Introduction
2023 has been a landmark year in the solar energy industry, particularly for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) technology.
This year has seen remarkable innovations and applications of TOPCon, mainly spearheaded by Chinese developers. With a surge in both research and commercial use, TOPCon technology has set a new standard in the solar industry.
What is TOPCon?
TOPCon stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact. It’s a technology used in solar cells that enhances their efficiency.
This technology involves adding a thin oxide layer between the silicon substrate and the passivated contact of a solar cell. This layer reduces recombination losses (where electrons and holes recombine without generating electricity) and increases the overall efficiency of the cell.
How Does TOPCon Work?
The core idea of TOPCon is to minimize energy loss during the conversion of sunlight to electricity.
The oxide layer acts as a tunneling barrier, allowing only the charge carriers that contribute to electricity generation to pass through. This selective transmission significantly reduces energy loss, increasing the cell’s ability to generate more power from the same amount of sunlight.
The Role of TOPCon in Solar Industry Evolution
1. Efficiency Enhancement
One of the most critical contributions of TOPCon is its ability to enhance the efficiency of solar cells.
By reducing recombination losses, TOPCon cells can convert a higher percentage of sunlight into electrical energy, making solar power generation more effective and cost-efficient.
2. Setting New Industry Standards
The adoption of TOPCon technology has pushed the boundaries of solar cell efficiency. With records being set and broken within short intervals, TOPCon has raised the bar for what’s achievable in solar energy conversion, fostering a competitive environment that drives further innovation.
3. Impact on Global Solar Markets
TOPCon technology has not only revolutionized the technical aspects of solar cells but has also significantly impacted the global solar market.
With increasing efficiency, solar power becomes more attractive economically, encouraging broader adoption and investment in solar energy infrastructure worldwide.
China’s Leading Role in TOPCon Advancements
Chinese companies have been at the forefront of TOPCon innovation.
In early 2023, the Changzhou-based manufacturer Seraphim launched a 182mm TOPCon cell with a conversion efficiency of 22.5%.
Shortly after, Zhongli Talesun Solar developed an 18mm cell with a record-breaking efficiency of 26.7%.
In June 2023, at Intersolar Europe in Germany, Sunova unveiled another TOPCon module, albeit with a slightly lower efficiency of 22.9% compared to Zhongli Talesun Solar. However, these modules were already commercialized, presenting a more direct impact on the global solar industry compared to those still in R&D.
Following these developments, Tongwei launched the G12R product series in November, achieving a conversion efficiency of 23.1%, thus setting a new benchmark for commercial-scale efficiency.
Trina Solar produced the first batch of 210mm n-type TOPCon modules in January 2023, followed by the launch of new rooftop PV TOPCon cells. By the third quarter of 2023, the company shipped over 45GW of modules, a 31.2% increase in revenue compared to 2022, setting new records in module sales and financial performance.
From February to November 2023, manufacturers like Suntech Power, DMEGC, and GCL Integrated announced or launched new TOPCon manufacturing plants, cumulatively adding up to 35GW in annual capacity.
These milestones demonstrate the rapid advancement of TOPCon technology in China, setting the tone for the industry’s progress throughout the year.
Global Manufacturing Initiatives and Expansion
The commitment to TOPCon is not just confined to China. Globally, the solar energy industry has been keen on significantly increasing TOPCon capacity. Many solar developers across the world have launched new TOPCon factories in 2023.
For instance, in the United States, where the solar industry seeks to match China’s prowess and reduce dependence on Chinese imports, Silfab Solar announced plans in September 2023 to build a 1GW TOPCon production plant in South Carolina. Heliene, a Canadian company, also invested in increasing TOPCon development at its Minnesota facility.
In February 2023, Iberdrola announced plans for a 0.5GW production plant in Spain, and the German start-up 1Komma5° planned a 5GW TOPCon mega-factory, illustrating TOPCon’s appeal even to new market entrants.
Market Impact and Sales Milestones
Investments in TOPCon capacity have translated into a surge in component sales. This is especially evident in China, where TOPCon components have become an integral part of product portfolios for manufacturers and developers.
By the third quarter of 2023, companies like JinkoSolar reported that nearly two-thirds of their sold components were TOPCon. Such rapid adoption from emerging technology to a staple in product lines is a testament to the technology’s viability and market demand.
Later in 2023, similar component sales agreements were reached in other parts of the world. For example, Artes signed a 7GW TOPCon supply agreement with Electricité de France (EDF) in the United States, and an Indian manufacturer reached an agreement with Acciona Energia for projects in Texas, Illinois, and Ohio. These deals highlight the international appeal and market penetration of TOPCon technology
The Future Beyond 2023: Challenges and Prospects
As we designate 2023 as the year of TOPCon, there are concerns about shifts to newer technologies and supply chains in 2024.
Legal challenges, such as the investigation by Maxeon into alleged patent infringements in the United States, cast a shadow of uncertainty over the technology.
Despite these challenges, industry experts like Martin Green and Radovan Kopecek predict that while TOPCon will continue to dominate the n-type battery market for the next few years, it will eventually pave the way for more advanced technologies like IBC batteries.
Conclusion
The success of TOPCon in 2023 and its uncertain future trajectory is not unique in the rapidly evolving solar energy industry.
As developers and researchers strive for accelerated innovation to meet urgent climate goals, TOPCon stands as a significant milestone. It represents not just a technological achievement but also a stepping stone towards more advanced solar energy solutions.
SolarCtrl, as one of China’s leading pioneers in the solar energy sector, stands at the forefront, integrating the most advanced solar cell technologies, including TOPCon, in its solar panels. This commitment to innovation and excellence positions SolarCtrl as a key player in shaping a sustainable future.
To explore cutting-edge solar solutions and join the movement towards cleaner energy, connect with SolarCtrl today.
