TOPCon technology: New solar cells for greater efficiency.

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The term TOPCon stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact and describes the specific structure of a solar cell. The novel cell architecture was presented by researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg in  , but it still took a few years until the first TOPCon modules came onto the market.    

The basic idea of &#;&#;the TOPCon concept is that the metal of the connection contacts does not come into contact with the silicon layer. This prevents charge carrier recombination, which typically causes performance losses at the rear of the cell.  

To prevent recombination, a very thin layer of silicon oxide (just a few nanometers) is applied to the surface of the solar cell. This SiO&#; layer passivates the surface, i.e. it blocks the passage of a type of charge carrier. However, the layer is so thin that the current can &#;tunnel through&#; quantum mechanically. In addition to this &#;tunnel layer&#;, another layer of highly doped silicon is inserted, which improves electrical conductivity and reduces transmission losses.

TOPCon Solar Cells: The Future Standard in the Solar Industry.

Introduction: The solar industry is witnessing a transformative phase with the emergence of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) solar cell technology. Representing a significant leap forward from Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) and High-Efficiency Passivated Emitter, Rear Totally-Diffused (PERT) solar panels, TOPCon technology holds the promise of enhanced efficiency and performance.

TOPCon Solar Cell Technology: Understanding the Basics:

What sets TOPCon apart is its striking similarity in structure to PERC/PERT solar cells, allowing manufacturers to seamlessly integrate this new technology into existing production lines with minimal adjustments.

Structure and Manufacturing of TOPCon Solar Cells:

TOPCon solar cells can be either n-type or p-type, with the n-type variation demonstrating higher efficiency and resistance to impurities. Building upon the foundation of PERC/PERT solar cells, understanding the structure of TOPCon is crucial. PERT solar cells, for instance, utilize an n-type crystalline silicon (c-Si) bulk layer coupled with a p+ emitter layer to form the p-n junction. The emitter layer is then protected by an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) passivating layer, topped with a silicon nitride (SiNx) coating for anti-reflective properties.

In the case of PERC solar cells, the absorber layer is replaced with a p-type bulk layer and an n+ emitter for the p-n junction. Phosphorous doping is applied to the lower part of the bulk region to create the back surface field, followed by a SiNx coating. Both the top and bottom of the solar cell are equipped with silver (Ag) or aluminum (Al) contacts, facilitating circuit closure during the manufacturing of the PERC/PERT solar panel.

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Figure 1 &#; PERC cell & TOPCon cell architecture (source:

Advantages of TOPCon Solar Cell Technology:

1. Enhanced Efficiency: TOPCon technology boasts increased efficiency, maximizing energy production.
2. Seamless Integration: Manufacturers can adapt existing production lines for TOPCon cells with minimal modifications.
3. Similar Structure: The familiar structure allows for an easy transition from PERC/PERT technology.
4. Resistance to Impurities: The n-type variation proves more resilient against impurities.

Comparison with Other Solar Technologies: TOPCon solar cells, with their advanced structure and manufacturing process, outshine traditional solar technologies like PERC and PERT in terms of efficiency, adaptability, and overall performance.

Advantages & Disadvantages of TOPCon Solar Cells

TOPCon solar panel

Advantages:

• Little Capital Investments for PERC/PERT Manufacturers: TOPCon technology is an upgrade of PERC/PERT solar cells with minimal differences on our production line, we can ensure the same quality standards.
• Higher Efficiency: TOPCon solar panels exhibit higher efficiency, with reported efficiencies surpassing 25% in some cases.
• Better Performance Due to Lower Temperature Coefficient: PV modules&#; performance is affected by temperature variation, hence the importance of having optimized temperature coefficients, enhancing performance in extreme weather conditions. The table below illustrates the difference between the temperature coefficients of PERC modules versus TOPCon modules.
  
• 15% Higher Bifacial Factor: PERC PV modules typically have a bifacial factor of around 70%.TOPCon solar panels can achieve an impressive bifacial factor of up to 85%, potentially increasing power gains by 2%.

Disadvantages:

• Several Challenges in the Manufacturing Process: Challenges include differing opinions on the best technique for boron deposition. Clean room conditions requirements vary, and the current selective emitter may not apply to the TOPCon front emitter.
• Higher Silver Requirement Equals Higher Price: TOPCon solar cells demand a higher amount of silver for contact printing. Reducing costs while maintaining efficiency is crucial for TOPCon to enter the market at competitive prices.

Present and Future of TOPCon Solar Cells

• Revolutionizing Solar Panel Design: TOPCon solar cell technology stands as a revolutionary upgrade to the design of PERC/PERT solar panels. Its advancements have already demonstrated remarkable efficiencies, approaching the Shockley-Queisser limit for single p-n junction solar cells and showcasing superior overall performance.

Cost Considerations:

• Initial costs for TOPCon solar cell technology may be slightly higher than those of PERC/PERT solar panels. However, industry analysts project a decline in the cost of TOPCon solar panels, eventually surpassing the affordability of current PERC solar cell technology.

Competitive Landscape:

• The solar industry is gradually embracing TOPCon solar cell technology, with notable launches already in progress, our automated production line has offered the same French quality in every solar module since day one, as customers are always in mind, is our mission to offer the best products for any solar project :
• ATLAS TOPCon Double Glass 144 cells 580W Module 10BB

• While TOPCon solar cell technology shows great promise, it faces competition from other evolving technologies. Notable contenders include
• Heterojunction (HJT): As HJT undergoes further development, it presents an intriguing potential competitor.
• Interdigitated Back-Contacted (IBC) Solar Cell Technology: Another technology on the horizon with the capability to challenge the advancements of TOPCon.

Conclusion: The journey of TOPCon solar cell technology represents a transformative phase in the solar industry. With proven efficiencies and advancements in performance, it is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of solar energy. While initial costs may present a challenge, the expected cost reduction and industry-wide adoption signal a bright future for TOPCon solar panels. As the technology matures, it will be fascinating to observe how it navigates the competitive landscape and contributes to the ongoing evolution of clean energy solutions.

Stay tuned for updates as the solar industry embraces the era of TOPCon solar cell technology, Contact us for more information about our TOPCon range of products.

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