News

Before we try to understand the technology behind TOPCon solar cells, let’s take a brief look at PERC technology–since the general scheme of a PERC and TOPCon solar cell are quite similar.

PERC solar cells feature an extra dielectric passivation layer at the back of the cell that captures more sun rays, reflecting them into the solar cell for conversion to electricity for increased efficiency. There are two types of PERC solar cells: N-type and P-type.

The primary difference between a P-type and n-type PERC cell is in the atoms their silicon wafer is doped with, which affects their number of electrons. In P-type PERC cells, the silicon layer is doped with boron, meaning there is a deficit of one electron, making the cell positively charged. On the other hand, n-type PERC cells are doped with phosphorus, meaning an extra electron, making it negatively charged. In short, N-type PERC cells are usually more efficient than P-type cells.

Now, let’s move on to TOPCon solar cells.

TOPCon solar cells use a micro-nano tunneling oxide layer and an intrinsic, carrier-selective, polysilicon layer at the back. Also, a dielectric stack and an anti-reflection layer passivate the front end. Together, these components offer   high-efficiency and cutting-edge passivation contact technology. The thin silicon layer serves as the surface passivation layer, enabling a two-way enhancement in passivation performance and electrical conductivity, which minimizes subsurface recombination.

TOPCon cells are similar to n-PERC solar cells. Hence, unlike other potential new technologies, existing PERC solar cells can be easily upgraded to TOPCon solar cells by adding a tunnel oxide passivation layer. This upgrade reduces the total cost of improving the efficiency of existing PERC lines and provides updated technological innovations.

TOPCon solar cells: the greater benefits

TOPCon is a promising solar cell technology that could replace other technologies in the industry, such as PERC/PERT and HJT, that is quickly inching toward their efficiency limit or come with significant long-term costs. Here are two vital benefits of TOPCon solar cells that could help it become mainstream in the near future.

High upper limit of efficiency

TOPCon solar cells prove to be an attractive option as businesses crave alternative solar cell technologies with low manufacturing costs, less-complicated procedures, and higher efficiency potential.

TOPCon solar cells feature N-type silicon, which offers both efficiency and stability, unlike other technologies in the solar power industry with issues like high LID and LeTID degradation. 

Several studies have found the upper limit of theoretical efficiency for TOPCon solar cells to be around 28.2 to 28.7%. This efficiency is far greater than PERC cells, which stand at 24.5%. And a  higher efficiency leads to more energy harvesting per unit area.

Adaptable manufacturing process

As stated earlier, TOPCon is much like a modified version of PERC cells. So, TOPCon solar cells can be easily manufactured by adding a few extra processes to the well-matured PERC manufacturing processes and product lines. This compatibility between the two technologies means that adopting the TOPCon technology is more accessible to those already using PERC cells.

Conclusion

TOPCon solar cells offer a combination of unparalleled efficiency, relatively low capital costs, and the capability to fit into existing module design parameters easily. While other n-type solar cell technologies like IBC and HJT exist, they demand unique cell lines and higher capital costs. Hence, TOPCon solar cells are worth considering.

Several solar module companies, including LONGi and TrinaSolar, have already updated their production lines, and more are planning to do so soon. So, the renewable energy industry can expect TOPCon to grow and become as universal as PERC technology.