If we are talking about any solar power system, the first thing which come to our mind is ‘Solar Panel.’ Yes! Solar panels are the most important part of any solar power system because these are the one which actually convert sunlight into electricity.  The efficiency of solar system is majorly dependent on solar panel modules we are using.

Primarily there are various types of solar panels based on the technologies used during manufacturing of the same. They differ based on the doping (Phosphorous or Boron) of the semiconductor layer, material etc. In todays date the most advanced technology is N-TOPCON  (N-type Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cell. 

So, in this blog we are going to discuss this trending buzzword “ N Type TOPCON solar panel.

What are the N- TOPCon solar cell?

 

Most of us know that solar panels are made up of solar cells, these solar cells are made up of Silicon metal which are commonly known as Silicon Wafers. In this silicon wafers   doping (mixing) of phosphorous and boron is done, according to which we distinguish N-Type and P-Type solar panels.

In N-Type solar panels doping of Phosphorous is done and P-type solar panels doping of Boron is done.

This phosphorous doping(mixing) in N-Type panels gives more electrons than regular                silicon.  It also has more advantages over P-Type namely better performance at high temperature, less year-on-year degradation (0.4%), Zero Light Induced Degradation (LID), excellent Potential Induced Degradation resistance, better weak light performance and many more we will discuss it one by one.

Advantages of N-Topcon solar cells: –

If we tell you in short, this N-Type solar panels will generate more electricity than P-type solar panels on the same area.   Though, we will discuss each and every advantage in details –

1. Higher Efficiency of 22.45% –

This indicates the conversion efficiency of the solar modules. In this case, 22.45% of the sunlight that falls on the modules is converted into electricity. Higher efficiency is desirable as it means more energy production from the same amount of sunlight.

 

1. Zero LID (Light-Induced Degradation) –                                                                                                                                     There are two type of degradation in panels one is LID i.e. Light Induced Degradation and PID i.e Potential Induced Degradation (which we will discuss in next point).

LID refers to the temporary decrease in solar cell efficiency after initial exposure to sunlight. A module with Zero LID ensures that there is no significant drop in efficiency during the early stages of its operation, leading to consistent and reliable performance.

 

2. Excellent PID (Potential-Induced Degradation) Resistance:

As we discussed about degradation in above point, PID is a phenomenon where the performance of solar modules degrades due to potential-induced stresses. Modules with excellent PID resistance maintain their efficiency and performance over time, especially in challenging environmental conditions.

 

3. Best in Class Thermal Coefficient -0.31%/°C:

The thermal coefficient represents how much the module’s efficiency decreases with an increase in temperature. A lower thermal coefficient, such as -0.31%/°C in this case, implies that the module is more effective in maintaining its efficiency at higher temperatures.

4. Better Weak Light Performance :

This indicates that the solar modules perform well even in low-light conditions, such as during cloudy days or early morning and late evening hours. Improved weak light performance ensures a more consistent energy output.

 

5. 1% First Year & 0.4% YOY Degradation :

This indicates the annual degradation rate of the solar modules. In the first year, there is a 1% degradation, and subsequently, each year experiences a degradation of 0.4%. Lower degradation rates imply better long-term performance and slower efficiency loss overtime.

There are many more things to discuss technically but we think these are the benefits which makes an actual impact on our decision to switch for new buzz word ‘N-type panels.’

This is what the buzzword of “N-TYPE TOCON SOLAR PANELS” is saying.

 

For your easy understanding, we are providing a comparison table below. It will clear your remaining doubts too.

 

 

 

Criteria	N-Type Solar Panels	P-Type Solar Panels
1.    Efficiency	Higher efficiency due to reduced electron recombination and improved charge carrier mobility.	Generally lower efficiency compared to N-type, especially in higher temperatures.
2.    Durability	Improved durability with Topcon passivation layer.	Generally robust but may be more prone to degradation over time.
3.    Low-Light Performance	Superior performance in low-light conditions.	Relatively lower efficiency in low-light conditions.
4.    Manufacturing Cost	Higher initial manufacturing costs due to advanced technology.	Generally lower initial costs but may incur higher operating costs.
5.    Market Share	Increasing market share, reflecting growing acceptance.	Established market presence, but N-type gaining ground.