How Does Shading Affect Series-Connected Solar Cells?

[yykcw]

As I know, when a string of solar cells connected in series, if one of the cell is shaded, it will be reverse bias due to current mismatch and the voltage can be very high, say, 20V. But in short circuit condition, the overall voltage should be zero, if other cells are in forward bias, how can they balance out the 20V reverse voltage?

 

[mfb]

If they cannot (that will depend on your setup), current will be low(er) which also lowers to voltage needed to "drive" the dark solar cell. As easy as that.