TOPCon cells are a type of PV crystalline silicon cells. In recent years, due to its obvious advantages such as high conversion efficiency, low attenuation performance, and high cost-effectiveness in mass production, it has been gradually adopted by companies in the industry. Namkoo solar panels with latest N-type Topcon are also popular among consumers.
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What is N-type TOPCon solar cell?
The theoretical limit efficiency of TOPCon solar panels is as high as 28.7%, which is the technology closest to the theoretical limit efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells (29.43%), much higher than PERC (24.5%), and has great R&D potential.
is the year when TOPCon technology explodes, and the market share is expected to exceed 25%.
Solar Cell Technology Market Share Estimates
From a time perspective, TOPCon battery technology was first proposed by Germany's Fraunhofer Solar Energy Research Institute in as a new type of passivated contact solar cell.
From a structural point of view, TOPCon is a tunnel oxide passivated contact (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cell technology based on the principle of selective carriers. Its cell structure is an N-type silicon substrate cell, and a layer is prepared on the back of the cell. A layer of ultra-thin silicon oxide is deposited, and then a thin layer of doped silicon is deposited. The two together form a passivating contact structure, which effectively reduces surface recombination and metal contact recombination.
Comparison of PERC and N-Type Topcon
TOPCon battery technology
Compared with the single crystal PERC process, the TOPCon cell production process requires 2 to 3 more steps, which are the deposition of tunnel oxide layer (ultra-thin SiO2, 1~2nm) and the deposition of intrinsic polysilicon passivation layer (60~100nm). , phosphorus injection.
The main processes and functions of TOPCon
1. Cleaning and texturing
&#; Purpose
After the silicon wafer is cut, its edges are damaged, the silicon lattice structure is destroyed, and the surface is seriously compounded. The main purpose of cleaning and texturing is to remove surface damage and form a surface pyramid light-trapping structure. The light irradiates the surface of the silicon wafer through multiple refractions, achieving To reduce reflectivity.
2. Boron diffusion process
&#; Purpose
The main function is to prepare PN junction. Since boron has low solid solubility in silicon, it requires high temperature and longer time for diffusion. At the same time, the choice of diffusion source will also have an impact on the production process. Chloride is highly corrosive and bromide is highly viscous, making the cleaning process cumbersome and increasing operation and maintenance costs.
Boron diffusion is usually accomplished at higher temperatures - in excess of °C - and has a cycle time of 150 minutes compared to the 102 minutes required for phosphorus diffusion.
N-Type TOPCON Process Production
&#; Principle
The gaseous HCl and H2O generated by the reaction in the furnace tube will be evenly distributed in the furnace tube under the carry of N2. H2O will also react with BBr3 and O2 to generate B2O3, which will react to generate gaseous HBO2. HBO2 will also decompose at high temperatures to generate B2O3. It can achieve uniform distribution of B2O3 on the surface of solar cells;
On the other hand, H2O will also react with B2O3 deposited in the furnace tube, thus avoiding the deposition of B2O3 on the wall of the diffusion furnace tube, extending the service life of the quartz device, and increasing the effective boron source;
HCl can also react with metal impurities on the surface of solar cells and in the furnace tube to generate gaseous metal chlorides, which are discharged with the exhaust gas, which can prevent metal impurities from diffusing into the interior of the solar cells during high temperature processes.
3. SE laser doping process
&#; Purpose
To form a selective emitter, high-concentration doping is mainly performed at and near the contact area between the metal gate line and the silicon wafer to reduce the contact resistance between the front metal electrode and the silicon wafer; while low-concentration doping in areas other than the electrode can reduce Composite of diffusion layer. By optimizing the emitter, the output current and voltage of the solar cell are increased, thereby increasing the photoelectric conversion efficiency.
&#; The laser process in the TOPCon process
PERC SE is phosphorus-doped, while TOPCon SE is boron-doped. Due to the different separation coefficients of boron and phosphorus, phosphorus is easier to diffuse from silicon dioxide to silicon, while boron is easier to diffuse from silicon to silicon dioxide, requiring a larger Only a certain amount of energy can be used to promote doping, and excessive laser energy can easily cause damage to the silicon wafer, so it is more difficult to dope boron into silicon.
Compared with traditional boron diffusion, TOPCon battery superimposed SE technology can theoretically achieve an efficiency increase of 0.5%, and in actual mass production, it can achieve an efficiency increase of 0.2~0.4%.
4. Etching process
&#; Purpose
The main function of etching is to remove the BSG and back junction. The diffusion process will form a diffusion layer on the surface and periphery of the silicon wafer. The peripheral diffusion layer can easily form a short circuit. The surface diffusion layer affects subsequent passivation and therefore needs to be removed. At present, etching mainly uses wet methods. The back and peripheral diffusion layers are first removed in chain equipment, and then the front is processed.
5. Preparation of tunnel oxide layer and polysilicon layer
&#; Purpose
A 1-2nm tunnel oxide layer is deposited on the back, followed by a 60-100nm polysilicon layer to form a passivation structure. There are many ways to prepare the TOPCon passivation layer, which are mainly divided into LPCVD, PECVD, PVD routes, etc. At present, LPCVD is the main method, but the plating is serious, and the comprehensive performance of PECVD has strong potential.
6. Preparation of back anti-reflection film
&#; Purpose
Preparing an anti-reflective passivation film layer on the back of the battery increases the absorption of light. At the same time, the hydrogen atoms generated during the formation of the SiNx film have a passivating effect on the silicon wafer.
7. Aluminum oxide coating on the front
&#; Purpose
An aluminum oxide film layer is deposited on the front side of the silicon wafer, which together with other film layers forms a front-side passivation effect.
8. Preparation of front anti-reflection film
&#; Purpose
The front anti-reflective film has basically the same effect as the back. In addition, the aluminum oxide film deposited on the front is very thin and is easily damaged in the subsequent production of battery components. The front SiNx also has a protective effect on the alumina.
9. Silk screen printing-laser transfer printing
At present, in the battery printing process, most still use screen printing.
In the future, laser pattern transfer printing technology (Pattern Transfer Printing) may have more advantages in the silver paste consumption direction of N-type batteries.
Laser transfer printing is a new type of non-contact printing technology. This technology coats the required slurry on a specific flexible light-transmitting material, and uses high-power laser beam high-speed pattern scanning to transfer the slurry from the flexible light-transmitting material. Transfer it to the battery surface to form grid lines and prepare front and rear electrodes.
10. Sintering
Good ohmic contact is formed through high temperature sintering.
11. Automatic sorting
Classify battery cells with different conversion efficiencies.
TOPCon solar cell advantages
The reason why TOPCon solar cell can be adopted by a large number of enterprises is that its advantages are obvious, as follows:
1. High conversion efficiency
TOPCon is currently the solar manufacturer with the highest mass production efficiency, with an efficiency as high as 25.2%. The current mainstream PERC is 23.2%, and TOPCon is 2 percentage points higher.
It is expected that by the second half of , TOPCon can reach 26.8%, PERC's efficiency will be around 23.5%, and the efficiency difference can reach 3.3 percentage points.
Solar Panel Comparison
2. Low attenuation rate
The N-type battery silicon wafer substrate is doped with phosphorus, and there is no loss of electron capture due to the formation of a boron-oxygen pair in the recombination center, and there is almost no light-induced attenuation.
The degradation rate of TOPCon modules in the first year is about 1% (PERC is about 2%), and the average annual degradation rate after the first year is about 0.4% (PERC is about 0.45%).
3. Low temperature coefficient
On the component side, the power temperature coefficient of PERC components is -0.34%/&#;, while the power temperature coefficient of TOPCon components is as low as -0.30%/&#;, making the power generation of TOPCon components particularly outstanding in high-temperature environments.
4. High double-sided ratio
The double-sided rate of TOPCon can reach 80%+, and the PERC is about 70%.
Due to the vast territory of large base projects, the ground reflectivity is high (usually up to 30%). In large base projects, the power generation gain of using N-type modules with high bifacial ratio is more obvious.
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Harnessing solar energy has become a vital component of our quest for sustainable power sources. As the solar industry continues to evolve, different technologies have emerged to make the most of our abundant sunlight. Three of the most prominent contenders in the solar cell arena are Topcon, HJT (Heterojunction Technology), and PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) solar cells. Each of these technologies offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, making it crucial for consumers and industry professionals alike to understand the differences between them.
We&#;ll delve into the world of solar cells and explore the nuances that set Topcon, HJT, and PERC solar cells apart, helping you make informed decisions.
Comparison Between PERC Solar Cells and TOPCon Solar Cells Technology
When comparing PERC and TOPCon solar cell technologies, it&#;s worth noting that visually, they appear quite similar once installed wi
thin a module. However, there are key distinctions between them. TOPCon cells are crafted from n-doped silicon, which is a more complex material to work with during manufacturing. Nonetheless, this material enables TOPCon cells to attain higher levels of efficiency.
Another notable contrast lies in the meticulous passivation process applied to TOPCon cells. While it presents technical challenges, this process delivers significant benefits. Specifically, the application of a polycrystalline silicon layer to the cell&#;s rear side demands substantial technical expertise. However, it enables the solar cell to withstand higher voltages, ultimately leading to a notable increase in overall efficiency.
Comparing HJT Solar Cell and TOPCon Solar Cell Technologies
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HJT panels excel in efficiency and bifaciality, but their manufacturing is complex and costly, and they&#;re susceptible to humidity.
In contrast, TOPCon panels offer a simpler, cost-effective manufacturing process with reduced sensitivity to humidity, but they trade off some efficiency and bifacial performance when compared to HJT panels.
Topcon Solar Panel
TOPCon, &#;Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact,&#; represents an innovative leap in solar cell technology. This cutting-edge technology is making waves in the renewable energy industry due to its unique structure and remarkable efficiency gains. In a TOPCon solar cell, a delicate tunnel oxide layer is strategically placed between two crucial components: a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer and a p-doped crystalline silicon layer.
The TCO layer serves as the front contact of the solar cell, allowing sunlight to pass through and interact with the underlying layers. Meanwhile, the p-doped crystalline silicon layer functions as the absorber layer, absorbing the solar radiation and converting it into electrical energy. However, what truly sets TOPCon apart is the tunnel oxide layer&#;s role as a passivation layer.
This passivation layer plays a pivotal role in preventing the undesirable recombination of charge carriers at the solar cell&#;s surface. By mitigating this recombination, TOPCon solar panels achieve a higher level of efficiency, maximizing their ability to capture energy from the sun per unit of surface area.
Advantages of TOPCon Solar Panels
No need for expensive machinery, making large-scale production easier.
Up to 28% efficiency, surpassing PERC cells for more power generation.
Longer lifespan with minimal power degradation over time.
Maintains efficiency even in hot climates.
Generates electricity from both sides.
Efficient even in low-light conditions.
Disadvantages of TOPCon Solar PV Module Technology
Additional materials and complexity can increase production expenses.
Challenging to scale production to meet high demand.
Elevated energy consumption, emissions, and potential cell damage.
Prone to efficiency reduction or failure due to material impurities.
Uses of Topcon Solar Panels
These panels excel in utility-scale solar power plants, maximizing electricity production within limited space thanks to their high efficiency.
TOPCon panels prove valuable in agricultural settings, powering water pumps, irrigation systems, and crop drying processes, offering off-grid energy solutions to remote regions.
Leveraging their capabilities, TOPCon solar panels drive electric vehicle charging stations, promoting clean and sustainable transportation options.
Perc Solar Panels
In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) solar panels within the solar industry due to their ability to enhance solar power efficiency. These panels utilize PERC solar cells, an upgraded iteration of traditional solar cells. With their innovative design, they can produce 6 to 12 % more energy compared to their conventional counterparts.
The acronym PERC stands for Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell. The distinctive feature of a PERC solar cell is the presence of a passivation layer on its rear side, which plays a pivotal role in reducing recombination losses and boosting light absorption. Essentially, the rear-side passivation layer acts as a light reflector, preventing sunlight that passes through the silicon cell from escaping without absorption. This reflective capability provides the solar cell with a second opportunity to absorb the light, resulting in a significant enhancement in overall efficiency.
Advantages of PERC Solar Panels
PERC panels boast higher efficiency, leading to a potential 5% increase in energy production for an entire (PV) stands for Photovoltaic system.
PERC panels excel in low-light and high-temperature conditions, delivering approximately 3% higher efficiency.
Thanks to their increased efficiency, PERC panels can achieve the same power output as traditional panels using fewer units, reducing the installation space required.
Fewer PERC panels can achieve equivalent output, resulting in reduced BOS costs, labor expenses, and soft costs like inverters and disconnects.
Disadvantages of PERC Solar Panels
PERC solar panels generally come at a higher price point compared to traditional panels.
PERC panels are slightly more susceptible to shading issues than traditional solar panels.
As a relatively new technology, there may be some uncertainty regarding the long-term durability and performance of PERC solar panels.
Uses of Perc Solar Panels
Mono PERC solar panels find application in commercial structures like office buildings, shopping centers, and warehouses, helping cut electricity expenses and lower carbon footprint.
Mono PERC solar panels are deployed in utility-scale solar power plants, contributing to the generation of electricity on a grand scale.
HJT
Heterojunction (HJT) solar cell technology has emerged as a promising and relatively recent innovation in the field of solar cells, gaining significant traction in recent years due to its enhanced efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity.
Heterojunction solar panels are a specific type of photovoltaic panel characterized by a tri-layered structure, integrating two distinct technologies: crystalline silicon and amorphous &#;thin-film&#; silicon, synergistically optimizing electricity production.
HJT cells are composed of three key materials: Crystalline Silicon (c-Si), Amorphous Silicon (a-Si), and Indium Tin Oxide (ITO).
The initial layer, consisting of amorphous silicon, intercepts sunlight even before it reaches the crystalline layer, as well as any light that bounces off the underlying layers. The middle layer is composed of monocrystalline silicon, primarily responsible for converting the majority of sunlight into electricity. Finally, there is another amorphous thin-film silicon layer situated behind the crystalline silicon layer, capturing any remaining photons that have managed to penetrate the first two layers.
Through the harmonious combination of these two distinct technologies, heterojunction solar panels can harness more energy than either technology could achieve individually. These panels can achieve impressive efficiencies exceeding 25%, making them an increasingly attractive option for solar energy generation.
Advantages of HJT Solar Panels
HJT panels boast exceptional efficiency, reaching up to 30% for bifacial modules.
They perform well in high-temperature environments due to a favorable temperature coefficient.
HJT cells exhibit a high bifaciality factor of 92%, ideal for utility-scale projects.
HJT modules require only 5-7 manufacturing steps, reducing production costs.
Disadvantages of HJT Solar Panels
HJT panels are pricier due to complex manufacturing and costly materials.
Their thin, intricate design makes them susceptible to damage.
HJT panels are moisture-sensitive, affecting efficiency and durability.
Specialized equipment and expertise are needed for manufacturing.
Production is smaller, potentially increasing costs and limiting availability.
Installation and maintenance experience may be limited due to their recent introduction.
Uses of HJT Solar Cell
HJT solar panels seamlessly blend into building facades, roofs, and windows, adding both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency to structures.
In space-limited scenarios like portable solar chargers, off-grid cabins, and small boats, HJT solar panels excel due to their compact size and impressive efficiency.
HJT panels find a valuable role in large-scale solar power plants, particularly in regions with abundant solar irradiance, enhancing overall efficiency for these expansive energy projects.
Parting Thoughts
The world of solar cell technology is rapidly evolving, with TOPCon, HJT, and PERC solar cells emerging as prominent contenders. Each technology brings its own set of advantages and disadvantages to the table, catering to diverse applications and preferences.
When choosing among these technologies, it&#;s essential to consider factors such as cost, efficiency, environmental conditions, and specific application requirements. Ultimately, the decision depends on your goals and the unique circumstances of your solar energy project.
To continue advancing in the solar industry, it is crucial for Novergy to stay informed about cutting-edge technologies. This knowledge is essential to unlock the full potential of solar power for a sustainable future.
Our experienced team is ready to assist you in finding the best solar solution through services such as site evaluation, feasibility studies, and installation.
Contact us at for more information.
FAQ&#;s
Q- What is the full form of PERC?
Answer- Full form of PERC is &#;Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell.&#; It refers to a type of solar cell technology designed to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) cells.
Q- What is the meaning of PV
Answer- PV stands for &#;Photovoltaic,&#; a technology that converts sunlight into electricity.
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