Sharp Unveils 440W Half-Cell Solar Module

A new solar module product has been rolled out by Sharp Electronics that promises 440 W power output, and uses 144 half-cut cells with 19.9% power conversion efficiency on M6 silicon wafer size. It calls the new series NU-JD440, which is targeted for both large scale as well as rooftop solar installations.
This half-cut monocrystalline solar module uses 9-busbar technology with round wires, which, as the Japanese company states, increases power production from each cell. It also helps lower the chances of the cell developing microcracks thereby making the module more reliable. The panel size is defined as 2,108 x 1,048 x 40 mm. Sharp is offering 25 years linear power output guarantee for its product and 15 years of product guarantee for installations within the European Union and some select countries.
Like all of its half-cut module offerings, NU-JD440 also has 3 small junction boxes instead of 1, with each having 1 bypass diode. This feature ensures the cells don’t get overheated.
“We are pleased to expand our range of cells with a module with a higher power of 440 W. NU-JD440 reduces the average energy costs in various applications,” said Jens Meyer, Product Engineering Manager at Sharp Energy Solutions Europe. “Thanks to our regularly updated product portfolio, our team based in Germany and services offered in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, our customers can always count on the best quality products and services.”
The NU-JD440 solar panels carry IEC61215 and IEC61730 certifications.  Higher power efficiency per module enabled lowering of system costs per installed peak power of the installation, the company stated.
The  module datasheet can be viewed on Sharp’s website.
This product launch follows Sharp’s January 2020 announcement of its new portfolio of half-cell modules from the NU product family when it released 3 new monocrystalline PERC silicon solar PV modules with 330 W, 385 W and 395 W.