The Rise of High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Modules: Technological Advancements Driving Industry Upgrades
2024.11.12
With continuous advancements in photovoltaic technology, high-efficiency solar modules are becoming a central trend in the development of the industry. The conversion efficiency of photovoltaic modules is significantly improving, directly impacting the system’s energy output, land usage, and installation costs. Notably, new high-efficiency technologies, such as Heterojunction (HJT) and perovskite tandem cells, are gradually entering the market, offering opportunities for further performance enhancement.
1.1 Heterojunction (HJT) Technology
Heterojunction (HJT) technology is a high-efficiency solar cell structure that combines the benefits of both crystalline silicon cells and thin-film cells. HJT cells use an n-type silicon substrate, with a thin layer of amorphous silicon on both sides, which effectively reduces electron recombination losses. HJT cells are highly efficient in low-light conditions, maintaining higher performance under weak light, such as during cloudy weather or at dawn and dusk. Compared to traditional PERC cells, HJT cells are more efficient, with theoretical conversion efficiencies reaching 24%-26%. Additionally, HJT cells have a lower temperature coefficient, which helps maintain higher output power even in hot environments, increasing overall energy generation. While the manufacturing cost of HJT cells is currently higher, the technology's cost will gradually decrease as it matures and is produced at scale, making it a promising technology for the future.
1.2 Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Perovskite tandem solar cells are a type of photovoltaic cell that uses perovskite materials known for their high light absorption efficiency and low production cost. Traditional single-junction solar cells are limited in their conversion efficiency due to material constraints, but perovskite tandem cells can increase efficiency by stacking perovskite with other materials (such as silicon or copper indium gallium selenide). Currently, perovskite tandem cells have achieved laboratory efficiencies exceeding 30%, and large-scale production is expected in the future. Perovskite materials are cost-effective and simple to produce, requiring neither high temperatures nor high pressures, reducing energy consumption in the production process. As such, perovskite tandem cells offer both cost advantages and the potential for further boosting the overall efficiency of the solar industry.
1.3 Broad Application Prospects of High-Efficiency Modules
The adoption of high-efficiency solar modules will significantly increase energy output per unit area, making them particularly suitable for regions with limited land availability and rooftop solar projects. High-efficiency modules can generate more energy in smaller spaces, making them ideal for urban, industrial, and commercial rooftop applications, where space is constrained. For these areas, high-efficiency modules not only lower land costs but also reduce installation costs, thus improving the return on investment (ROI). Moreover, with the development of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), high-efficiency modules can better integrate with building materials, meeting both aesthetic and functional requirements, leading to more widespread applications.
1.4 Future Development Trends for High-Efficiency Modules
In the future, as the cost of manufacturing high-efficiency modules continues to decrease, the market will gradually shift toward more efficient technologies. With further advancements in heterojunction, perovskite, and other technologies, the industry’s efficiency barriers are likely to be broken, and 25%+ module conversion efficiency could become the new industry standard. Additionally, the promotion of high-efficiency modules will drive advancements in photovoltaic system integration, inverters, and related technologies, helping to elevate the entire solar industry.