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What Is The Difference Between TOPCon and PERC Solar Panels?

October 10,2024

Are you in a dilemma of selecting between the TOPCon solar panels and the PERC technologies to run your solar energy system? With so many choices at hand, it's really confusing to make a selection of just the right solar panels.

This article will help point out the key differences between TOPCon and PERC solar panels. We are going to break down the points that make each type stand out, how they perform, and which one can be more valuable for your needs.

Whether you're upgrading from an existing system or just starting out, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.


TOPCon panels


Understanding TOPCon Solar Panels

The Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact, also known as TOPCon, represents a new generation in the field of designing solar panels. It is a complex layer structure, comprising a tunnel oxide and a passivated contact on the back side of the solar cell.

This structure minimizes electron recombination, hence increasing the efficiency of the cell. By reducing energy loss and improving light absorption, TOPCon panels can achieve higher performance compared to older technologies.

TOPCon panels offer higher efficiency and durability. While being more costly to produce, these efficiency and longevity features provide more energy and long-term reliability. Therefore, they often find their application in high-efficiency areas where maximum power output is crucial.

Key Features:

· Efficiencies as high as 2-3% more than the conventional panels

· Reduced electron recombination

· Advanced manufacturing process

· Improved light absorption

· Durable and reliable performance

· Suitable for high efficiency applications

· Often used commercially or in large-scale installations


Understanding PERC Solar Panels

PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology improves traditional solar cells by adding a passivation layer to the rear side. This reduces electron recombination and reflects the light which is unabsorbed by the cell, hence improving efficiency as a whole. PERC panels become popularly chosen because they balance cost with performance.

PERC technology seriously outperforms earlier solar panel designs by merely balancing reliability and respectable efficiency.

That makes such panels very suitable for a variety of applications from residential to commercial installations, where cost-effectiveness and dependability of energy production are of utmost importance.

Key Features:

· Efficiency gain of 1-2% compared to the conventional cells

· The passivation layer reduces electron recombination.

· Reflects light back into the cell

· Cost-effective manufacturing

· Reliable performance

· Suitable for residential and commercial purposes

· Good balance between cost and efficiency


The Difference Between TOPCon and PERC Solar Panels

Here are the main differences between TOPCon and PERC solar panels:

1. Efficiency

TOPCon panels are more efficient, generally 2-3% higher in performance than PERC panels. In other words, they can generate more energy with the same amount of sunlight.

On the other hand, PERC panels have a more conservative estimate of efficiency improvement over their conventional counterpart at about 1-2%. Not quite as efficient as TOPCon, those PERC panels offer a significant boost in performance.

2. Temperature Coefficient

Generally, TOPCon panels have a better temperature coefficient than PERC panels. That means that at high temperatures, TOPCon panels can operate with much better efficiency, minimizing or reducing the loss of power typical of most hot weather conditions.

The temperature coefficiency for PERC is slightly higher, enabling larger efficiency losses in very hot climates. That means PERC panels cannot perform as well as TOPCon panels in extremely high temperatures.

3. Light Absorption

Advanced rear contact designs in the TOPCon panel can improve light absorption. Due to better absorption, the amount of sunlight captured could be increased, which again is translated into more energy produced.

PERC panels also increase light absorption, but not as much as TOPCon. Their passivated back sheet reflects some of the light back into the cell without the effectiveness in capturing and converting sunlight into electricity as high as with TOPCon panels.

4. Cost

The general production of TOPCon panels, involving advanced technologies and manufacturing processes, usually tends to be more costly. However, their higher efficiency can make them cost-effective in the long run.

With PERC panels being cheaper to produce, the fabrication cost can be tolerated for many applications. The lower production cost helps to improve the initial investment balance with performance benefits.

5. Application Suitability

The TOPCon panels are ideal for high-efficiency applications where each bit of energy output is to be maximized. They find their application in most commercial and large-sized installations where performance may justify the higher costs.

PERC panels can be quite versatile, finding their wide field of applications in general use for residential and commercial purposes. Cost-effectiveness and reliable performance make them a popular choice in varied solar projects.

How to Choose the Right Solar Panel to Suit Your Needs

Here’s how different users should choose the right solar panel to suit their needs:

 

Residential Users: If you are looking to install solar panels at home and the cost factor is high in your considerations, then PERC panels likely make the most sense. They will give decent performance at a much lesser cost, so they are economical for residential users. On the other hand, in case you live in an area with lots of cloudy weather or very hot temperatures, TOPCon might offer better long-term value because they generate more energy and perform better under harsh conditions.

 

Commercial or Industrial User: Large scale installations require high performance and efficiency, and for this, TOPCon stands better. Their higher efficiency and better durability justify the higher cost when energy output needs to be maximized in limited space or challenging climatic conditions.

 

For Users in Extreme Climates: If you are living in a region with extremely high temperatures or frequent cloud cover, TOPCon panels are just the way to go. In such conditions, performance surpasses that of PERC panels and will ensure that you get your money's worth from your solar investment.

 

Conclusion

Choosing between TOPCon and PERC solar panels depends on your specific needs and budget. While Topcon solar panels with advanced performance are proving to be better in applications that require high efficiency, PERC is an economical deal with good performance improvements.

Looking for high-quality TOPCon solar panels products? Luan Solar is here to help you. Our products are designed for great performance and reliability. To check out the full range and see how we can meet your needs, visit us.

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