Full Cell Solar Cell
Normally, solar panels have two sizes of cells in the panel, which are 60 and 72 cells, according to the power size of the solar panel chosen.
The number of these cells in the solar panel will be connected in “series” to get a higher voltage to get more power. Normally, each cell will have a voltage of about 0.5V in small panels (about 320-350W) and about 0.65V in large panels (about 450-550W), making the total voltage of the solar panel. One will be 36V or 45V, depending on which size of solar panel we will use. By connecting Cells in a solar panel like this, we call that type of solar panel a “Full Cell”.
The nature of the series connection of cells means that the electrical current of the solar panel flows in the same way from the first cell to the last cell. The most serious disadvantage occurs in cases where the solar panels are damaged. Shaded by anything such as leaves, bird droppings, flying trash, or even clouds. We can imagine the connection of cells in a solar panel like a hose with water flowing through it. And when there is a shadow covering the panel, it is as if the hose was squeezed by the hand causing the water flow to flow less.
Some periods when there is a lot of sunlight intensity or high temperatures But if there is an obscuration in the Cells, it will cause the Cell to act as an electrical burden. Instead of an electrical source like normal.This results in problems such as Heat Spots, which are like acid stains on the surface of the solar panel. Many people may understand that they got acid from the rain. But actually it is that the cell has burned from the accumulated heat. Which over time may cause the solar cell panels to become permanently damaged.
From the disadvantages of Full Cell mentioned above, solar panel manufacturers have invented A new technology has emerged called Half Cell.
Half Cell Solar Cell
Half Cell is a solar cell panel that has parallel cells added to the solar panel circuit by dividing the cells within the solar panel so that each cell is half the size. and split into halves This will cause solar panels that used to have 60 cells to become 120 cells, while solar panels with 72 cells will become 144 cells.
When looking at the diagram above, it can be seen that the overall voltage level of the solar cell panel will remain the same as Full Cell, but it will just be divided in half to create a circuit in parallel with the Cells in order to make it easier in the case of Partial Shading. Obscuring the front of the solar panel, there is still another half where the cells can still function to continue transmitting electricity.
Conclusion: Half Cell solar panels have more advantages than Full Cell panels in the case of Partial Shading and reduce the risk of Heat Spots.