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Technical progress of photovoltaic modules: from PERC to TOPCon

Recently, the “Photovoltaic Technology Report” released by S&P Global, a well-known international market research institution, pointed out that the photovoltaic industry is in a period of rapid transformation to n-type technology. It is expected that in 2024, this transformation will enter a critical stage. Among the many n-type photovoltaic technology routes, TOPCon technology stands out for its high efficiency, high cost performance and compatibility with existing PERC production lines, and has become the mainstream of the industry. The report predicts that TOPCon’s market share will climb to 70% by 2026.

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Currently, competition in the photovoltaic industry is intensifying, which has also promoted rapid innovation and iteration of technology. The S&P Global Report noted that component prices and production costs have fallen significantly since 2010, falling by more than 87% and 90% respectively by 2023. Under fierce competition, the photovoltaic industry is paying more and more attention to more advanced and efficient n-type products. Compared with traditional p-type technology, n-type technology has many advantages in terms of efficiency and reliability, including low attenuation, low temperature coefficient, high bifacial ratio, and excellent low-irradiation performance. These advantages not only significantly increase power generation, but also effectively reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), bringing higher returns to investors.

Low cost and high return TOPCon becomes the best choice

Among the many n-type technology routes, TOPCon technology is favored by the industry for its unique advantages. The S&P Global Report points out that the core principle of TOPCon technology is to prepare an ultra-thin layer of silicon oxide on the back of the battery, and then deposit a doped silicon film layer. The two together form a passivation contact structure, effectively reducing the surface recombination of the silicon wafer. Combined with metal contacts to improve the efficiency of solar cells. Compared with XBC technology, TOPCon has achieved a significant iteration of passivation technology. The progress of mainstream battery technology in the past was also based on the continuous improvement of passivation technology.

The report also mentioned that TOPCon has obvious advantages in terms of equipment cost and production line compatibility. Both TOPCon and PERC are high-temperature processes that can retain the existing p-type battery equipment processes to the greatest extent. This allows TOPCon technology to achieve technological upgrades and significantly reduce production costs without the need for major modifications to the existing PERC production lines.

S&P Global also pointed out that as p-type battery manufacturers gradually upgrade their production lines to n-type TOPCon technology, TOPCon will occupy an increasing market share in the next few years. It is expected that from 2024, TOPCon will become the most widely used technology route in the photovoltaic industry, and its global market share will reach 70% by 2026.

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Leading companies deploy TOPCon to accelerate market penetration

TOPCon’s high efficiency and low cost make it one of the most cost-effective technology routes in the photovoltaic industry. Judging from the production capacity plans released by relevant companies, TOPCon cells are also a key technology for production expansion. Many of the world’s leading photovoltaic module manufacturers, including Jinko, JA Solar, Trina and Tongwei, have increased their investment in TOPCon. According to S&P Global’s predictions, TOPCon will continue to occupy the mainstream position in the photovoltaic industry before 2030.

In addition to excellent performance and cost-effectiveness, TOPCon technology also demonstrates strong sustainable growth. The next-generation photovoltaic technology that breaks through the limits of crystalline silicon cells is stacked cells, which has become an industry consensus. Compared with XBC, TOPCon is more suitable as the bottom battery of stacked batteries and is more cost-effective. Therefore, TOPCon technology has strong underlying vitality. In the future, through the application of passivated contact cell technology and stacked cell technology, TOPCon cell efficiency will achieve higher breakthroughs and continue to lead the development of the photovoltaic industry.

The above is the current technology and market trends of PERC solar panel and TOPCon solar panel. Welcome to exchange your ideas and insights. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

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