This technology has gained prominence in the solar industry for maximizing sunlight absorption and minimizing energy loss, leading to high efficiency. The panels are utilized in various applications such as utility-scale solar farms, agriculture, and electric vehicle charging stations offering effective energy solutions. Let’s explore a detailed guide to TOPCon solar panels and compare them to other types.
TOPCon Solar Panel Efficiency
This technology, abbreviated for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact, is a subtype of N-type solar cells that aims to achieve better efficiencies than regular PERC cells. Recent developments have resulted in TOPCon solar cell efficiency ranging from 24 to 28%, surpassing traditional solar cells.
This is accomplished by reducing electron recombination at the surface with passivated contacts that commonly use silicon dioxide to reduce energy losses. It also has rear-side contacts to improve light absorption and energy yield, making it unique in the N-type cell category.
TOPCon Technology Solar Cell
Utilizing phosphorus doping instead of boron enhances efficiency and avoids degradation caused by oxygen. The manufacturing process involves intricately designed components:
1. Light-absorbing Front: The standard phosphorus-diffused emitter on the front side of the cell absorbs sunlight, generating an electric current.
2. Tunnel Oxide Layer: A thin layer of silicon dioxide, known as the tunnel oxide layer is applied above the emitter and efficiently transports electrons while reflecting harmful UV rays.
3. Transparent Conductive Layer: Following the tunnel oxide layer is the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer, typically made of indium tin oxide. This layer conducts and transports electrons while allowing sunlight to pass through.
4. Rear Side Protection: Passivation of the rear side reflects any unused sunlight onto the front side, reducing electrical losses.
5. Back Surface Field: Finally, a highly doped back surface field beneath the rear passivation layer establishes negative polarity and directs electron flow across the external load.
As a result, sunlight passes through the top emitter side, where photon energy is transformed into electricity. Electrons are transported through the tunnel oxide layer before being caught by the rear electrodes to power external loads, resulting in high conversion efficiencies with low energy losses.
TOPCon Bifacial Solar Panel
It outperforms PERC PV modules by having a bifacial factor of up to 85%. Its capacity to receive more energy from the rear makes it ideal for ground-mount utility applications. Moreover, it has a higher power increase in bifacial modules than PERC modules, making it an attractive option for the growing bifacial solar market.
Cross-reference: Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact Solar Cells
TOPCon Solar Panel Price
The double glass TOPCon 430W and 570W panels are priced at $97.2 to $101 per piece. Additionally, N-Type TOPCon bifacial panels range from Rs. 20,000 to 40,000. Pricing is influenced by a variety of elements, including material costs, manufacturing expenses, design and R&D, production efficiency, management, operating costs, and governance compliance.
Note: Prices vary based on model and specifications.
Difference between Mono PERC, HJT & TOPCon Solar
HJT panels provide maximum efficiency and bi-faciality, but they are complex, costly, and humidity-sensitive. On the other hand, TOPCon solar panels are simpler and less humidity sensitive but have lower efficiency and bi-faciality. Mono PERC panels are easier to manufacture, however they have lesser efficiency than HJT.
Let us look at more differentiating factors:
Cell Type | Formation | Efficiency | Cost | High-Temperature Performance |
Mono PERC | Similar to mono-crystalline cells, featuring an additional rear passivation layer | Outperforms conventional mono-crystalline cells | Slightly pricier, justified by enhanced efficiency | Superior heat tolerance |
TOPCon | Utilizes tunnel oxide layer for rear-side contact passivation | Generally achieves higher | Manufacturing costs can be higher | Excellent |
HJT | Integrates amorphous silicon layers with crystalline silicon, forming heterojunctions | Often higher efficiency | Initially costlier, potential reduction over time | Generally excels |
If you are planning to buy Mono PERC, HJT, or TOPCon solar panels, check out this blog for perfect options from top brands’ most powerful highest watt solar panels.
P-type PERC Vs N-type TOPCon
When considering the choice between both cell types, there are differences worth noting in terms of efficiency, durability, and performance. Let’s explore TOPCon solar cells vs PERC solar cells in major aspects:
Aspect | P-type PERC | N-type TOPCon |
Efficiency | ~23% commercial cell efficiency | ~25% commercial cell efficiency |
Degradation | 2~3% 1st Year Degradation,0.5~0.55% yearly degradation | ≤1% 1st year degradation, ≤0.4% yearly degradation |
Low-light performance | Good | Better |
Temperature coefficient | -0.35%/K | -0.31%/K |
Bifaciality factor | ~70% | ~80% |
Note: Aspects vary based on manufacturing and environmental factors.
Ultimately, TOPCon solar panels offer reduced degradation, improved temperature sensitivity, and increased bifaciality. However, they come with higher production costs and complex manufacturing processes. Despite these challenges, they compete with PERC and HJT in terms of efficiency and performance. To explore more such informative topics, keep reading our blog posts.
Recommended: Top 20 Solar Panel Manufacturers in the World