Solar energy has become increasingly popular as a clean and renewable energy source in recent years. In order to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar cells, researchers and engineers have been working on developing new technologies. Among them, TOPCon solar cell technology has gained attention and made significant progress in the last decade.
TOPCon, which stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact, was first proposed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany in 2014. It is a new type of solar cell that makes use of a thin tunnel oxide layer, which serves as a passivation layer for the contacts between the solar cell layers. This technology can reduce the recombination losses at the interface between the metal contacts and the silicon layers, thus improving the efficiency of the solar cell.
Since the introduction of TOPCon, many companies and research institutions around the world have worked on developing and improving this technology. One of them is LONGi Green Energy, a renewable energy company based in China. In late 2017, LONGi began researching TOPCon technology, and by April 2021, it had achieved a conversion efficiency of 25.21% with its single crystal double-sided N-type TOPCon cells.
Another company that has made significant progress in TOPCon technology is Trina Solar, a Chinese solar panel manufacturer. In March 2022, the company announced the development of its 210 efficient i-TOPCon cells, which achieved a record-high efficiency of 25.5% as certified by the China National Institute of Metrology (CNIM).
The development and commercialization of TOPCon technology have greatly enhanced the competitiveness of solar energy in the renewable energy market. With its high efficiency and low cost, TOPCon technology has the potential to replace traditional solar cells and become the mainstream technology in the industry.
In addition to its commercial potential, TOPCon technology also contributes to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. As the world continues to shift toward renewable energy, TOPCon technology will play an increasingly important role in the transition to a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, TOPCon technology has come a long way since its introduction in 2014. With the contributions of companies and research institutions around the world, this technology has made significant progress in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It represents a promising solution for the development of solar energy and the achievement of global sustainable goals.