TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) and PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) are two distinct types of solar cell technologies. While both are designed to enhance the efficiency of solar panels, they utilize different methods to achieve this goal.
- Basic Principle:
- TOPCon: TOPCon solar cells utilize a thin tunnel oxide layer to achieve low recombination losses, thereby improving the cell’s efficiency.
- PERC: PERC solar cells have a passivated rear surface, which reduces recombination at the rear side of the cell, leading to improved efficiency.
- Efficiency:
- TOPCon: TOPCon solar cells have demonstrated higher efficiency compared to traditional PERC cells. They can achieve conversion efficiencies above 25%.
- PERC: PERC solar cells have improved efficiencies compared to standard cells, typically in the range of 20% to 23%.
- Manufacturing Complexity:
- TOPCon: Manufacturing TOPCon cells can be relatively more complex due to the intricate process involved in creating the tunnel oxide layer, which requires precise control during fabrication.
- PERC: While PERC technology involves additional manufacturing steps compared to conventional cells, it is relatively simpler to implement compared to TOPCon technology.
- Light Induced Degradation (LID) Resistance:
- TOPCon: TOPCon cells are known for their high resistance to light-induced degradation, ensuring that their performance remains stable over time.
- PERC: PERC cells also exhibit improved LID resistance compared to conventional cells, contributing to their long-term reliability and performance stability.
- Cost and Market Penetration:
- TOPCon: TOPCon technology is considered a high-end solution, typically associated with higher manufacturing costs. As a result, it may not have the same level of market penetration as PERC cells.
- PERC: PERC technology has seen widespread adoption in the solar industry, with many manufacturers incorporating it into their product lines due to its relatively lower manufacturing costs and improved efficiency compared to standard cells.
Both TOPCon and PERC technologies represent significant advancements in solar cell efficiency and have contributed to the increased adoption of solar energy. However, their different manufacturing complexities, costs, and efficiency levels can influence their respective applications in various segments of the solar market.
