Half Cut solar Module Advantage
Solar modules with half-size solar cells have the potential for becoming the new standard. The cutting of cells leads to electrical recombination losses at the cell level, which are more than compensated by reduced resistive losses as well as by current gains at the module level. At the same time, the cutting process must be optimized to avoid mechanical damage that could lead to cell breakage in the module. Module design opportunities for hot-spot protection, shading resistance and energy yield optimization are presented in this paper. Module power can be increased by 5–8%, which justifies the investment in additional equipment for cell cutting, stringing, lay-up and bussing. Half-cell technology is highly attractive for new solar module production capacity.The opportunity to generate more power for your customers and to save them money is at the forefront of any rooftop PV system sale. Half-Cell technology can take your solar installs to the next level.
The increase in Half-cell popularity over the years is due to some very distinct advantages such as:
Excellent performance in low light situations
Half-cell technology is excellent in low light situations. This is due to the design the increased number of cells feeds more power to the inverter.
Half-cell technology is more durable for long-life performance
HC technology is less susceptible to micro-cracking due to the smaller size of the solar cells. The mechanical stress on the entire panel is lessened which reduces the opportunity for micro cracks to develop. Therefore, HC panels are more durable and less prone to cracking over long periods of time.
Performs better in high-heat conditions
Half-Cell technology is proven to perform well under high heat conditions. As we know Australia never falls short of hot weather conditions. This is the reason why Half-Cell technology is increasing in popularity in the Australian solar market. Half-Cell technology is less susceptible to panel malfunctions.
Split junction boxes:
Hot spots are very common in poorly manufactured solar PV panels and can severely reduce the lifespan of a solar PV panel. Half-Cell solar PV panels have less heat below the individual cells on the panel. Hot spots are common and a negative that comes with solar PV systems that receive high levels of constant heat. In some major cases, hot spots can cause fire risks to the customer’s home. Having a split junction box reduces cell heating and the possibility for hot spots occur.
Less hot spots:
When one solar cell in a panel cell string is shaded, all the preceding unshaded cells can dump the energy they produce into the first shaded cell as heat. This creates a hot spot that can potentially damage the solar panel if it lasts for a long time. Twice as many panel cell strings means only half as much heat. The lower heat production should be less damaging to the panel so there would be an improvement in resistance to hot spot damage and increases the module longevity.