Starting from 2025, the concept of "multi-split cells" has regained widespread popularity in the photovoltaic industry. At this year’s SNEC Exhibition, major module manufacturers unveiled new designs including three-split and four-split cell configurations. It appears that module producers are no longer satisfied with half-cut cells and have begun in-depth research on how many times a single solar cell wafer can be divided. This article elaborates on what multi-split modules are, why they have gained industry attention, and their strengths as well as limitations in terms of shade resistance.
Definition of Multi-Split Cells
The term "multi-split cell" generally refers to cutting a complete solar cell wafer into multiple smaller cell units, which are then encapsulated in series or parallel connections. Common configurations are as follows:
- Half-cut cell: A full wafer split into 2 equal pieces (mainstream technology)
- Three-split cell: A full wafer divided into 3 segments
- General multi-split cell: Wafers cut into more smaller units, such as four-split, five-split and six-split cells
Shingled modules can also be regarded as a special type of multi-split cell application.
Note: The figures show typical circuit schematics only, not the actual product designs of individual manufacturers.
Core Purposes of Multi-Split Design
The core objective of multi-split cell design is to reduce operating current of individual cell units and optimize the internal circuit connection scheme of modules, so as to cut power loss and improve the power generation performance of modules under complex operating conditions.
Its main advantages are as follows:
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Reduced operating current
After solar cells are cut into smaller segments, the operating current of each split cell unit decreases correspondingly.
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Lower resistive power loss
The resistive power loss inside a PV module is proportional to the square of current, following the formula Ploss=I2R
Therefore, when the operating current drops, resistive power loss on ribbons and all internal conductive paths of the module will decline accordingly.
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Improved module output power
Thanks to the reduction of internal resistive loss, the output power of modules under standard test conditions (STC) can generally be increased to a certain extent.
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Mitigated hot spot risk
A lower operating current helps reduce heat generation risk under partial shading, thus alleviating the hot spot issue.
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Higher shading tolerance
With rational circuit design, the adverse impact caused by partial shading can be confined to a small area, allowing unshaded segments to maintain power generation continuously.
