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.

January 13, 2020 Emiliano Bellini

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

Image: Sharp Corporation

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

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.

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