What Is Half-Cut Solar Cell Technology?

Half-cut solar cells are rectangular silicon solar cells with about half the area of a traditional square solar cell, which are wired together to make a solar module (aka panel). The advantage of half-cut solar cells is that they exhibit less energy loss from resistance and heat, allowing manufacturers to increase total efficiency of the solar panel.

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Half-cut cells also allow a solar panel to be wired into two individual halves, allowing one half to maintain full performance even when the other half is shaded. This design was pioneered by REC Solar in , and has since become the standard of the industry for most major manufacturers.

Let&#;s dig deeper into how half-cut cell PV modules work, why their design improves the performance of standard solar panels, which manufacturers use them, and the potential future of the technology.

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Key takeaways

• Half-cut solar cells perform better than traditional solar panels due to the higher number of cells and upgraded series wiring within the panel.

• Half-cut solar cells are typically higher-wattage than traditional panels, but they are more expensive and challenging to manufacture.

• Opt for half-cut solar panels if you need to get solar power from a small space, otherwise traditional panels will work fine for most homes.

How do half-cut solar cells work?

Half-cut solar cell technology increases the energy output of solar panels by reducing the size of the cells, so more can fit on the panel. The panel is then split in half so the top operates independently of the bottom, which means more energy is created - even if one half is shaded.

That&#;s the general overview - below, we break the process down.

Traditional monocrystalline solar panels usually have 60 to 72 solar cells, so when those cells are cut in half, the number of cells increases. Half-cut panels have 120 to 144 cells and are usually made with PERC technology, which offers higher module efficiency. 

The cells are cut in half, very delicately, with a laser. By cutting these cells in half, the current within the cells is also halved, which essentially means that resistive losses from traveling energy via current are reduced, which, in turn, equals better performance.

Since the solar cells are cut in half, and are thereby reduced in size, they have more cells on the panel than traditional panels do. The panel itself is then split in half so that the top and bottom portions operate as two separate panels - generating energy even if one half is shaded. 

The key to half-cut cell design is a different method of &#;series wiring&#; for the panel, or the way the solar cells are wired together and pass electricity through a bypass diode within a panel. The bypass diode, indicated by the red line in the images below, carries the electricity that the cells generate to the junction box. 

In a traditional panel, when one cell is shaded or faulty and does not process energy, the entire row that is within the series wiring will stop producing power. 

For example, let&#;s take a look at the traditional 3-string series wiring method:

With the traditional full cell string series wiring, shown above, if a solar cell in Row 1 does not have ample sunlight, every cell within that series will not produce energy. This knocks out a third of the panel. 

A half-cut, 6-string solar panel works a bit differently: 

If a solar cell in Row 1 is shaded, the cells within that row (and that row only) will stop producing power. Row 4 will continue to produce power, generating more energy than a traditional series wiring because only one-sixth of the panel has stopped producing power, instead of one-third. 

You can also see that the panel itself is split in half, so there are 6 total cell groups instead of 3. The bypass diode connects in the middle of the panel, instead of on one side like the traditional wiring above. 

What are the advantages of half-cut cells?

The advantages of half-cut cell panels are numerous.

They improve the power output and performance of solar modules because they offer a higher shade tolerance due to their unique wiring system. This means that if your home has some trees that cast shade onto your roof at certain times during the day, your entire solar panel will not be unusable, like it would with a traditional solar panel. 

Another benefit is the fact that they usually offer a higher wattage than traditional panels, even up to 380 watts for the REC Alpha versus traditional 250 watt solar panels, meaning they produce more power per square foot.

Additionally, the effects of hot spots are less severe on your solar panels with half-cut cells. Hot spots are the shifting of excess heat on a panel, say from a very hot part to the shaded, cooler section. With a half-cut cell, hot spots will not be as damaging because there are more cells to spread the excess heat to.

Half-cut cells also reduce power loss suffered by traditional panels by reducing internal resistance. Internal series resistance occurs just by the nature of energy traveling through the panel via electric current. But because solar cells are cut in half, there is less current generated from each cell, meaning less resistive losses.

Although half-cut cells offer many advantages, they are more expensive because they are more challenging to manufacture, with increased soldering steps and laser cutting. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if the overall benefits make the increased cost worth it.  

Which manufacturers use half-cut cell modules?

Ever since REC Solar pioneered half-cut cell technology, many solar companies have followed suit. Some of the more well-known manufacturers are Panasonic, Trina Solar, Q CELLS, Jinko Solar, and LONGi Solar panels.

If you are interested in half-cut cell solar panels, work with your installer to find the best option for your specific roof&#;s solar installation. Whichever option you choose, traditional versus half-cut, going with a reputable manufacturer and trustworthy local installers is your best option. 

Are half-cut panels the future of solar?

Half-cut cells are really great for improving the solar power energy yield of panels, but they are more challenging to manufacture. This makes it hard for traditional manufacturers to switch to producing half-cell solar modules, it is not as simple as just adding half-cut cells to a production line. 

In many cases, traditional solar panels can still work for you, like if your roof has ample sunlight throughout the day.

But if you need every ounce of energy you can get because you live in a shady area or you want to maximize your net metering benefits, half-cut cells make sense. Ask for half-cut cells if you have a small surface area that needs to generate all the solar power it can. Otherwise, you should be fine with traditional panels even if you might need a few more of them on your roof. 

Perhaps when the manufacturing of half-cut cells becomes more streamlined and easier to adopt, they will become cheaper and more widespread. Your solar installer will help you decide if half-cut cells are the right choice for your rooftop solar array. 

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While it has been widely criticised for being expensive or inefficient, solar energy has now proved to be extremely beneficial - not only for the environment but also for the private economy. It can save you lots of money on your energy bills and can increase your property value. Another question to consider is, do solar panels increase home value? The answer is yes. But there's much more to it than that, so let's dive into the pros and cons of solar energy.

Did you know that the energy the sun provides to the earth for one hour could meet the global energy needs for one year? Undoubtedly, the sun is a powerful energy source , and even though we are not able to collect a fraction of this energy, harnessing this power by installing solar panels can make a significant difference to the planet.

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&#; Slash your energy bills by installing solar panels &#; Reduce your carbon footprint with solar panels &#; Solar panels can increase your property value

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Thanks to available solar panel grants, as well as, the increasingly competitive prices in the market, solar energy has become the main source of energy for more and more families. The technology has been drastically improved the last years and has been complemented by solar battery storage systems, turning solar into a significantly more efficient source of clean energy. However, solar battery prices are something worth thinking about.

However, there are always downsides no matter the energy source you choose to analyse. GreenMatch has outlined the key advantages and disadvantages of solar power in the following points:

What are the advantages of solar panels?

By choosing solar energy, homeowners can benefit from many advantages that solar energy offers, such as:

• Cheaper electricity bills: Solar panels generate cost-free electricity, reducing overall energy costs.
• Earn money back: Sell surplus energy to the grid for compensation through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
• Reduce carbon footprint: Sustainable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
• Year-round efficiency: Effective even in cloudy UK weather, especially with advancements in technology.
• Low maintenance: Minimal upkeep required post-installation.
• Independence from the grid: Generate your own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid.
• Affordability: Solar panels are increasingly cost-effective.
• Cost savings: Utilise solar energy to save money.
• Grid independence: Keep your lights on during grid outages.
• Increased home value: Installing solar energy can boost your property's value.
• Climate versatility: Solar systems work well in various climates, including the UK.

1. Renewable energy source

Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy.

Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, therefore sunlight will be available to us for at least 5 billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to die.

2. Reduces electricity bills

Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will be dependent on the size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage. This can be found in our 'is it worth getting solar panels?' guide.

For example, if you are a business using commercial solar panels this switch can have huge benefits because the large system size can cover large chunks of your energy bills.

Moreover, not only will you be saving on the electricity bill, but there is also a possibility to receive payments for the surplus energy that you export back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). If you generate more electricity than you use (considering that your solar panel system is connected to the grid). 

3. Diverse applications

Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity (photovoltaics) or heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distil water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space.

Solar energy can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings. Not long ago Sharp introduced transparent solar energy windows.

4. Low maintenance costs

Solar energy systems generally don&#;t require a lot of maintenance. You only need to keep them relatively clean, so cleaning them a couple of times per year will do the job. If in doubt, you can always rely on specialised cleaning companies, which offer this service from around £25-£35.

Most reliable solar panel manufacturers offer 20-25 years warranty.

Also, as there are no moving parts, there is no wear and tear. The inverter is usually the only part that needs to be changed after 5-10 years because it is continuously working to convert solar energy into electricity and heat (solar PV vs. solar thermal). Apart from the inverter, the cables also need maintenance to ensure your solar power system runs at maximum efficiency.

So, after covering the initial cost of the solar system, you can expect very little spending on maintenance and repair work.

5. Technology development

Technology in the solar power industry is constantly advancing and improvements will intensify in the future. Innovations in quantum physics and nanotechnology can potentially increase the effectiveness of solar panels and double, or even triple, the electrical input of the solar power systems.

Don't want to wait any longer to reap all of these solar benefits? By opting for solar panels, you're not only reducing your energy costs, but you're also making a positive impact on the environment. GreenMatch can help you take the first step by securing the best quotes for your needs.

By filling out our form now you'll receive up to 4 free quotes from trusted local installers and begin your journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future in less than a minute. Say goodbye to hours spent vetting and requesting quotes from installers in your area.

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