What is half-cut solar cell technology, and how does it work

1. What is half-cut solar cell technology, and how does it work? REC Solar pioneered half-cut solar photovoltaic cells in 2022, with the goal of increasing the energy production of solar panels. We'll go over how they operate in more detail later, but think of a half-cut cell as two distinct panels in one. In this post, we'll go over how half-cut solar PV modules operate, why their design outperforms conventional solar panels, which manufacturers employ them, and where half-cut solar cell technology may go in the future. What are half-cut solar cells and how do they work? Half-cut solar cell technique boosts solar panel energy production by decreasing the size of the cells, allowing more to fit on the panel. The panel is then divided in half so that the top and bottom work separately, resulting in more energy being produced - even if one side is shaded. That's the high-level picture; we'll break down the steps below. The number of solar cells in traditional monocrystalline solar panels is typically 60 to 72, thus when those cells are split in half, the number of cells rises. Half-cut panels typically contain 120 to 144 cells and are manufactured using PERC technology, which improves module efficiency.

2. A laser is used to gently split the cells in two. Cutting these cells in half reduces the current inside them, which basically implies that resistive losses from transporting energy through current are decreased, resulting in improved performance. They have more cells on the panel than conventional panels since the solar cells are split in half and therefore decreased in size. The panel is then divided in half, with the top and bottom halves functioning as two independent panels, producing energy even when one half is shaded. A distinct technique of "series wiring" for the panel, or the way the solar cells are connected together and transfer energy via a bypass diode inside a panel, is the key to half-cut cell design. The bypass diode, shown in red in the pictures below, transports the power generated by the cells to the junction box. When one cell in a conventional panel is shaded or defective and stops processing energy, the whole row inside the series wire stops generating power. Let's take a look at the conventional 3-string series wiring technique, for example: If a solar cell in Row 1 does not get enough sunlight, every cell in that series will not generate electricity, according to the conventional complete cell string series wiring illustrated above. A third of the panel is removed as a result of this.

3. A 6-string solar panel with half-cut strings operates a little differently: If a solar cell in Row 1 is shaded, all of the cells in that row (and just that row) will cease generating electricity. Because just one-sixth of the panel has ceased providing power, instead of one-third, Row 4 will continue to generate electricity, generating more energy than conventional series wiring. You can also notice that the panel has been divided in half, resulting in six total cell groupings rather than three. Instead of connecting on one side like the conventional wiring above, the bypass diode connects in the center of the panel. What are the benefits of using half-cut cells? There are many benefits to using half-cut cell panels. Because of their unique wiring method, they enhance the power production and performance of solar modules by providing a greater shadow tolerance. This implies that, unlike a conventional solar panel, if your house has trees that throw shadow on your roof during various times of the day, your whole solar panel will not be rendered useless. Another advantage is that they generally have a greater wattage than conventional panels, up to 380 watts for the REC Alpha, compared to standard panels that are normally in the 250-watt range, resulting in more electricity per square foot. Furthermore, the consequences of hot spots on your solar panels with half-cut cells are less severe. Hot spots are areas on a panel where excess heat is transferred from a hot area to a shaded, cooler area. Hot areas will be less harmful with a half-cut cell since there are more cells to distribute the surplus heat to. Traditional panels lose power due to internal resistance, which is reduced with half-cut cells. The nature of energy flowing through the panel through electric current causes internal series resistance. However, since solar cells are reduced in half, each cell generates less current, resulting in lower resistive losses.

4. Although half-cut cells have numerous benefits, they are costlier to produce since they need additional soldering processes and laser cutting. Finally, you must determine if the total advantages outweigh the higher expense. What companies utilize cell modules that are half-cut? Many solar firms have followed in the footsteps of REC Solar, which pioneered half-cut cell technology. Panasonic, Trina Solar, Q CELLS, Jinko Solar, and LONGi Solar are some of the most well-known producers of solar panels. If you're interested in half-cut cell solar panels, consult with your installer to determine the best choice for your solar installation on your particular roof. Using a respected manufacturer and dependable local installers is your best choice, whether you select conventional or half-cut. Are half-cut solar panels the way of the future? Half-cut cells are excellent for increasing the solar panel's energy output, but they are more difficult to produce. This makes switching to half-cell solar modules difficult for conventional producers; it's not as easy as adding half-cut cells to a manufacturing line. Traditional solar panels may still be useful in many situations, such as if your roof receives enough of sunshine throughout the day. Half-cut cells, on the other hand, make sense if you need every ounce of energy you can obtain because you reside in a shady region or want to optimize your net metering advantages. If you have a limited surface area and need to produce as much solar electricity as possible, ask for half-cut cells. Otherwise, conventional panels should enough, even though you may need a few extra on your roof. Half-cut cells may become more affordable and ubiquitous as the manufacturing process gets more simplified and simpler to implement. Your solar installer can advise you on whether half-cut cells are the best option for your rooftop solar system.