The solar panel technological field is making continuous efforts to bring change to solar installation. One of the latest introductions includes half cut solar panel technology for the older variety of crystalline silicon solar panels. The improved design helped lower the power loss that was the case in regular photovoltaic modules.
As compared to the other conventional modules of solar panels, the half-cut solar technology has no significant disadvantages. This blog will explain this variation of solar cells in detail. We will also discuss their work, pros and cons, and more.
An Overview Of Half Cut Solar Panels
Also known as the half-cell module, the half-cut solar panels came into existence to boost solar panel energy production. Same as PERC or bifacial mono solar panels aim to maximize silicon panels’ efficiency, the half-cut solar cells aim to improve a solar panel’s power output.
As you may understand by its name, the usual silicon cells of solar panels are cut into halves using a laser cutter. These cells offer numerous benefits when compared to regular solar panels. They provide better performance and can enhance the effectiveness of solar panels by 2 to 3 per cent.
Further, these panels are long-lasting and are physically more resilient than standard equivalents. Their smaller size also contributes to it being less likely to break. Property owners can enjoy a reduced payback period by installing half-cut solar panels. In places where limited space and shade act as barriers, installing half-cut solar panels will work incomparably.
Functioning Of Half Cut Solar Panels
Aiming to fit more cells on the panel, the half-cut solar panel cell technology improves energy production as a consequence of decreased cell size. The panel division allows the top to work separately from the bottom to produce more energy despite a part being in the shade.
A standard mono solar panel contains 60 solar cells, which can go up to 72. As a result, when these cells are cut in half, the total number increases. Therefore, a half-cut panel will have between 120 to 144 solar cells. These panels use PERC solar technology to increase efficiency.
By laser chopping these cells, the current inside the cells also reduces by half. As a result, it decreases the resistive losses and increases performance. Since the size of these cells also decreases, you can find a greater number of solar cells relative to traditional solar panels.
Further, the panel has two divisions, the top and the bottom half. These divisions work independently and generate enough electricity while one of the two is under the shade. This is effective in areas with shaded barriers.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Half Cut Solar Panels
If you want to elevate the production of energy with your solar modules, half-cut solar panels are an excellent choice. However, this information may be insufficient to realize its full capability. Hence, in this section, we will discuss all the pros and cons of these solar panel variants.
Benefits Of Half Cut Solar Panels
To help you understand how half-cut solar technology can aid you, you must learn about its advantages. Some of these benefits are as follows:
Fewer Power Losses
Half-cut solar cell technology helps reduce electrical losses. Joule’s Law defines electrical losses, which calculates losses by evaluating the current square. However, each half-cut cell produces half the of the total current.
Therefore, the loss is only one-fourth. As a result, the electrical losses are 75% less. Further, when calculating the total module’s current output, it increases by 2 to 4 per cent. Thus, the power output also improves by 2 to 4 per cent. If solar panels are difficult to place in your area, it is important to shop tx electricity prices that are affordable to ensure that you are still able to harness renewable energy sources. Affordable electricity prices can help offset the costs associated with traditional energy sources and make it more financially feasible for individuals who are unable to utilize solar panels. By choosing affordable electricity prices, you can still contribute to reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more sustainable future.
Cuts Down On Hot Spots And Lowers Temperature
When solar panels are partially in the shade, they result in hot spots. These occur when a few shaded cells create resistance rather than generate power. These cells then utilize the electricity and increase temperature.
On the other hand, the half-cut solar panels lower the current in every substring. As a result, the hot spots will have a lower temperature. This solar cell technology aids in reducing the temperature by 20 degrees Celsius.
Improved Shade Tolerance
The solar panel with a PV module experiences a huge power loss when a particular area is in the shade. However, a half-cut solar panel will be able to reduce the total power loss. In standard full-cell solar panels, the series wiring connects the cells in the form of rows
, whereas the wiring method of half-cut cells offers more separate rows. As a result, the half-cut solar cells reduce the power loss by half.
Greater CTM Power
A half-cut cell’s conversion efficiency generally depends on its technology type. The half-cut solar panels offer greater cell-to-module or CTM power, and higher CTM power results in higher output. When comparing a half-cut module to traditional modules, they have an increased CTM power.
Where a standard PV module features a 94.8 % cell-to-module power, the half-cut options have a 99.4% to 98.4% CTM power based on whether you consider losses due to laser cut.
Solar Technology Integration
The half-cut cells are the result of alterations in the PV module manufacturing. Hence, they can combine with bifacial or PERC solar panel technologies. Therefore, you can get PV modules with increased output, reduced losses and more.
Drawbacks Of Half Cut Solar Panels
Half-cut solar panels offer some of the best advantages. However, there are a few downsides to using these solar panels. Therefore, before you purchase these panels, consider the following:
Increased Manufacturing Costs
Those who develop half-cut solar panels must invest more in equipment to divide the cells and produce the same number of half-cut modules relative to full-cell modules. Although this means investing more, they help reduce cost per watt.
Increased Soldering Possibility
Half-cut cells translate as more soldered connections and poor contacts possibility. The slicing of cells in half also leads to defective cells. Hence, to reduce these downsides, manufacturers require adequate quality control.
Conclusion
Solar panel technology offers newer innovations to increase energy production and lower power losses. Half-cut solar cell technology works towards this objective by increasing the overall power output. They deliver higher performance and durability.
Compared to traditional options, they cater to current solar panel needs. Property owners can get the best out of this space-efficient and eco-friendly device.