce a panel’s life or even destroy it. By carefully managing the current flow, diodes can keep solar panels functioning smoothly.
Using company-level data from the OEC, we see that the supply chain for diodes is highly connected. The main countries involved in the supply chain are China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Spain, and Cambodia. Highly connected nodes are also potential points of failure in the supply chain. The network rests heavily on Yantian, Ningpo, and Shanghai ports, where more than two-thirds of Diodes are shipped to the United States. A disruption in these countries or ports could significantly affect the overall supply chain.
The Degree Centrality measure shows that the most connected nodes in this network are Guangzhou Five Six Technology Co, PT Honoris Industrial, and Perfect Display Technology Company, making them critical players in the supply chain for this product to the United States. If these companies face disruption, it could significantly affect the overall network due to their high connectivity.
So, next time you see a solar panel gleaming in the sun, remember the humble diode. It’s not just about capturing sunlight – it’s also about managing the power flow to get the most out of every sunbeam.
This content was originally published here.
