| Advantages | Disadvantages | Technology maturity | Cost effectiveness | Market demand | |
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Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell |
PERC cells are the most mainstream technology on the market, with high industrialization efficiency and low production costs. It improves the light absorption and electron collection efficiency on the back of the cell by introducing a silicon oxide film on the back of the cell. | The theoretical efficiency limit of PERC cells is relatively low (24.5%), and there is a problem of light-induced degradation, which is particularly evident in multicrystalline PERC cells. | PERC technology is already very mature, but with the upgrade and iteration from p-type to n-type technology, PERC technology is facing a shrinking market share. | PERC batteries have cost advantages, and their costs are close to those of conventional batteries. However, due to limited room for efficiency improvement, they may face the risk of asset impairment and elimination in the future. | PERC cells were once the main shipment force in the market, but with the iteration of technology, they are gradually being replaced by new N-type cell technologies, such as TOPCon. |
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Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact |
TOPCon technology introduces a tunnel oxide layer on the back of the cell to enhance the electron collection efficiency on the back, resulting in higher open circuit voltage and fill factor, as well as lower recombination current. The theoretical efficiency is as high as 28.7%, and it is compatible with existing crystalline silicon cell production lines. | The manufacturing process of TOPCon batteries is relatively complex, which increases the number of steps. In addition, the current technical routes are not unified, resulting in a yield disadvantage. | TOPCon technology is developing rapidly, and many companies are actively planning it. It is expected to become the mainstream technology in the market in the next few years. | The cost of TOPCon cells is relatively high, but market acceptance is increasing due to their efficiency advantages, and costs are expected to fall further with capacity expansion and process optimization. | TOPCon batteries are rapidly taking over the market due to their high conversion efficiency and good high-temperature performance, and their market share is expected to further increase to 70% in 2024. |
|
Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer |
HJT technology has a symmetrical bifacial cell structure, high efficiency and low light attenuation characteristics. The mass production efficiency is generally above 24%, and is expected to be further increased to above 30%. It has no LID and PID problems, low temperature coefficient, high bifaciality and good weak light effect. | HJT batteries require high equipment investment and high silver paste costs, but as the process matures and becomes localized, costs are expected to continue to decline. | HJT technology has a high theoretical efficiency limit, but its industrialization process is still accelerating and it has not yet become a market leader. | HJT batteries require high equipment investment and high silver paste costs, but costs are expected to fall as technology advances and become localized. | HJT cells have a promising future in the photovoltaic market due to their advantages such as high efficiency and low temperature coefficient, but their current market share is relatively small. |
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Interdigitated Back Contact |
IBC technology eliminates the absorption and blocking of light by the front electrode by designing all electrode contacts on the back of the battery, thus improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the battery. It has higher battery efficiency and better aesthetic design. | The process of IBC battery is more complicated, more difficult and more expensive, so it is difficult to mass produce in the short term. However, it has potential in superposition process, such as combining with HJT to form HBC battery, which can further improve efficiency. | IBC technology is a type of N-type battery with high efficiency potential, but it is currently difficult to mass produce and requires further technological breakthroughs and cost reductions. | The process complexity of IBC batteries leads to their high cost, but in the long run, they have potential in superposition process and may be combined with technologies such as HJT to form more efficient batteries. | IBC batteries are often used in high-end markets due to their high efficiency and aesthetics, but there are not many companies currently investing in them, mainly because the process is complex and the cost is high. |
Each technology has its unique application scenarios and significant advantages. The choice of technology route profoundly affects the degree of satisfaction of market demand, cost-effectiveness considerations, and technology maturity considerations. In the current photovoltaic field, although PERC cells still occupy a large market share due to their past advantages, with the rapid changes in technology, they are gradually being replaced by emerging N-type cell technology, marking a new iteration of photovoltaic technology. Among them, TOPCon batteries are seizing the market at an unprecedented speed by virtue of their dual advantages in efficiency and cost, showing strong competitiveness. Although HJT and IBC batteries have impressive efficiency potential, their market share is still limited due to current technological maturity and cost factors, and they urgently need to expand their influence through further technological breakthroughs and cost control.
As technological innovation continues to deepen and market demand continues to grow, we have reason to believe that TOPCon cells will gradually establish their status as the mainstream technology route in the photovoltaic market in the next few years by virtue of their comprehensive advantages. At the same time, we should also pay close attention to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as HJT and IBC. They may bring more surprises and changes to the photovoltaic industry under the dual drive of technological maturity and cost optimization.
