Comparison of Half-Cell and Full-Cell Module Hotspot-Induced Temperature by Simulation

The impact of partial shading on cell operating current, voltage, and temperature is simulated, for a half-cell module with series-parallel-series connections and for the conventional full-cell module. When shaded, we find the half-cell modules comprising two parallel 60-half-cell strings benefit from a reduced heat dissipation compared to a 60-full-cell series connected design. The maximum hotspot cell temperature of the shaded half-cell module is 28 °C lower than that of the full-cell module. Our result suggests that half-cell module design could mitigate hotspot degradation or failure in crystalline-silicon photovoltaic modules.