As several solar cell and module manufacturers are working on various technologies and starting trial production of the N-type TOPCon process, cells with an efficiency of 24% are just around the corner, and JinkoSolar has already begun to produce products with an efficiency of 25% or higher. In fact, it is already gaining momentum in this area.
Last Friday, JinkoSolar released its quarterly report, announcing the latest achievements of its N-type TOPCon battery. The company successfully produces batteries at its factories in Jianshan and Hefei with an average efficiency of up to 25% and a throughput comparable to the PRRC process. So far, JinkoSolar has become the first module manufacturer with 10 GW N-TOPCon production capacity with 25% efficiency at cell scale. Based on these elements, the TOPCon Tiger Neo N-type module, containing 144 half-section elements, has a rated power of up to 590 W and a maximum efficiency of 22.84%. In addition, the Tiger Neo with these batteries built in has many additional benefits. For example, a two-sided ratio of 75-85% means a 30% increase in performance on the back of the panel compared to PERC and other technologies. A temperature coefficient of -0.29%, an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and a maximum ambient temperature of 60°C mean the Tiger Neo is ideal for installations around the world.
Unlike the semiconductor industry, Moore’s Law doesn’t seem to be slowing down, even as technology and process complexity increase at every level. According to the roadmap announced by several PV manufacturers, almost all Tier 1 manufacturers are currently planning to move to N-type, especially the TOPCon process, which has comparable performance to HJT but is more affordable and more reliable in quality. After 2022, the roadmap is very clear. During this period, the major solar PV manufacturers will switch to N-type and adopt TOPCon technology, because HJT has several technical and economic obstacles, may be too expensive, or may be stagnant because few companies can afford it. The production cost of HJT can be much higher than that of TOPCon. On the contrary, N-TOPCon panels can satisfy almost all market segments requiring the highest level of performance at very competitive prices.
In terms of efficiency, the latest JinkoSolar Tiger Neo panels will be top notch. Based on 25% efficiency TOPCon cell, the 144-cell panels offer an industry-leading 22.84% efficiency and deliver one of the world’s most powerful panels for C&I and utility use rated maximum at 590-watt with size alike, meaning your panel makes more electricity per square foot than with any other commercially available solar.
The N-type TOPCon technology also allows Tiger Neo panels to perform effectively even in low light, high temperature and cloudy conditions. The lowest degradation rates in the solar industry (1% in the first year, 0.4% per year for 29 years) allow for a 30-year warranty.
So how does the industry continue to scale? The question is clear, given the huge cost of HJT or other hybrid technologies, why develop TOPCon when it already perfectly combines top performance and economy?
Post time: Dec-03-2022