As explained in our previous article on PERC technology the world of renewable energy is fast-evolving. One of the newer mainstream technologies is half-cell design. It is said that across the industry in 2018 the half-cell technology contributed to just 5% of the total market. But the prediction is that by 2028 40% plus of the market will be made up of this technology.

 

So what is the half-cell technology?

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Half-cell modules have solar cells that are cut in half, which improves the module’s performance and durability. Traditional 60- and 72-cell panels under this technology the panels will have 120 and 144 half-cut cells, respectively. When solar cells are halved, their current is also halved, so resistive losses are lowered and the cells can produce a little more power. Smaller cells experience reduced mechanical stresses, so there is a decreased opportunity for cracking. Half-cell modules have higher output ratings and are more reliable than traditional panels.

Not only does this technology allow for greater efficiency it also allows for similar energy output over a smaller space so perfect for installations that are limited on space.

Further to this, half-cut cells are more resistant to the effects of shade than traditional solar cells. This is not due to the cells being cut in half, but rather a result of the wiring methods used to connect half-cut cells in a panel. In ‘traditional’ solar panels built with full cells, the cells are wired together in rows, known as series wiring. In series wiring schemes, if one cell in a row is shaded and not producing energy, the entire row of cells will stop producing power. Standard panels typically have 3 separate rows of cells wired together, so shade on one cell of one row would eliminate a third of that panel’s power production whereas with the half-cell technology it allows for more individual efficiency.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of half-cell technology please email us on info@uksolarpower.com