While true, I'd point out that for most of the issues raised in this discussion, the important but seemingly not mentioned issue is that in normal optimal operation (MPPT) the current is typically fairly close to the short circuit current. So then you have to ask, in the case of a short circuit of a fully insolated panel or perhaps a single cell shorted with a near zero resistance (say a 20mm silver bar) where does that energy go?
This is so true, this is why I still believe that a short circuit condition is less harming than an open circuit one.
Common sense logic is correct by definition. Nowhere in your documents it says panels should be shorted. And it is only logical manufacturers recommend to store panels in a dark place because they degrade in sunlight (which could eat into the warranty period which typically starts from the moment of installation).
So please do everyone a favour and come up with a document from a solar panel manufacturer that recommends shorting solar panels when not connected to an inverter.
My common sense tells me that there is no, and will never be, a document from the solar panel manufacturer telling to short the panels. Unused panels on the roof it is just such a crazy situation that it should not be considered in the specs.
Also wrong common sense logic is wrong by definition.... we are running in circles here.
Also I do not agree with the theory that as soon the sun hits the panels there is some energy that needs to go somewhere. This is wrong IMHO.
According to my investigation the cell physics only tells that if there is sun radiation, the panels generate a current proportional with the sun radiation intensity.
The energy factor starts to play a role when we force a voltage on the panel output.
Two symmetrical theoretical examples:
A) A VDC power supply keeps the output voltage constant. When open there is no power generated, even if there is voltage.
B) A solar panels exposed in the a constant sun radiation keeps the current constant. When shorted there is no power generated, even if there is current.
Here comes my bold statement: in a exposed open circuit panel, the current is forced to run internally creating the VOC at the terminals... and this is worst than letting the current flowing outside the panels in the shorted condition.
Me silly thinking it was a quick question....