TOPCon Solar Cells: The New PV Module Technology in the Solar ...

Solar cell technology used to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules is constantly evolving as new, more advanced and more efficient technologies are developed. Tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell technology is a new development with the potential to replace passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) and high-efficiency passivated emitter, rear totally-diffused (PERT) solar panels.

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TOPCon solar cells represent an upgraded and more efficient technology compared to PERC/PERT solar cells, featuring a highly similar structure.

In this article, we will explain important details on this technology, going from the basics, structure and manufacturing, comparison against other popular technologies in the solar industry, advantages and disadvantages, and more.

TOPCon solar cell technology: Understanding the basics

TOPCon solar cell technology is one of the latest trends in the solar industry, developed as an upgraded and more advanced version of the PERC/PERT technology. One of the main advantages of TOPCon solar cells is that the structure is only slightly different from PERC/PERT solar cells, meaning that manufacturers can use practically the same production line with a few improvements to produce TOPCon solar cells.

TOPCon solar cell technology was first introduced as a concept in by the Fraunhofer ISE German PV research institute. The project designed to develop this technology took place from to , but it was not until that companies like Trina Solar scaled it to production. As TOPCon solar cell technology proved as a successful upgrade from PERC solar cells, many other companies including LONGi Solar, Suntech, Canadian Solar, and many others got interested in it.

The main setback of this new technology compared to PERC/PERT is that the TOPCon solar cells require a larger amount of silver (Ag) for production. This silver increase translates into a higher manufacturing price; however, new developments might prove successful in reducing the required amount of silver, while still delivering similar or even higher efficiencies and reducing production costs.

Structure and manufacturing of TOPCon solar cells

TOPCon solar cell technology features a similar structure and manufacturing process to PERC solar cells, featuring only a few additional steps. In this section, we explain how both of these work:

Structure of the TOPCon solar cell

TOPCon solar cells can be manufactured as n-type or p-type solar cells, but the n-type variation has proven to be more efficient and resistant to impurities. Because TOPCon solar cells are an upgrade from PERC/PERT solar cells, it is important to understand the structure of this new technology.

PERT solar cells are manufactured with an n-type crystalline silicon (c-Si) bulk layer because of its higher surface quality and it is coupled with a p+ emitter layer to create the p-n junction. The emitter layer is covered with an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) passivating layer and topped with a silicon nitride (SiNx) coating for its anti-reflecting properties. PERC solar cells replace the absorber layer with a p-type bulk layer and an n+ emitter for the p-n junction.

The lower part of the bulk region is doped with phosphorous to create the back surface field, and it is then coated with SiNx similar to the top of the cell. Both the top and bottom of the solar cell are equipped with silver (Ag) or aluminum (Al) contacts to close the circuit when the cell is being connected to the load or other cells at the time of manufacturing the PERC/PERT solar panel.

The PERC/PERT solar cell structure has proven to be quite efficient since it was introduced to the market and implemented to manufacture PV modules, but researchers found ways to improve it and therefore created the TOPCon solar cell.

The TOPCon solar cell structure takes the base structure of the PERT solar cell but includes an ultra-thin silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer working as the tunnel oxide layer and replaces the back surface field layer with phosphorous-doped polycrystalline silicon (n+ Poly-Si) layer. These modifications have improved the efficiency by reducing the recombination process thanks to the passivation in the added layers.

Manufacture of a TOPCon solar cell

One of the best things about TOPCon solar cell technology is that the manufacturing process is so similar to that of PERT solar cells that manufacturers will only have to make a little investment to upgrade their existing production line. Most of the manufacturing equipment can remain the same. This makes TOPCon solar cells an excellent investment for PERC/PERT PV module manufacturers already in the market.

1. The first step to manufacturing a TOPCon solar cell is chemically texturing the wafer surface by using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) to remove saw damage from the cutting process of the c-Si wafer.
2. After cleaning the wafer, the diffusion method is used to form the emitter on the front side of the cell by applying a boron tribromide (BBr3) gas, but then the backside emitter is removed by applying a nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid (HF/HNO3) solution, and the ultra-thin oxide layer is produced through wet chemical dipping.
3. To grow the n+ Poly-Si layer, a phosphorous-doped amorphous silicon (n-a-Si:H) layer is grown through a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. This is then transformed into the n+ Poly-Si layer after annealing at 900ºC.
4. The solar cell is cleaned further, and the passivation and coating layers are applied through PECVD.
5. Finally, the Ag/Al contacts are applied through screen printing for the metallization using a quick-firing method with a maximum temperature of 760ºC.

After the TOPCon solar cells are manufactured, I-V solar cell curve characterizations are performed to evaluate their performance.

There are only a few additional steps required to manufacture a TOPCon solar cell instead of the PERT solar cell, making this new technology financially attractive for the solar industry.

How do TOPCon solar cells compare against the most popular PV technology in the market?

TOPCon solar cell technology is quite promising, having the potential to rapidly grow within the solar industry. When considering a new rising technology like this one, it is important to analyze it against other popular PV technologies in the market. In this case, we will compare TOPCon solar cell technology against PERC and heterojunction (HJT) solar cell technologies.

Highest EfficiencyTemperature CoefficientBifaciality FactorMarket ShareTOPCon26.10%<0.3%/ºC85%8% ()PERC24.50%<0.4%/ºC70%75% ()HJT26.56%0.21%/ºC92%2.5% ()

PERC solar cell technology currently sits in the first place, featuring the highest market share in the solar industry at 75%, while HJT solar cell technology started to become adopted in , its market share was only 2.5% by . TOPCon, which is barely present in the market, already represents 8% of the PV market, but it might start to grow in as major manufacturers switch from PERC/PERT to TOPCon.

Considering the technical specs, PERC technology is left behind by both HJT and TOPCon solar cell technologies. While PERC features a 24.5% efficiency and 70% bifaciality factor, TOPCon takes the efficiency to 26.1% and the bifaciality factor to 85%, while HJT goes even further with an efficiency of 26.56% and bifaciality factor of 92%. The temperature coefficient for PERC solar cells is worse when compared to TOPCon with its 0.3%/ºC, while HJT solar cells go even lower than that to 0.21%/ºC.

HJT solar cells might look quite promising, but there are major setbacks to this technology because of the higher production cost for solar cells and the incompatible production line with current technologies. This is where TOPCon solar cells have a head start since the required production line for TOPCon solar cells is practically the same as PERC/PERT and the cost is also quite similar.

Considering the similarity between the technical specifications of HJT and TOPCon solar cells, but factoring in the setbacks of HJT technology, it is understandable why major manufacturers like Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, LONGi, and others, are opting for TOPCon solar cells instead of HJT.

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Advantages & disadvantages of TOPCon solar cells

TOPCon solar cells feature a few differences from PERC/PERT solar cells but greatly improve performance. In this section, we present the advantages and disadvantages of TOPCon solar cells.

Advantages

Little capital investments for PERC/PERT manufacturers

TOPCon solar cell technology is an upgrade of PERC/PERT solar cells, featuring two additional steps. This little difference between both technologies, allows manufacturers of PERC and PERT solar cells to upgrade to TOPCon by adding only a few pieces of equipment for a little investment.

Higher efficiency reported by several manufacturers

One of the main features of TOPCon solar panels is the higher efficiency achieved. According to the Fraunhofer ISE institute, efficiencies can go beyond 25%. This has already been proved by PV manufacturers like LONGi, Jinko Solar, and others, with a high efficiency of 26.1%.

Better performance as a result of a lower temperature coefficient

Traditional PV modules feature a temperature coefficient of 0.4%/℃-0.5%/℃, while PERC PV modules perform better by taking that coefficient slightly under the 0.4%/℃ frame. TOPCon PV modules manufactured by Jinko Solar, on the other hand, have already proven to take the temperature coefficient to less than 0.3%/℃, highly improving their performance in many extreme weather scenarios.

15% higher bifacial factor

The bifacial factor for PERC PV modules has been determined on average to be at around 70%. TOPCon solar panels, on the other hand, have proven to take the bifacial factor up to 85%. This increased bifacial factor can increase power gains by as much as 2%.

Disadvantages

Several challenges in the manufacturing process

TOPCon solar cell technology is still facing several challenges in the manufacturing process. Some of these include different opinions on the best technique for boron deposition, different requirements for clean room conditions that have to be met, and the inability of the current selective emitter to apply to the TOPCon front emitter. For the solar industry to advance with TOPCon, these issues should be addressed.

There is little data about mass production, limiting the roadmap for the future

Different companies upgrading their PERC/PERT lines of production to TOPCon solar cells have taken different routes, but since there is limited mass production, the roadmap for this technology is still under development. As major companies like Trina Solar, LONGi, and others start to tackle major problems and find optimal ways to produce TOPCon solar cells, the roadmap will become clearer.

Higher silver requirement equals higher price

One of the major issues of TOPCon solar cells is a higher requirement of silver to print the contacts on the cell. The ideal option to reduce costs would be to increase efficiency while maintaining current costs. Lowering the costs for this technology is imperative to hit the market at reasonable prices.

Market trends featuring TOPCon solar cells

The market trends have shifted in the last decade from back surface fields (BSF) solar panels to PERC solar cell technology, and now it seems to be shifting to TOPCon solar panels. Initially, BSF solar panels ruled the market, but manufacturers began the adoption of PERC solar cell technology and the market share grew until hitting 40% in , and almost 75% by . Since TOPCon solar cell technology is a cost-efficient upgrade from PERC/PERT solar cells, this new technology may soon rule the market.

In , LONGi announced a new record for high-efficiency n-type solar panels at 25.21% featuring TOPCon solar cell technology. Little after that, Jinko Solar announced an even higher efficiency record at 25.4%. In , Trina Solar broke the record with an efficiency of 25.5%, while Canadian Solar also reached a high efficiency of 25.0% that same year. By the end of , Jinko Solar broke the record two times in a row, first reaching 25.7% and then 26.1%.

Many PV manufacturers will start to fill the market with TOPCon solar panels as they design and release their products. LONGi launched its bifacial TOPCon solar panels at the SNEC , and Suntech released its Ultra VPro Series in , but it seems that will be the year when most PV manufacturers release their products. Jinko Solar unveiled three different TOPCon solar panel variants with a  power rate going from 445W to 635W, Canadian Solar is also hitting the market with solar panels that go up to 690W, and Trina Solar unveiled its new TOPCon solar panels that go up to 445W.

These are only some of the largest manufacturers, but as the technology advances, other major companies in the solar industry will also release TOPCon solar panels. There is a considerable possibility that as TOPCon solar cell technology becomes more popular, PERC solar panels will start to give way to TOPCon to increase its market share and presence in the industry.

Present and future of TOPCon solar cells

TOPCon solar cell technology is a revolutionizing product that upgrades the design of the PERC/PERT solar panels.

This technology has already proven its worth by reaching efficiencies that approach the Shockley-Queisser limit for single p-n junction solar cells and deliver a better performance in general.

The solar industry is starting to get acquainted with TOPCon solar cell technology. LONGi already launched its bifacial modules in , but most manufacturers will be releasing their high-efficiency TOPCon solar panels from the second (Q2) to the last quarter (Q4) of .

It is possible that at first, TOPCon solar cell technology will have slightly more expensive costs than PERC/PERT solar panels, but analysts expect that the cost for TOPCon solar panels will fall lower than the current cost of PERC solar cell technology.

The path for TOPCon solar cell technology is also not entirely free from competition. There are other technologies featuring an interesting great potential to go against this newly upgraded technology, including HJT as it is further developed, and interdigitated back-contacted (IBC) solar cell technology.

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Are you looking for high-quality 120W solar panels for your business? Couleenergy’s TOPCon 120W solar panels might be just what you need. These solar panels use new technology that makes them work better than regular panels, especially for smaller projects.

In this guide, we’ll explain why these panels are special and how Couleenergy makes buying them from overseas easy and hassle-free.

What Makes TOPCon Technology Special?

Have you ever wondered why some solar panels work better than others? The secret is in how they’re built.

TOPCon (which stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is a newer, better way to make solar panels. Think of it like upgrading from a regular TV to a smart TV – same basic function, but with much better performance.

Regular solar panels lose some energy as electricity moves through them. TOPCon panels have a special design that helps electricity flow more smoothly. This means they capture more sunlight and turn it into usable power.

For your customers, this means more power from smaller solar panels. And for you as a seller, it means offering a better product that stands out from the competition.

Why Choose Couleenergy TOPCon 120W Panels?

Small Size, Big Power

These solar panels pack a lot of power into a small package. At just 785mm × 765mm × 30mm and weighing only 6.1kg (about as heavy as a gallon and a half of water), they’re perfect for:

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• RVs and campervans: Great for people who want to power their devices while traveling
• Boats and yachts: Tough enough to handle salt water and waves
• Cabins and tiny homes: Perfect for small buildings that don’t need a lot of power
• Portable power setups: Easy to move and set up wherever power is needed

Regular solar cells typically convert about 22-24% of sunlight into electricity. Our TOPCon cells reach up to 26.1% efficiency.

Works Great in All Weather

Have you noticed how some electronics don’t work well in extreme heat or cold? TOPCon panels are different:

• They work in temperatures from -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
• They perform better on cloudy days than regular panels
• The special double glass design (2.0/2.0mm tempered glass for dual design) protects against hail and heavy snow
• The junction box is rated IP68, which means it’s completely protected against dust and can withstand being underwater for short periods

These features make them reliable for customers in all kinds of climates – from the desert to the mountains.

Built to Last

Nobody wants to replace their solar panels every few years. That’s why durability matters so much.

Couleenergy TOPCon 120W panels come with:

• A 10-year product warranty that covers manufacturing defects
• A 25-year performance warranty that guarantees long-term power output
• A slower power decline rate of about 1.5% per year (compared to 2% for standard panels)

This means after 25 years, these panels will still produce about 89% of their original power. Your customers will thank you for selling them such a reliable product!

Technical Details Made Simple

Here are the key specs you need to know:

These specifications make them compatible with most power systems and easy to install for your customers.

Buying Made Easy

Ordering Is Simple

We’ve made ordering as easy as possible:

1. Minimum order of just 100 pieces – perfect for testing the market or filling smaller orders
2. Lead time takes only 2-3 weeks for standard orders
3. Sample solar panels available so you can test quality before placing a larger order

Shipping That Makes Sense

Shipping solar panels can be tricky, but we’ve figured out the best way to do it:

• 5 panels fit in each box
• 95 panels fit on a standard pallet
• A 20-foot container holds 950 panels
• A 40-foot high-cube container holds panels

This efficient packaging keeps shipping costs down and ensures your solar panels arrive safely.

Flexible Payment Options

We understand that different businesses have different needs, so we offer several payment methods:

• Letter of Credit (L/C): The safest option for new business relationships
• Telegraphic Transfer (T/T): 30% upfront, 70% before or after shipping
• Documents Against Acceptance (D/A): Available for established partners
• Open Account (O/A): For long-term partners
• Western Union and PayPal: Great for sample orders

This flexibility helps make the buying process smooth and secure.

Perfect for Many Uses

Understanding how people use these panels will help you find the right customers. Here are some popular uses:

For RVs and Campervans

Many RV owners want to go “off-grid” without giving up their comforts. Just 2-4 of our 120W panels (240-480W total) can power lights, phones, laptops, and small appliances without needing a campground hookup.

“We installed three Couleenergy TOPCon panels on our RV roof. Now we can camp anywhere for days without worrying about power. The solar panels are lightweight and were easy to install!”

— Mike T., RV enthusiast from Colorado

For Boats and Yachts

Boats need power but have limited space. Our lightweight panels (6.1kg) won’t affect boat handling, and they resist corrosion from salt water.

A panel or two can keep batteries charged for navigation equipment, lights, and small electronics – allowing longer trips without running the engine.

“My 28-foot sailboat now has two Couleenergy solar panels mounted on the stern arch. They’ve completely eliminated my need to run the engine just to charge batteries. Even in light overcast, they still produce good power.”

— Liam L., Sailing enthusiast from Florida

For Small Cabins and Tiny Homes

People with weekend cabins or tiny houses love these panels. With limited roof space, efficiency matters.

A system of 4-8 panels provides enough power for basic needs without covering the entire roof. This is perfect for the growing number of people choosing smaller, more sustainable homes.

“Our tiny home has just 6 Couleenergy TOPCon panels, but they generate enough power for all our basic needs. The high efficiency means we didn’t have to cover our entire roof with panels.”

— Jamie K., Tiny home owner from Oregon

For Remote Equipment

These solar panels are ideal for powering equipment in remote locations:

• Weather stations
• Security cameras
• Agricultural sensors
• Telecommunications repeaters

Their reliable performance in extreme temperatures means they’ll keep working even when nobody’s around to maintain them.

How We Support Your Business

When you partner with Couleenergy, you’re not just buying panels – you’re gaining a business ally. We provide:

• Detailed product information in multiple languages
• Installation guides for different uses
• Clear warranty processes
• High-quality images and descriptions for your website or catalog

This support helps you sell more effectively and keeps your customers happy.

How to Order from Us

Buying from overseas doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s our simple process:

1. Reach out: Contact our international sales team () with what you need
2. Try before you buy: Request sample panels to check the quality
3. Get pricing: We’ll send you a quote based on quantity and shipping location
4. Confirm details: Finalize the specifications and payment terms
5. Production: We make your panels and keep you updated on progress
6. Quality check: Every panel is tested before shipping
7. Shipping: We handle all the export paperwork and provide tracking
8. Ongoing support: Your account manager remains available to help

This straightforward process has helped businesses from over 39 countries successfully import our panels.

Why Choose Couleenergy?

With so many solar panel suppliers out there, why pick us? Here’s what makes us different:

“As a distributor, I’ve worked with several solar manufacturers. Couleenergy stands out for their consistent quality and excellent support. Their TOPCon solar panels have given us a real edge in our market, and customers love the performance.”

— Hannah Walker, Solar distributor

The Growing Market for Small, High-Efficiency Solar Panels

The market for 120W solar panels is growing fast, driven by several trends:

• More people buying RVs and campervans (especially since the pandemic)
• Increasing use of solar power on boats to reduce generator use
• Growing interest in off-grid tiny homes and cabins
• More remote monitoring systems needing reliable power

By offering high-efficiency TOPCon panels, you can capture this growing market before your competitors do.

Ready to Partner with Couleenergy?

TOPCon 120W solar panels offer the perfect combination of advanced technology and practical size. They’re ideal for RVs, boats, small off-grid systems, and portable power setups.

With Couleenergy, you get quality products, excellent support, and flexible terms to help your business succeed. Our experience with manufacturing and international shipping makes the process smooth, no matter where you’re located.

Want to see the difference for yourself? Contact our international sales team today to discuss your market needs.

Contact Couleenergy

:
: +1 737 702

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TOPCon and standard solar panels?

TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) panels use a special layer that helps electricity flow more smoothly, resulting in higher efficiency, better performance in low light, and less degradation over time.

How are the panels packaged for shipping?

120W solar panels are packaged with 5 panels per carton, 95 panels per pallet as the standard packaging. A 20-foot container holds 950 panels, while a 40-foot high-cube container can fit panels. Also the packaging could be customized as per your requirements.

What certifications do your panels have?

All our 120W solar panels are certified to IEC and IEC standards, and carry CE and TUV certifications for international compliance.

Can I get samples before placing a larger order?

Absolutely! We encourage sample testing before you commit to a larger order. This gives you hands-on experience with our quality and performance. Sample solar panels can be shipped quickly via express courier. Many of our long-term partners started with sample orders to verify our quality claims – which our panels consistently exceed!

What’s your minimum order quantity and payment terms?

We keep things flexible with a minimum order of just 100 pieces, making it easy to test our solar panels in your market without a huge investment. For payment, we accept Letter of Credit (L/C), Telegraphic Transfer (T/T), and for established partners, Documents Against Acceptance (D/A) or Open Account (O/A). We also accept Western Union and PayPal for sample orders. Just let us know what works best for your business!

Couleenergy specializes in advanced solar technologies, including TOPCon solar panels for off-grid solar applications. Our expert team provides comprehensive design, procurement, and implementation services tailored to your specific business needs. Contact us today to meet your needs perfectly.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of N Type High Efficiency 590W Solar Panels. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.