Introduction
Solar cell technology is advancing rapidly, with innovative designs continually improving efficiency, lifetime, and application potential.
Ocean Solar found that among the latest advances, tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon), heterojunction (HJT), and back contact (BC) technologies represent cutting-edge solutions, each with unique advantages and specialized applications.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of the three technologies, assessing their unique characteristics and identifying the best application direction for each technology based on performance, cost, durability, and overall functionality.
1. Understanding TOPCon Technology
1.1 What is TOPCon?
TOPCon stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivation Contact, which is a technology based on advanced silicon passivation technology. Its characteristic is the combination of a thin oxide layer and a polycrystalline silicon layer to minimize electron recombination loss and improve the efficiency of solar cells.
In 2022, Ocean Solar launched the N-topcon series products and received positive feedback in various markets. The best-selling products in 2024 are MONO 590W, MONO 630W, and MONO 730W.
1.2 Advantages of TOPCon Technology
High Efficiency: TOPCon solar cells have very high efficiency levels, often exceeding 23%. This is due to their reduced recombination rate and enhanced passivation quality.
Improved Temperature Coefficient: These cells perform well at high temperatures, making them ideal for installation in warm climates.
Longer Service Life: The durability of the passivation layer reduces performance degradation, thereby extending service life.
Cost-Effective Production: TOPCon uses existing production lines with only minor modifications, making it more economical for mass production.
Ocean Solar launches dual glass N-topcon series to better utilize the high performance of N-topcon cells, with a maximum efficiency exceeding 24%
1.3 Limitations of TOPCon
While TOPCon cells are generally efficient and cost-effective, they still face challenges such as slightly higher material costs and potential efficiency bottlenecks at very high efficiencies.
2. Exploring HJT Technology
2.1 What is Heterojunction (HJT) Technology?
HJT combines a crystalline silicon wafer with amorphous silicon layers on either side to form a high-quality passivation layer that significantly reduces electron recombination. This hybrid structure improves the overall efficiency and temperature stability of the cell.
2.2 Advantages of HJT Technology
Ultra-high efficiency: HJT cells have an efficiency of up to 25% under laboratory conditions, and many commercial modules have an efficiency of over 24%.
Excellent temperature coefficient: HJT cells are designed with excellent temperature stability, making them suitable for high-temperature areas.
Enhanced bifaciality: HJT cells are bifacial in nature, allowing them to capture sunlight on both sides, thereby increasing energy yield, especially in reflective environments.
Low decay rate: HJT modules have minimal light-induced degradation (LID) and potential-induced degradation (PID), which ensures a long service life.
2.3 Limitations of HJT
The main challenge facing HJT technology is that the production process is complex, requiring specialized equipment and materials, and is costly.
3. Understanding Back Contact (BC) Technology
3.1 What is Back Contact Technology?
Back Contact (BC) solar cells eliminate the metal grid lines on the front of the cell by moving them to the back. This design improves light absorption and efficiency because there is no light blocking on the front.
3.2 Advantages of BC Technology
Improved Aesthetics: With no visible grid lines, BC modules offer a smooth, uniform appearance, which is useful for applications where visual appeal is critical.
High Efficiency and Power Density: BC cells offer high power density and are often suitable for space-constrained applications such as residential rooftops.
Reduced Shading Losses: Since all contacts are on the back, shading losses are minimized, increasing the light absorption and overall efficiency of the cell.
3.3 Limitations of BC
BC solar cells are more expensive due to the more complex manufacturing process, and bifacial performance may be slightly lower than HJT.
4. Comparative Analysis of TOPCon, HJT, and BC Solar Technologies
|
Technology |
Efficiency |
Temperature Coefficient |
Bifacial Capability |
Degradation Rate |
Production Cost |
Aesthetic Appeal |
Ideal Applications |
| TOPCon | High | Good | Moderate | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Utility, Commercial Rooftops |
| HJT | Very High | Excellent | High | Very Low | High | Good | Utility, High-yield Applications |
| BC | High | Moderate | Moderate | Low | High | Excellent | Residential, Aesthetic-Driven Applications |
Ocean solar mainly launches the N-Topcon series of products, which are currently the most popular among the public in the market. They are the most popular products in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, as well as in the European market.
5. Recommended Applications for Each Technology
5.1 TOPCon Applications
Given its balance of efficiency, temperature tolerance, and production cost, TOPCon solar technology is well-suited for:
- Utility-Scale Solar Farms: Its high efficiency and durability make it suitable for large installations, particularly in warm climates.
- Commercial Rooftop Installations: With moderate costs and longevity, TOPCon is ideal for businesses looking to lower their energy bills while maximizing rooftop space.
5.2 HJT Applications
HJT technology’s high efficiency and bifaciality offer distinct advantages for:
- High-Yield Installations: Utility-scale projects in areas with significant solar radiation can benefit from HJT’s high energy yield.
- Bifacial Applications: Installations where reflective surfaces (e.g., deserts or snow-covered areas) enhance bifacial gains.
- Cold and Hot Climate Adaptability: HJT’s stable performance across temperatures makes it versatile in both cold and hot climates.
5.3 BC Applications
With its aesthetic appeal and high power density, BC technology is best suited for:
- Residential Rooftops: Where space constraints and visual appeal are important, BC modules offer an attractive, efficient solution.
- Architectural Projects: Their uniform appearance is preferred in architectural applications where aesthetics play a key role.
- Small-Scale Applications: Back Contact panels are ideal for smaller applications where high efficiency in limited space is necessary.
Conclusion
Each of these advanced solar cell technologies—TOPCon, HJT, and Back Contact—offers unique benefits that cater to various applications. For utility-scale projects and commercial rooftops, TOPCon provides an optimal balance of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. HJT, with its high efficiency and bifacial capabilities, is suitable for high-yield installations in diverse environments. Meanwhile, Back Contact technology is ideal for residential and aesthetic-focused projects, providing an attractive, space-efficient solution.
Ocean solar is your reliable supplier of solar panels, committed to providing all customers with the highest quality solar panel products, with product quality as the top priority and a 30-year extended warranty.
And constantly launching new products to meet the needs of various customers and markets, the currently widely concerned product - flexible lightweight solar panels, has been fully put into production.
The hot selling high-voltage series and N-topcon series products will also receive a wave of promotions at the end of the season. We hope that those interested can actively follow our updates.
Post time: Nov-07-2024