What Are Half-Cut Solar Panels? A Guide on Their Cost, Benefits, and Types

Half-cut solar panels are standard-size modules built from solar cells that are sliced into two equal halves using a diamond wire saw and rewired into two parallel sections. This superior design increases the number of solar cells from 60-72 in full-cell panel designs to 120-144 in half-cut designs. As a result, two independent sections are created within each half-cut panel.

The split design of half-cut solar panels increases the performance of the module under shading for the following reasons:

Both halves of the half-cut solar panels operate independently: If one half of the panel is shaded, the other half will continue to operate at its full efficiency.
Resistive losses are reduced: In half-cut solar panels, each solar cell is divided into two smaller cells. This means the current flowing through each path is cut in half compared to a traditional full cell. Since resistive loss depends on the square of the current, reducing current by half reduces these losses by about 75%. As a result, half-cut solar panels waste less energy as heat inside the panel’s wiring. Thus, more sunlight gets converted into electricity. That’s why half-cut panels are more efficient and deliver higher energy output.

These panels are commonly manufactured using PERC or TOPCon technology. The mono half-cut solar panels with PERC technology are up to 22.5% efficient, while the TOPCon technology mono half-cut solar panels are 25-26% efficient. Both these types are widely used in India for residential and commercial rooftop systems.

Want to learn what is half-cut cell technology in solar panels and why is it beneficial? This blog explains it all. We will walk you through the meaning and working process of half-cut solar panels, explaining how they differ from full-cut panels and bifacial solar panels. Additionally, we will discuss what PERC and TOPCon mono half-cut solar panels are, as well as the cost of installing the latest technology half-cut solar panels with mono-PERC silicon solar cells in India in 2025.

TL;DR Summary Box: What Does Half-Cut Mean in Solar Panels?

Half-cut in solar panels literally means that standard solar cells are physically cut into two equal halves using diamond wire saws. This division creates smaller rectangular cells that are arranged in two independent sections within each panel.

The half-cut design doubles the cell count in a panel from 60-72 in full-cut to 120-144 in half-cut. The best part? The dimensions of the panel remain the same, but the number of solar cells within the panel becomes double.

Since both halves operate independently, the shade tolerance of the panel increases, and resistive loss decreases. Hence, half-cut solar panels perform way better than full-cut solar panels.

Here are the main topics covered in this blog in detail:

Main Topics	Key Takeaways
What is half-cut cell technology in solar panels?	It’s a technology that slices each standard cell into two, doubling the cell count in the same panel size. The two halves operate as independent circuits, which cuts electrical losses and improves shade performance.
What is a half-cut solar panel?	A half-cut solar panel is a standard-size module made with solar cells that are physically sliced into two equal halves. Splitting the cells halves the current in each path, which reduces heat losses and helps the panel run cooler.
Why is half-cut cell technology beneficial?	Halving the current reduces resistive losses by 75%. Thus, less solar energy is converted into heat, and more is converted into electricity. Independent halves also maintain higher output under partial shade.
What are the best types of half-cut solar panels for homes?	Most homes use mono half-cut panels with PERC (p-type) or TOPCon (n-type) cells. PERC offers strong value and wide availability, while TOPCon pushes efficiency even higher and performs better in low-light conditions.
What is the difference between half-cut and full-cut solar panels?	Full-cut panels use one long series of full-size cells, which makes them more sensitive to shade and heat losses. Half-cut panels double the cell count and split the panel into two halves, which lowers internal losses and improves shade tolerance.
What is the difference between half-cut and bifacial solar panels?	Half-cut describes the internal cell design, while bifacial means the panel generates from both front and back.
What are the advantages of mono half-cut solar panels with a PERC layer?	They deliver higher efficiency due to lower heat loss and increased light capture from the PERC rear surface. These panels run cooler, handle shade better, and provide more electricity over the year.
What’s the half-cut solar panel price in India in 2025?	~Rs. 90,000* in Lucknow to ~Rs. 1.40 lakh* in Bengaluru for a 2 kW solar system and ~Rs. 4.77 lakh* in Lucknow to ~Rs. 5.62 lakh* in Bengaluru for a 10 kW solar system.

*Please note: The above-mentioned solar plate price is indicative as of 25th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The final cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar panel system at home depends on your DISCOM charges, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change.

What is Half-Cut Cell Technology in Solar Panels and Why is It Beneficial?

Half-cut cell technology is the latest advancement, where full solar cells are sliced into two equal halves using a diamond wire saw. These smaller cells are then wired in a slightly different layout inside the same-sized panel.

Here are the biggest changes in the half-cut panel design from traditional full-cut panels:

The number of solar cells doubles: The size of the solar panel remains the same, but the number of solar cells goes from 60-72 to 120-144.
The panel is split into two separate circuits inside one frame: Both halves are completely independent of each other. It means that shadows or dust on one half does not reduce the output of the other half.

What is a Half-Cut Solar Panel?

A half-cut solar panel is a regular-sized module made from solar cells that are cut into two equal pieces and then wired so the panel works as two halves in parallel. Because each path carries only half the current, the panel wastes less energy as heat, runs cooler, and usually makes more electricity over a year.

Let’s now check out the technical specifications of half-cut solar panels:

Feature	Explanation
Cell count	120 or 144 cells versus 60/72 cells present in full-cut solar panels.
Cell size	Approximately 78mm x 156mm instead of the standard 156mm x 156mm.
Electrical configuration	Two independent 60/72-cell sections wired in parallel.
Current reduction	50% lower current per cell compared to full-cell designs.

Why is the Half-Cut Technology Beneficial?

The half-cut technology is extremely beneficial when installing rooftop solar panel systems for homes, where shadows from nearby objects are a major concern. Moreover, since splitting each cell into two cuts the current in each path, heat losses inside the panel are reduced. As a result, most of the solar radiation which is absorbed by the panels is turned into electricity instead of being lost as heat.

Here’s a detailed overview of why half-cut technology is beneficial when installing rooftop solar for housing societies, homes, and commercial buildings:

Higher efficiency because heat loss is minimized: Each half-cell carries about half the current. Thus, resistive losses drop by roughly 75%. Needless to say, because less of the absorbed solar energy is wasted as heat, more of it is converted into solar electricity.
Better shade and dirt tolerance: The half-cut solar panel is wired as two separate halves. If one half is shaded or dusty, the other half keeps producing electricity at its full capacity.
Lower operating temperature: Reduced internal losses mean the solar cells in half-cut solar panels remain cooler than solar cells in full-cut panels. Cooler operation helps sustain performance and slows down the panel’s degradation rate over time.

How Do Half-Cut Solar Panels Work?

A standard silicon cell is sliced into two equal half-cells using a precision diamond wire. Each half-cell behaves like the original cell but delivers about half the current. The half-cells are placed in two mirrored groups, forming the top and bottom of the panel. This doubles the cell count without changing the panel’s outer size.

Let’s check out how these half-cut solar panels work in detail:

Sunlight generates power in each half-cell: Sunlight hits each half-cell, creating electricity just like a regular cell, but each half-cell carries approximately half the current. The voltage is roughly the same.
Two mini panels are fitted inside one frame: Inside the panel, the half-cells in the top section are wired in series to build voltage. The bottom section does the same. It means you have two mini panels present in one frame in half-cut solar panels.
Series wiring builds voltage within each half: Half-cells in the top section are wired in series to add voltage. The bottom half is wired in the exact same way.
Parallel connection at the junction box adds the currents: At the junction box, the top and bottom sections are connected in parallel. It maintains the overall voltage similar to that of a standard panel. Currents from both halves add together.
Lower current per path reduces heat loss: Because each electrical path carries only half the current, significantly less heat is generated inside the cells. This trims heat losses by about 75%.
Bypass diodes keep power flowing around shade: Each section is split into smaller substrings that are protected by bypass diodes. If one substring is shaded or becomes dirty, the diode allows current to bypass it instead of affecting the output of the entire panel.
Partial shade reduces output less than in full-cell panels: Partial shade usually affects only part of the panel. Hence, the unshaded half continues to work close to normal and total output drops far less than it would with a traditional full-cell design.
To the inverter, the half-cut solar panel still appears to be a standard one: The panel produces a familiar voltage and slightly higher usable power because less energy is wasted within the panel.

What Are the Best Types of Half-Cut Solar Panels for Homes?

The best half-cut solar panels for homes, which are most commonly used in India, are made with either PERC or TOPCon technology. While both are advanced types of monocrystalline solar panels, PERC cells are made from p-type silicon, and TOPCon cells are made from n-type silicon.

Let’s check out both these types and what they mean in detail:

Mono half-cut solar panels with PERC technology: PERC stands for Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell. A thin passivation layer is added on the back of the cell. This PERC layer reflects unused light back into the silicon, reducing electron loss. This simple tweak increases the efficiency of mono-PERC half-cut cells to 22.5%, which is significantly higher than the 19-20% range of older monocrystalline panels with full-cut cells. PERC is made on p-type silicon, is widely available in India, and is usually the most cost-effective choice for homes installing rooftop on-grid solar systems.
Mono half-cut solar panels with TOPCon technology: TOPCon means Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact. It adds a very thin oxide layer alongside a polysilicon contact, allowing electrons to move easily while keeping recombination low. This design further enhances efficiency, reaching 25-26%, and performs better in low-light conditions.

Which is Better, TOPCon or Mono-PERC?

Both TOPCon and mono-PERC solar panels are strong choices for installing rooftop solar systems in India. Since mono-PERC is proven and widely available and usually costs less, it’s more widely used in residential installations. On the other hand, since TOPCon offers higher efficiency, better resistance to light-induced degradation, and steadier output in low-light conditions, it’s more recommended for commercial installations.

Here’s a head-on comparison between the two types, which also proves why the Indian solar market is shifting from the PERC technology toward TOPcon mono half-cut solar panels:

Feature	Mono-PERC Half-Cut Solar Panels	TOPCon Mono Half-Cut Solar Panels
Material used	P-type monocrystalline silicon	N-type silicon
How does it work?	It features a rear passivation layer that reflects unused light back into the cell, reducing electron recombination.	It features an ultra-thin tunnel oxide layer and a polysilicon layer on the rear side. This enhanced passivation makes TOPCon more efficient than Mono-PERC panels.
Bifacial gain	~70%	~85%
Efficiency	Up to 22.5%	25-26%
High temperature performance	Good	Exceptional
Plant degradation rate	Year 1: 2% Year 2 Onwards: 0.6%	Year 1: 1% Year 2 Onwards: 0.45%

Are Half-Cut Solar Panels Better?

Yes, half-cut solar panels perform better than traditional full-cell panels. They waste less energy as heat, handle shade more gracefully, and squeeze more power from the same amount of sunlight because they are more efficient. The difference is most noticeable on roofs where trees, rails, or chimneys cast shadows on the panels during peak sunshine hours.

With regular full-cell panels, even a small shaded patch can reduce the output of the whole panel. But half-cut solar panels limit the impact on the shaded section. Thus, the unshaded half continues to generate electricity. Over time, that means more electricity, quicker payback, and a better return on your investment over the 25-year life of the panel.

Half-cut solar panels are significantly better because of the following reasons:

Higher energy production: They can generate more electricity compared to full-cell panels as they’re more efficient.
Better ROI: Increased energy production helps you recover the initial installation cost within 3-5 years.
Superior durability: Lower current in each path means fewer hotspots and cooler cells. It helps the panels age slowly and stay closer to their rated output.
Improved performance: Half-cut solar panels yield a more consistent output across various weather and lighting conditions.

What is the Difference Between Half-Cut and Full-Cut Solar Panels?

Half-cut solar panels use the same silicon cells as full-cell panels, but each cell is sliced in half and rewired inside the module. This simple change reduces the current in each path, which in turn reduces heat losses and helps the panel run slightly cooler. Because the panel is split into two working halves, it also handles shade and dirt better than a standard full-cut panel.

Full-cut solar panels use 60-72 full-size cells, wired in one long series string. Half-cut solar panels, on the other hand, slice each cell in two, doubling the count to 120-144 smaller cells, wiring the top and bottom halves in parallel.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of the key differences between half-cut and full-cut solar panels:

Feature	Half-Cut Solar Panel	Full-Cut Solar Panel
Cell design	Each standard cell is cut into two half-cells.	Uses full, uncut cells.
Cells per module	120-144 half-cells	60-72 full cells
Internal wiring	Two independent halves, top and bottom, are connected in parallel.	One continuous series string.
Resistive losses	Reduced by 75%	High
Shade tolerance	Very strong, as the unshaded half keeps producing.	Poor
Hot spot risk	Very low because the cells remain comparatively cooler, as heat losses are low.	Very high
Operating temperature	Tends to run cooler.	Tends to run a bit warmer.
Payback and ROI	Faster and higher because more electricity is produced for the same amount of sunlight.	Lower than half-cut solar panels.

What is the Difference Between Half-Cut and Bifacial Solar Panels?

Half-cut and bifacial solar panels can’t really be compared because they are two very different things. While half-cut refers to the cell size and design within a panel, bifacial describes a panel that can generate electricity from both its front and rear sides. Most high-end panels combine these two technologies, creating most efficient solar panels, such as bifacial solar panels with mono-PERC half-cut cells.

Bifacial solar panels capture reflected light from surfaces beneath the installation, increasing energy generation. Half-cut cell technology, on the other hand, focuses on improving electrical efficiency and shade tolerance within the panel structure itself. When combined, these technologies create panels that excel in capturing direct sunlight and utilizing reflected light, while maintaining superior performance under partial shading.

What Are the Advantages of Mono Half-Cut Solar Panels With a PERC Layer?

Mono half-cut solar panels with a PERC layer combine three strengths:

They have a high base efficiency from monocrystalline cells.
They suffer from lower heat loss and better shade handling from the half-cut design.
They capture extra light from the PERC rear surface.

Let’s check out all the advantages in detail now:

Higher panel efficiency: The half-cut design reduces internal current and heat loss, resulting in increased efficiency. Simultaneously, the PERC layer reflects unused light back into the cell. Together, they convert more solar energy into electricity from the same area.
Better performance in partial shade: The panel is split into two working halves. So, a shaded patch on one side has little to no impact on the rest.
Stronger low-light output: The PERC rear surface helps the cell use softer light in the morning, evening, and on cloudy days.
Cooler operation and fewer hotspots: The lower current in each path, due to the half-cut cell design, results in less heat inside ribbons and busbars. Cooler operation reduces the likelihood of hotspots and helps the panel maintain its output over time.
Faster payback from higher yield: The extra electricity produced across seasons helps cut your bills sooner. Over time, that adds up to a quicker payback period and higher savings.

What’s the Half-Cut Solar Panel Price in India in 2025?

The cost of installing an on-grid solar system in India that uses bifacial mono-PERC solar panels with half-cut cells ranges between ~Rs. 90,000* in Lucknow to ~Rs. 1.40 lakh* in Bengaluru for a 2 kW solar system and ~Rs. 4.77 lakh* in Lucknow to ~Rs. 5.62 lakh* in Bengaluru for a 10 kW solar system.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of the cost of installing bifacial solar panels both with and without a subsidy:

Solar System Size	Solar Panel Price in India Without Subsidy (Starting Price – Indicative for Base Variant)*	Solar Panel Price in India With Subsidy (Starting Price – Indicative for Base Variant)*
2 kWp solar system	~Rs. 1.8 lakh in Lucknow to ~Rs. 2 lakh in Bengaluru	~Rs. 90,000 in Lucknow to ~Rs. 1.40 lakh in Bengaluru
3 kWp solar system	~Rs. 2.10 lakh in Lucknow to ~Rs. 2.35 lakh in Bengaluru	~Rs. 1.02 lakh in Lucknow to ~Rs. 1.57 lakh in Bengaluru
4 kWp solar system	~Rs. 2.55 lakh in Lucknow to ~Rs. 2.85 lakh in Bengaluru	~Rs. 1.47 lakh in Lucknow to ~Rs. 2.07 lakh in Bengaluru
5 kWp solar system	~Rs. 3.10 lakh in Lucknow to ~Rs. 3.70 lakh in Bengaluru	~Rs. 2.02 lakh in Lucknow to ~Rs. 2.92 lakh in Bengaluru
10 kWp solar system	~Rs. 5.80 lakh in Lucknow to ~Rs. 6.40 lakh in Bengaluru	~Rs. 4.77 lakh in Lucknow to ~Rs. 5.62 lakh in Bengaluru

Why Choose On-Grid Rooftop Solar Systems?

Installing on-grid is better than off-grid solar systems and hybrid solar systems because it’s cheaper to install, easier to maintain, and the government offers homeowners and housing societies a subsidy for it.

Let’s check out the major reasons why rooftop on-grid solar systems are better than off-grid and hybrid PV systems:

On-grid solar systems are cheaper because they do not require lithium batteries: In on-grid systems, if solar panels generate extra power that cannot be consumed, it can be sent to the grid. In off-grid and hybrid systems, excess energy is stored in lithium-ion batteries. And since lithium batteries are expensive to install and must also be replaced, off-grid and hybrid solar systems are costly.
The government offers financial assistance: If you’re a homeowner or a housing society, you can claim a subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana only for installing an on-grid rooftop solar system. You will not be eligible for this financial assistance if you install off-grid or ground-mounted solar systems.
Your bills will be reduced by 90% or more: Since solar systems can reduce your reliance on expensive grid electricity, they lower bills by 90% or more. These are not one-time benefits, as a rooftop solar system continues to generate free electricity for 25+ years. Now, would you rather pay hefty bills that increase in cost by 3-6% every year, or invest in a solar system and save all that money?

You can use SolarSquare’s free solar power estimator to get an estimate of the cost of installing an on-grid rooftop solar system in your city vs the solar savings you can receive from the same system in 25 years.

For demonstration purposes, we’ve made this table comparing the cost of installing a 5 kW solar system in India with the solar savings this system will offer in its life of 25 years:

City	5 kW Solar Panel Price in India With Subsidy (Starting Price – Indicative for Base Variant)*	Solar Savings in 25 Years*
Pune	~ Rs. 2.22 lakh	~ Rs. 33.46 lakh
Bhopal	~ Rs. 2.27 lakh	~ Rs. 20.96 lakh
Lucknow	~ Rs. 1.92 lakh	~ Rs. 14.62 lakh
Jaipur	~ Rs. 2.32 lakh	~ Rs. 19.10 lakh
Ahmedabad	~ Rs. 2.02 lakh	~ Rs. 21.82 lakh
Bengaluru/ Bangalore	~ Rs. 2.77 lakh	~ Rs. 16.22 lakh
Hyderabad	~ Rs. 2.52 lakh	~ Rs. 17.32 lakh
Delhi	~ Rs. 1.92 lakh	~ Rs. 12.94 lakh
Chennai	~ Rs. 2.42 lakh	~ Rs. 17.02 lakh

*Please note: The 5 kW solar panel price in India with subsidy mentioned above is indicative as of 25th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The actual solar plate price depends on your DISCOM charges, city, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, when calculating savings, we have considered an annual tariff escalation of 3% and an annual degradation of 1%. The actual final savings from a 5 kW solar system depends on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

Conclusion

Half-cut solar panels offer a higher efficiency and a better shade tolerance than regular full-cell solar panels. This translates to a quicker payback period and higher returns on investment over the system’s 25-year life. When paired with modern cell technologies like PERC or TOPCon, half-cut solar panels deliver exceptional performance even in low-light conditions.

If you’re planning to install rooftop solar at your home and can’t decide which cell technology is best based on your requirements, book a free solar consultation call with SolarSquare.

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FAQs

Q1. Which companies sell mono half-cut solar panels in India?

Ans. The most reputable solar panel manufacturers that produce mono half-cut solar panels in India are ReNew Solar, Premier Energies, and Rayzon.

Q2. How do half-cut solar cells improve panel performance?

Ans. Half-cut solar cells improve panel performance by cutting the current in each path in half, which slashes heat losses by about 75% and keeps the module cooler. They also split the panel into two parallel halves with more bypass sections. Hence, shade or dirt on one half does not affect the other half of the panel. The result is higher efficiency and more energy in real-world conditions.

Q3. What is the efficiency of a half-cut solar panel?

Ans. The efficiency depends on the cell technology used. For instance, half-cut solar panels made with mono-PERC technology have an efficiency of up to 22.5%, while those made with TOPCon technology have an efficiency of 25-26%.

Q4. Are there any disadvantages to using half-cut solar panels?

Ans. Initially, their higher upfront cost was a limitation. However, with time, the cost of half-cut solar panels has reduced. Furthermore, the government now offers a subsidy on half-cut modules, which was not offered previously. Overall, there are no drawbacks to half-cut solar panels as they’ve become cost-effective over time.