Half Cut Solar cells on boats?

[Maia]

Dear cruisers,
we need new solar panels and ask if the new type of "Half-Cut-Cell" solar panels is suitable for mobile use. On board, significantly more mechanical stress is to be expected, whether due to vibrations or in heavy seas. This should be a difference to a solid installation on a house roof.

Who has experience with the new technology on yachts and boats?

Increased probability of bad contacts or cell-inherent defects
Manufacturing half-cut solar cell modules means twice the soldered connections, which translates as twice the probability of bad contacts. Halving the solar cell also increases the probability of causing defective cells which is one of the few downsides to the technology.

Isn't it better to stay with the normal mono cells for maritime use?
Am curious about answers from the experts;-)

Fair winds
Maia

[rslifkin]

I'm on my second season with a pair of 410w panels (ordinary house panels, not marine specific). They're laid out as 144 half-cut cells. So far they've worked perfectly, no issues, concerns, etc.