The cost of photovoltaic (PV) power generation is approximately equal to the cost of PV power plants, with the key component being the solar cell or module, which determines the efficiency and cost of electricity generation. To reduce costs and increase efficiency, a focal point is improving the solar cell technology through continuous research and development.
Upgrading solar cells can generally be divided into two main directions: increasing light absorption and maximizing the conversion of light energy into electricity. Solar cells are classified based on the substrate material and can be categorized as P-type cells and N-type cells. P-type cells use P-type silicon wafers as the substrate, while N-type cells use N-type silicon wafers. P-type silicon wafer production processes are simpler and less expensive, while N-type silicon wafer-based cells generally have longer lifetimes and higher efficiency, but are more complex to manufacture. This is primarily due to the difficulty of distributing phosphorus (used in N-type cells) within the silicon substrate, as it has relatively poor solubility compared to boron (used in P-type cells), which can be more easily dispersed uniformly, resulting in lower costs. Therefore, the mainstream products in the PV industry are currently P-type silicon wafer-based cells.
P-type cells: Typical P-type cells include BSF cells, PERC cells, and PERC+ cells.
N-type cells: While PERC cells currently dominate the market, N-type cells offer higher photoelectric conversion efficiency. Despite the technological challenges, companies are accelerating their research and development efforts to reduce costs and increase efficiency. N-type cells include IBC cells, HJT cells, HBC cells, and TOPcon cells. Among these, TOPcon and HJT are the main technological routes and have already started mass production, while IBC and HBC are still in the experimental and verification stages, regarded as “future technologies.”
In summary, technological iterations drive continuous advancements, allowing products to become more cost-effective. However, manufacturers also face various risks. The market gradually poses different demands on manufacturers, such as thinner and larger solar cells, higher efficiency, and longer lifespan. This eventually leads to the elimination of outdated production capacity, leaving behind the most competitive players in the PV industry.
Post time: Jul-26-2023