There has been a lot of talk over the past six months about the advantages of solar module manufacturers switching from P-type to N-type cell technology. Additionally, installers frequently ask us how Heterojunction (HJT) technology fits into the overall scheme.

Here is a succinct response to that query that emphasizes three crucial elements: technology, manufacturing, and performance.

Technology: 

Three-layer “wafers” are the basis of both HJT and N-Type panels.  Compared to conventional solar cells, which may allow some light to entirely pass through the cell, this wafer structure is made to catch more light as the sun travels through each layer. This cutting-edge configuration guarantees effective light absorption, increasing energy output.

HJT is unique in that it applies a thin film to these three layers, which increases light absorption and results in an astounding efficiency of up to 24%.

Manufacturing:

While it is reasonably simple to adapt existing classic P-type cell production lines to manufacture ordinary N-type cells, making HJT cells is a fundamentally different procedure that necessitates a large investment in brand-new manufacturing processes and equipment.

Some companies, including REC, have taken the plunge and invested in this novel technology.  HJT panels have steadily become more affordable thanks to a six-step manufacturing process (as opposed to the conventional fourteen with the N-Type method), which has increased their competitiveness.  The production of HJT panels has experienced significant energy and cost savings due to the quicker, more effective manufacturing process, which has had a positive impact on the environment.

Performance: 

The high efficiency and low-temperature coefficient of HJT panels, both made possible by the additional thin film layers, are their distinguishing characteristics.  The excellent 24.3% efficiency of HJT panels has lately earned them recognition as having the highest sunlight conversion efficiency of any cell technology.

Advantages of Heterojunction Solar Cells

The following are some major benefits of utilizing HJT solar cells for your structure:

Life expectancy – On average, HJT solar cells can last well over 30 years while thin-film photovoltaic modules have a life expectancy of up to 25 years.

resilient and flexible- This technology was created for exceptional production capabilities, especially under severe weather conditions. Compared to traditional solar panels, HJT panels offer a lower temperature coefficient, providing strong performance even in hotter environments.

Greater efficiency: The majority of HJT panels now on the market have efficiencies between 19.9% and 21.7%. When compared to other traditional monocrystalline cells, this is a considerable improvement.

Savings – The amorphous silicon utilized in HJT panels is a solar technology that is economical. Compared to previous technologies, the manufacturing process for this thin-film solar is quicker. HJT may be less expensive than competing solutions due to its streamlined manufacturing process.

The pricing of the Alpha Pure-R, the top HJT panel from REC, is now equivalent to mid-range alternatives and even less than some N-Type panels.

Contact us if you want to learn more about the advantages of HJT technology or need help performing a price comparison.