If you are considering buying a solar panel but don’t know which one to opt for between half-cut and full-cell solar panels, well, you are not alone because there are many intending solar users who are in the same shoes as you. But the good news is that we are here to guide you.
Both half-cut and full-cell solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells; the only difference is between the number of cells in them and, of course, which is better, especially when it comes to energy production, efficiency, and durability.
The full-cell solar panels are the traditional common solar panels that often contain 60 or 72 cells per solar panel. Although they are common and efficient, their efficiency can’t be compared to half-cut solar panels. Half-cut solar panels are the modern and advanced solar panels whose cells have been divided into two through cleaving. It normally contains 120 or 144 cells per solar panel.
What is Full Cell Solar Panel
Full-cell solar panels are the traditional and standard solar cells that are common in the market today. They are those standard solar panels whose cells are uncut, and each cell is whole and single without any form of cut. The full-cut cell solar panel normally has 60 or 72 cells, which is the standard for solar panels that have been in use for decades. While there are better solar panels that are more efficient and durable than the full-cell solar panels, so many solar enthusiasts still see full-cell solar panels as their darling, especially due to their cost-effective nature.
What is Half-cut Solar Panel
As the name implies, half-cut solar panels are those solar panels whose cells have been cut in half. They are more modern and advanced than the full-cell solar panel. The innovative technology that led to the production of half-cut solar panels was developed in 2014 by REC Solar Limited. The cutting of these solar cells into two equal parts is called cleaving. This process involves an advanced laser technology that cuts the solar cells in two. However, when the solar cells are cut, the voltage remains the same while the current is cut in half. Cleaving of solar cells can be done in both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells.
Unlike the full-cell solar panels that often have 60 or 72 solar cells, the half-cut solar panel normally has double these cells, i.e., 120 or 144 solar cells. Due to the increase in the number of cells, the half-cut solar panel produces more energy than the full-cell solar panel.
Pros of Half-cut Solar Panel
There are many advantages of half-cut solar panels. The pros include but are not limited to
- There is increased energy production
- They are durable and efficient
- They are thermally stable; hence can withstand extreme temperature
- They have extended lifespan
- There is reduced power loss
- They can still function optimally under shade.
- They help reduce the temperature of hotspot
Cons of Half-cut Solar Panel
Although half-cut solar panels have lots of advantages, they also have some setbacks. Some of the disadvantages of half-cut solar panels are
- They very expensive when compared to full cell solar panel
- They often have soldering effects, which may increase their hotspot
- The cells may malfunction after their cuts.
Pros of Full Cell Solar Panel
The pros of full cell solar panels are
- They are cost-effective, which means that people can afford them with ease when compare half-cut cell solar panels
- They have simple design
- They don’t require advanced technology for them to be manufactured.
Cons of Full Cell Solar Panel
Full-cell solar panels have lots of disadvantages when compared with half-cell solar panels. They are
- Reduced efficiency
- They can’t resist extreme temperature
- They don’t have extended lifespan like half-cell solar panels
Half-Cut Solar Panel vs Full Cell: Which is Better?
From our discussion so far, we can see that half-cut solar panels are better than full-cell solar panels due to their extended lifespan, increased energy production, efficiency, durability, thermal stability, etc. So, if you have the financial strength and you want to buy the best solar panels, we recommend that you go for half-cut solar panels. Nevertheless, if you are looking for relatively affordable solar panels, then you can buy full-cell panels because they will still serve this purpose but at different rates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the disadvantages of half-cut solar panels?
The major disadvantages of half-cut solar panels are that they are expensive and may be affected by the soldering effect.
2. What is the biggest advantage of using the half-cut method?
The biggest advantages of half-cut cell solar panels are that they have increased efficiency, withstand shadows, and have an extended lifespan.