Half-Cut Solar Cell Technology Explained – Things You Should Know

Solar Cell technology has evolved significantly and is still in the process of getting better with technological developments shaping the products for future.In the last few months “Half-cut solar cell” is the buzz in the solar technology and hence we thought we should share some insights on the same. Half-cut solar cells are just what the name says, half of a solar panel. They are used to boost the efficiency of solar panels.

The term half-cut refers to a solar cell that is not cut in half to produce two cells but is instead cut in half horizontally to create two solar cells. Half-cut cells are used in solar panels to capture more sunlight.

They make up around 10% of all solar cell production, and half-cut cells are widely used because they offer advantages over other traditional solar modules. 

How does a half-cut solar cell work?

Half-cut solar cells are exactly what their name implies: they are solar cells that are cut in half. This makes them much lighter and more efficient than regular solar cells. Half-cut cells are divided into two parts: the active and the inactive. The active part of the cell is the “front” of the cell, and the inactive part is the “back.” The active part is where the light is absorbed and converted into a current, and the inactive part is where the current is dissipated. The active part of the cell consists of a semiconductor material that absorbs light and a catalyst that accelerates and controls the current. The inactive part of the cell is made up of a layer of amorphous silicon that absorbs light and a layer of crystalline silicon that releases light.

What are the benefits of a half cut cell?

Half-cut cell panels have a lot of benefits.

Due to their distinctive cabling arrangement, they provide improved shade tolerance, which enhances the electricity output and efficiency of photovoltaic panels. This implies that, unlike a conventional solar cell, your complete solar panel will not be useless if your house has some trees that shadow your roof occasionally during the day.

Solar photovoltaic arrays with half-cut cells are less vulnerable to the impacts of hot spots. Hot spots are when there is excessive heating on a panel that moves, for example, from a very hot region to a shade, cold section. Hot spots won’t be as harmful in a cell that has been split in half since there are more cells for the extra heat to be distributed among.

Half-cut cells have less resistance than whole cells, which lessens power loss experienced by conventional panels. Because of the type of energy moving through the panel via electric current, internal series resistance develops. But mostly because solar cells are divided in half, each cell generates less current, which reduces resistive losses.

Half-cut cells have a lot of benefits, but they are more expensive to produce since they require additional laser cutting and soldering operations. It is ultimately up to you to decide whether the total advantages outweigh the extra cost.

Are photovoltaic with half cuts worth your money?

One of the most recent initiatives by the solar industry to increase Photovoltaic modules effectiveness is half-cut solar technology. The method only adds a bit to the price of conventional PV modules, but it offers a 2-4% increase in power output. Because it requires less PV modules, it is preferable for locations with limited space.

Employing half-cut solar cells increases productivity in places that are often shaded as well as in locations with minimal area. 

While you might be concerned that a PV module will be more fragile. Mono half-cut solar panels are among the best decisions one can make in the rooftop solar market since they have the same longevity as a standard solar panel because panels are covered with protective glass.

Conclusion

Half-cut solar cells are typically used in solar panel systems that are mounted on roofs and are exposed to the sun during the day. In conclusion, half-cut solar cells can help improve the efficiency of solar panel systems. Savvy Solar offers some of the best solar panels available in the market based on your property specifications. Get in touch with our experts today to learn more about solar panels for your property.