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Why Are 1/3 Cut Solar Panels More Suitable for High-Temperature Environments Than Half-Cut Solar Panels?

Why Are 1/3 Cut Solar Panels More Suitable for High-Temperature Environments Than Half-Cut Solar Panels?

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the field of solar photovoltaics, the efficiency and stability of modules are crucial factors determining the amount of electricity generated. With technological advancements, the design of photovoltaic modules has been continuously optimized. 1/3 cut and half-cut solar panels, due to their different current and voltage characteristics, exhibit significant performance differences in high-temperature environments. This article will explore why 1/3 cut solar panels generate more power than half-cut panels in such conditions.

Photovoltaic modules convert solar energy into electrical energy through the photoelectric effect. In this process, the current in the module affects its operating temperature. The higher the current, the greater the resistance losses, leading to a more significant increase in the module’s operating temperature. Additionally, the operating temperature of the module affects its power output losses. Generally, the higher the operating temperature of a photovoltaic module, the greater its power losses. Therefore, the current of the module has a significant impact on its power output, with higher current leading to greater power losses.

Performance Comparison of 1/3 Cut and Half-Cut Solar Panels in High-Temperature Environments

1. Current and Voltage Characteristics:

  • 1/3 Cut Solar Panels: These panels have lower current and higher voltage. For instance, Twisun Pro (TOPCon) 1/3 cut panel with a power output of 430W has a current of 9.96A and a voltage of 43.2V.
  • Half-Cut Solar Panels: These panels have higher current and lower voltage. For example, the other TOPCon half-cut panels on the market with a power output of 430W have a current of 13.49A and a voltage of 31.88V.
current comparison

2. Resistance Losses:

Higher current results in greater heat loss due to resistance. Resistance loss Pres can be calculated using the formula Pres=I2×R

Assuming the resistance R is the same for both types of panels, the current in half-cut panels (13.49A) is higher than that in 1/3 cut panels (9.96A), leading to greater resistance loss.

Resistance Loss Calculation:

  • 1/3 Cut Panel:

Current I=9.96A

Resistance Loss Pres=I2×R=9.962×R=99.2R

  • Half-Cut Panel:

Current I=13.49A

Resistance Loss Pres=I2×R=13.492×R=181.98R

The resistance loss in half-cut panels is approximately 1.83 times that of 1/3 cut panels.

resistance losses comparison

3.Temperature Rise

The temperature rise is proportional to resistance loss. If other conditions are assumed to be the same, the temperature rise in half-cut panels will be 1.83 times that of 1/3 cut panels.

Due to the higher current in half-cut panels, the resistance loss is greater, resulting in a more significant temperature rise.

Assuming an ambient temperature of 30°C and an operating temperature of 60°C for 1/3 cut panels:

  • 1/3 Cut Panel:

Temperature rise =60°C−30°C=30°C

  • Half-Cut Panel:

Temperature rise =30°C×1.83=54.9°C

Operating temperature =30°C+54.9°C=84.9°C

Therefore, in a 30°C environment, the operating temperature of a half-cut panel would be approximately 84.9°C, which is 24.9°C higher than that of a 1/3 cut panel.

temperature rise

4.Power Loss

Assuming a power temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C for TOPCon solar panels:

Power Loss Percentage:

  • 1/3 Cut Panel:

Power loss percentage =−0.29%/°C×30°C=−8.7%

  • Half-Cut Panel:

Power loss percentage =−0.29%/°C×54.9°C=−15.92%

With a nominal power of 430W:

  • 1/3 Cut Panel:

Power loss =430W×(−8.7%)=−37.41W

  • Half-Cut Panel:

Power loss =430W×(−15.92%)=−68.456W

The half-cut panel loses about 31.046W more power than the 1/3 cut panel.

Percentage Power Loss Difference:

  • Percentage difference =(456W−37.41W)/430W×100%=7.22%

Due to the higher current (13.49A) in half-cut panels, which leads to a higher temperature rise (54.9°C), they experience greater power loss. According to the calculations, half-cut solar panels lose approximately 31.046W more power than 1/3 cut solar panels, which equates to an additional 7.22% power loss.

power losses comparison

5.Annual Power Generation Loss

Assuming a 10kW TOPCon photovoltaic system with an average sunlight duration of 4 hours/day, system efficiency of 85%, and 365 days/year:

The additional power loss for half-cut panels compared to 1/3 cut panels is 31.046 watts.

Annual Power Generation Loss Calculation:

Annual power generation loss =31.046W×4 hours/day×365 days×0.001 kWh/W=45.33 kWh

The annual loss of approximately 45.33 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity generation is equivalent to the energy consumed by a typical household using a microwave oven daily for an entire year.

microwave

Conclusion

In conclusion, 1/3 cut solar panels demonstrate significant advantages over half-cut solar panels in high-temperature environments. This is primarily due to their lower current, which results in reduced resistance loss and temperature rise. Conversely, half-cut panels, with their higher current, experience greater resistance loss and temperature rise, thereby increasing power losses and ultimately impacting overall electricity generation efficiency. In practical applications, especially in high-temperature conditions, opting for 1/3 cut solar panels can significantly enhance the overall electricity generation and stability of the system. Therefore, for photovoltaic systems operating in high-temperature conditions, 1/3 cut solar panels are undoubtedly the more ideal choice.

It is worth noting that Maysun Solar’s Twisun Pro is an outstanding performer among 1/3 cut panels. Twisun Pro features excellent characteristics with a low current of 10A, showcasing exceptional electricity generation performance even in high-temperature environments, while minimizing power thermal losses to the maximum extent. Additionally, the low current helps mitigate potential risks such as fire hazards due to excessive temperature rise. Choosing Twisun Pro ensures that your photovoltaic system operates efficiently and reliably under various climatic conditions. This choice not only enhances overall electricity generation efficiency but also provides longer-term reliability and safety for your energy system.

1/3 Cut Solar Panels
Twisun Pro
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