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Deciphering N-Type Solar Cells and Their Rise in the Solar Landscape

In the ever-evolving world of solar technology, understanding the difference between N-type and P-type solar cells is paramount. Following our previous discussion on the PERC Solar Panel, a P-type solar cell, we'll delve into the N-type solar cell, particularly focusing on the promising TOPCon technology.

The Basics of Photovoltaic Conversion

The science behind solar cells is rooted in the photoelectric effect: when sunlight, comprising photons, strikes silicon atoms, it generates electrons. But the silicon used isn't pure; it's doped with specific impurities to enhance its photovoltaic properties. Think of P-type and N-type doping like seasoning in cooking: just as adding salt or sugar changes the flavor of a dish, doping silicon with boron or phosphorus alters its electrical properties.

Diving Deeper: P-type vs. N-type

P-type solar cells dope the silicon bulk with boron, making the cell overall positively charged because boron has one less electron than silicon.

N-type, on the other hand, is the opposite. The silicon bulk is doped with phosphorus, which has one more electron than silicon, resulting in an overall negatively charged cell.

Table 1: Main Differences

Comparative Analysis: Performance Metrics

While efficiency is a crucial determinant in the viability of solar cells, it isn't the only factor. Factors like resistance to degradation and temperature tolerance play pivotal roles, especially in varying climatic conditions.

Table 2: Advantages and Disadvantages

P-type cells have boron-oxygen defects which, over prolonged sun exposure, cause efficiency issues known as LID (Light Induced Degradation) or LeTID (Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation). However, from 2020, all PERC panels in Australia must be certified as LID/LeTID resistant for sale.

Contrastingly, silicon doped with phosphorus in N-type cells eliminates boron-oxygen impurity sites, granting immunity against LID/LeTID. This results in longer carrier lifetimes in the cell, manifesting in a more efficient and powerful system.

Moreover, when discussing resistance to high temperatures, P-type cells are more vulnerable to degradation. N-type cells, however, excel in minimizing efficiency impacts from heat, boasting optimized temperature coefficients around –0.30%/°C.

The Rise of TOPCon Technology

In the development timeline of N-type solar cells, TOPCon stands out. Today, industry giants like Jinko are shifting their investments from P-PERC to N-Type. Notably, in April 2022, Jinko reported an N-type efficiency of 25.7%, a milestone achieved with their fifth iteration using TOPCon technology.

Conclusion

As the solar industry continuously quests for peak efficiency and robustness, N-type solar cells, accentuated by advancements like TOPCon, are front-runners. With manufacturers like Jinko leading the charge, the solar sector's trajectory promises a greener, more sustainable future.