Photovoltaic (PV) is a clean energy source that is capable of powering a vehicle’s electrical energy requirement whilst providing zero operating emissions. This paper focuses on the effect of partial shading in solar roof of hybrid electric vehicle in changing output power with different scenario of shading. A simulation model has been developed in Matlab / Simulink to investigate the performance of the solar panels under shading conditions. An analyse study based on I-V and P-V measurements values has been done to deduce the advantage of the half-cell solar panel compared to full cell under partial shading. It has been demonstrated that half-cell solar panel can reduce the power losses more than a full cell solar panel. Our study suggests that half-cell module design could minimise the shading effect for hybrid electric vehicle.