Half-cut modules from Sharp

The Japanese electronics giant has unveiled three monocrystalline half-cut cell modules said to provide 2-3% better performance than standard, full cell panels. The claimed efficiency of the modules exceeds 19.5% and Sharp says power output ranges from 330-395 W.

Sharp says its new half-cut cell line offers advantages over rival, full-cell products.

Image: Sharp Corporation

Share

Japanese electronics giant Sharp Corporation has launched a new PERC monocrystalline PV module series based on half-cut cell technology.

The range features three five-busbar modules – the NU-JC330, NU-BA385 and NU-JB395 – which the company claims can offer a yield increase of up to 3% compared to full-cell rivals.

Sharp added, the smallest, 330 W, 120 half-cut cell module – which it says offers 19.5% efficiency for just 19.5 kg – is particularly suitable for commercial and industrial applications. The manufacturer said the other two, 144-cell panels – with power outputs of 385 W and 395 W – are recommended for large rooftop or ground-mounted projects. Those 23 kg products are said to have an efficiency of 19.6% and 1500 V system voltage. “With the addition of 1400mm cables that enable leapfrog wiring and [which] reduce balance of system (BOS) costs, this module is the ideal choice for major industrial projects and power plants,” said the company.

Advantages

Popular content

Sharp said the three modules – which comply with IEC61215 and IEC61730 standards – are beneficial in projects with shady conditions, and added half-cut technology helps decrease temperatures compared to standard cell technology, as well as offering longer duration and lowering the risk of hot spots. “The half-cut cells can still generate a 50% performance with the upper half of the module, even when the lower half is shaded,” the company noted.

The Japanese manufacturer in April launched three PERC monocrystalline modules with a claimed conversion efficiency of 19.1%. The conglomerate in 2018 achieved 25.09% conversion efficiency from a cell using heterojunction and back-contact technology, as certified by the Japan Electrical Safety and Environment Technology Laboratories.

This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.