Solar Panel Half Cell Discussion
Half Cell or Half Panels are ramping up production and I wanted to know how they work and are they suitable for a RV. I'm not an expert but this is what I found. Lots of sites have the basic half cell...
Forum Discussion
TechWriter wrote:CA Traveler wrote:
My take is that half cell series panels (with the new MPPT controller) are more likely to be a disadvantage for the typical RV due to the unique shade and shade orientation required for more shade power vs the full cell panels.
This has not been my experience with half cells (aka half panels, half cuts, . . .).
I finished my 4th RV solar install about a year ago, and had several months to test them, both in shaded storage and on the road.
My three REC N-peak 2 365W 120 half-cut cell PV panels have been performing far better than any other panel and setup I've used, especially in the shade.
However, to be fair I think much of that improvement has to do with my Victron equipment, especially my Victron MPPT controller.
naw, it's not the Victron, it's the panels and the fact it's an MPPT controller. I get the same type of effect with my renogy and 325watt split cell panel when comparing it to my 5th wheel. I have a 480-watt PWM 12V panel setup on the 5th and the 325-watt split cell MPPT puts out more charge amps.
Steve
