TOPCon Technology Overview: The Core of Next-Generation High-Efficiency Solar Cells
TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is an N-type silicon-based solar cell technology that significantly reduces carrier recombination, improves conversion efficiency and long-term stability by introducing an ultra-thin oxide layer and a doped polysilicon layer on the back of the cell. Compared with traditional PERC technology, TOPCon leads in key indicators such as efficiency, attenuation rate, and bifaciality.
High Efficiency: The laboratory efficiency has exceeded 26%, the mass production efficiency has reached more than 25%, and the future target is 28%.
Low attenuation: The attenuation rate in the first year is less than 1%, and the total attenuation rate in 30 years is only about 10%, which is significantly better than PERC.
High Bifaciality: The bifaciality is as high as 85%, and the power generation gain is significant in scenes such as deserts and agricultural photovoltaic complementarity.
Six Market Advantages of TOPCon: Why is it the first choice for users?
(1) High efficiency and high power output
TOPCon modules are generally more than 30W higher than PERC modules, with a single-watt power generation gain of 3-8%, significantly reducing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
(2) Excellent low-light performance
TOPCon's power generation advantage is particularly evident under low-irradiation conditions such as early morning, dusk or cloudy days. For example, data from a power station in Qinghai shows that its single-watt power generation is 7% higher than that of XBC technology.
(3) Low temperature coefficient
The performance loss is smaller in high-temperature environments, making it suitable for high-temperature areas such as the Middle East and deserts, and improving power generation stability.
(4) Wide-ranging adaptability
From large ground power stations to distributed rooftops, TOPCon performs well under extreme conditions such as offshore photovoltaics and high salt fog environments.
(5) Outstanding economic performance
The price gap between TOPCon and PERC has narrowed to 0.02 yuan/W in 2024, but its full life cycle revenue is 10%-15% higher than PERC.
(6) Supply chain maturity
The compatibility of equipment and PERC production lines reaches 70%, and the cost of enterprise expansion is low, which promotes the rapid popularization of technology.
Market status and data insights: TOPCon's global dominance
(1) Explosive market share
In 2024, TOPCon's global market share will reach 70%-80%, and it is expected to rise to 75% in 2028.
In China's distributed photovoltaic market, 70% of new projects choose TOPCon modules.
(2) Regional market dynamics
China: Driven by policies, n-type modules will account for more than 70% in 2024, and TOPCon will account for 60%.
Europe and the United States: The EU's "Net Zero Industrial Act" and the US "Inflation Reduction Act" accelerate the transition to clean energy, and TOPCon has become the mainstream choice due to its high cost-effectiveness.
Japan: Starting from 2025, new residential buildings will be required to install solar panels, and the demand for high-efficiency TOPCon products will surge.
Technology future: Integration of efficiency improvement and stacking technology
(1) Efficiency breakthrough path
Double-sided passivation: Optimize the front passivation layer, reduce cutting loss, and target mass production efficiency of 27%-28%.
Material innovation: Develop ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers (<50nm) and new carrier contact materials to improve long-wavelength light absorption.
(2) Stacking technology potential
TOPCon as the bottom cell combined with perovskite can form a stacking cell with an efficiency of over 30%, which is expected to be commercialized within 5 years.
Challenges and industry outlook: How to continue to lead the photovoltaic revolution?
(1) Industry competition and involution
It is necessary to limit the expansion of low-end production capacity, strengthen intellectual property protection, and promote differentiated innovation.
(2) Application scenario expansion
Explore urban scenarios (such as building-integrated BIPV) and increase load-side penetration.
(3) Global layout
Leading companies (such as JinkoSolar, Trina Solar, and Trina Solar) accelerate overseas capacity construction to respond to localized supply chain policies in Europe and the United States.
Why choose TOPCon? User value and investment return analysis
According to data from the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, the comprehensive customer value of TOPCon in bifacial scenarios is 0.06-0.15 yuan/W higher than that of XBC, and it performs better in 90% of low-irradiation areas810. Taking a 100MW power station as an example, the use of TOPCon can increase annual revenue by 3-5 million yuan and shorten the investment payback period by 1-2 years.
Conclusion
TOPCon technology has become the absolute mainstream of the photovoltaic industry in the next five years due to its efficiency, reliability and economy. With breakthroughs in stacking technology and material innovation, its life cycle may be extended to more than ten years. For end users, choosing TOPCon is not only a technology upgrade, but also a guarantee of long-term benefits.
References:
Data from authoritative institutions such as the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, InfoLink, and Fraunhofer ISE.
Technical white papers and empirical cases of global leading companies (Jinko, Trina Solar, Trina Solar，Luan Solar)
