Have you heard the term Half-Cell lately when speaking to solar companies or reading online info, what is the difference?
Have you been reading up on what solar panels are what, which is best and what the terminology is?
The solar market is constantly growing, and latest trends quickly become mainstream. It’s true to say the Solartherm UK have seen a massive up take in solar since the Energy Crisis began.
Today’s mainstream full cell modules (60 cells) will have a market share of about 35% in 2028. The R&D departments of most major manufacturers predict that other cell variations will soon take over. Half Cell technology is a fairly modern technology that has changed the solar game.
The International Technology Roadmap of Photovoltaic (ITRPV) predicts that the market share of half cells has increased from 5% in 2018 to potentially 40% in 2028. This indicates that Half Cell technology is a strong player against outdated full cell technology. Solartherm UK first installed this technology in early 2018 and have had a test module installed on the HQ since then.
What are Half Cell Modules?
Traditional full cell panels (60 cells) are made with 60 or 72 cells on the entire panel. A half-Cell module doubles the number of cells into 120 or 144 cells per panel. The panel is the same size as a full cell panel but with double the cells. By doubling the number of cells this technology creates more avenues to catch energy from sunlight to send into the inverter.
Essentially, Half-Cell technology is the process of cutting cells into half, reducing resistance so efficiency can increase. Traditional full cell panels with 60 or 72 cells produce resistance which can lower the panel’s ability to produce more power. Whereas Half-Cells with 120 or 144 cells have lower resistance which means more energy is being captured and produced. Half-Cell panels have smaller cells on each panel which reduces mechanical stresses on the panel. The smaller the cell the lesser chance of the panel micro cracking.
Moreover, Half-Cell technology provides higher power output ratings and are usually more reliable than traditional full cell panels.
Traditional Full Cell
Half-Cell module
Why turn to Half-Cell technology for your next install?
The opportunity to generate more power for our customers and to save them money is at the forefront of any rooftop PV system. Half-Cell technology can see significant increases particularly in semi shaded areas.
The increase in Half-cell popularity over the years is due to some very distinct advantages such as:
- Excellent performance in low light situations. This is due to the design the increased number of cells feeds more power to the inverter.
- Half-cell technology is more durable for long-life performance
HC technology is less susceptible to micro-cracking due to the smaller size of the solar cells. The mechanical stress on the entire panel is lessened which reduces the opportunity for micro cracks to develop. Therefore, HC panels are more durable and less prone to cracking over extended periods of time.
- Performs better in high-heat conditions, even the UK suffers from hot roofs.
- Split junction boxes, this is a major solar panel improvement.
Hot spots are quite common in poorly manufactured solar PV panels and can severely reduce the lifespan of a solar PV panel. Half-Cell solar PV panels have less heat below the individual cells on the panel. Hot spots are common and a negative that comes with solar PV systems that receive elevated levels of constant heat. In some major cases, hot spots can cause fire risks to the customer’s home. Having a split junction box reduces cell heating and the possibility for hot spots occur.
Great Half-Cell products to try out
Canadian Solar is one of the largest distributors of Solar PV panels in the solar market. They are premium quality products to the UK Solar market. The 410w Perc mono is a high-power half-cell and has been installed by Solartherm UK since they first came into the UK marketplace. Similarly JA Solar, Jam 60S20 half-cell Mono Perc is one of Solartherm UK’s most popular modules, with efficiency of 20.6%, this panel will fulfil most solar buyers and comes with excellent warranties also.
Please feel free to contact our sales or technical team today on 01268 552868 OR email [email protected] for our current price list.
Canadian Solar 410w HC MONO PERC MODULE
Solartherm UK are also SunPower Maxeon technologies certified partners. It’s true that if you have the budget there is no better module on the market. With a whopping 40-year warranty and a claim of 29% more power and a whole host of another clever tech this solar module really is a show stopper!
The downside is that lead times are often long as stock is sold the second it hits our warehouse with never enough coming into the UK.
Please feel free to contact our sales team today on 01268 552868 OR email: [email protected] for the current stock availability list.
JA Solar JAM 60S20 HC Mono Perc module
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