Photovoltaic module technology competition: PERC, TOPCon, HJT, BC and perovskite cell comparison

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Photovoltaic Module technology competition: PERC, TOPCon, HJT, BC and perovskite cell comparison

In the field of photovoltaics, cell technology has always been the decisive factor in component performance, which is not only related to the photoelectric conversion efficiency, but also directly determines the manufacturing cost. At present, with the continuous deepening of scientific research, the five major mainstream technologies of PERC cells, TOPCon cells, HJT cells, BC cells and perovskite cells are becoming increasingly important. Each cell technology has its own distinctive characteristics and potential market value.

1.PERC cell

PERC cell is a high-efficiency product among P-type cells. Its production process is simpler than other types of cells, so it performs well in cost control. It mainly adopts BSF and PERC technology routes.

Conversion efficiency: PERC cells have currently achieved a mass production conversion efficiency of 23.5%, close to the theoretical limit of 24.5%.

The core technology of this cell lies in the manufacture of passivation film, which is achieved through thin film deposition process. The key equipment includes PECVD and ALD equipment. In this field, listed companies such as Maxsun and JEC play an important role.

2.TOPCon Cells

TOPCon cells, namely tunnel oxide passivation contact cells, achieve the purpose of back passivation by depositing ultra-thin silicon oxide layers and polysilicon films on the back of N-type silicon wafers in sequence, thereby improving the open circuit voltage and overall conversion efficiency of the cell.

Conversion efficiency: The mass production conversion efficiency of TOPCon cells has exceeded 24%, and the upper limit of its theoretical conversion efficiency is as high as 28.7%.

At present, the industry is actively exploring a number of new technologies to improve its performance, including LP dual insertion, laser SE processing, laser-assisted sintering, and optimization of polysilicon layers and secondary grid thinning technology. Looking to the future, the integration of advanced technologies such as 0BB, double-sided poly, TBC and perovskite stacking is expected to push the efficiency of TOPCon cells to new heights. According to statistics, TOPCon's share in the Photovoltaic Cell market has increased year by year, and it is expected that by 2030, the market share ofN-type photovoltaic cells will reach about 56%.

3.HJT/HIT Cells

HIT cells were first developed by Japan's Sanyo Company in 1990. They have attracted widespread attention for their high efficiency and unique structure. However, since "HIT" was later registered as a trademark, the industry more often calls them HJT or SHJ cells. HJT cells, or heterojunction cells, are based on the use of amorphous silicon deposition technology to form a heterojunction passivation layer on N-type silicon wafers. This design significantly improves the open circuit voltage and conversion efficiency of the cell.

Conversion efficiency: At present, the mass production conversion efficiency of HJT cells has reached 24.53%, and the highest conversion efficiency in the laboratory environment has reached an astonishing 29.52%.

Its advantages include high open circuit voltage, low power attenuation, stable output power at low temperature coefficient, structural symmetry that supports thin-film and bifacial power generation, and relatively simple process flow. It is particularly worth mentioning that the thin film deposition process used by HJT cells provides great potential for its integration with IBC cells and perovskite cells. Nevertheless, its high equipment and material costs and technical barriers that cannot be achieved by upgrading existing equipment are still challenges faced in its commercialization process.

4.BC cell

BC cell is not a specific cell product, but a general and efficient technology platform. It can be integrated with multiple technologies such as PREC, TOPCon and HJT to significantly improve the overall efficiency of photovoltaic cells. For example, TBC cell is formed by combining TOPCon technology, or HBC cell is produced by combining HJT technology.

Conversion efficiency: At present, the theoretical conversion efficiency of BC cell has reached 29.1%, showing its great potential in improving the performance of photovoltaic systems.

Market observers believe that BC cell are likely to gradually replace TOPCON cell in the next five to six years and become the dominant technology in the field of crystalline silicon cell. Nevertheless, the design and manufacturing process of BC cell is extremely challenging, requiring companies to have extremely high technical strength to achieve commercial production. The latest ranking of global component efficiency shows that products using BC cell technology have significant advantages in efficiency, such as ABC White Hole of Aixun Co., Ltd. and HI-MO 6 of Longi Green Energy.

5.Perovskite Cells

Perovskite cells are the main development direction of the next generation of photovoltaic cells. As a representative of the third generation of thin-film cells, it uses perovskite structural materials as the light absorption layer and includes two main types: single junction and stacked. This type of cell has the advantages of high energy conversion efficiency, low cost, light weight and flexibility. Currently, perovskite cells are still in the early stages of industrialization.

Conversion efficiency: The theoretical conversion efficiency has reached 26.1%, and the theoretical efficiency of all-perovskite stacked cells is as high as 44%.

The efficiency of the crystalline silicon-perovskite stacked cell independently developed by LONGi Green Energy has reached 33.9%, which is the highest efficiency record of such cells worldwide.

Each cell has its own advantages and suitable uses. Choose the right cell according to your situation to help your business develop better and faster.