Solar PV

Cell Technologies

Monocrystalline

Description

Cut from high quality cylindrical silicon ingots to form a square with four corners trimmed off
Slightly higher conversion efficiency than polycrystalline cells
Slightly lower temperature coefficient of power derating than polycrystalline cells

Module Efficiency: 15% to 17%

Polycrystalline

Description

Made from lower quality silicon
Lower cost of production
Slightly lower conversion efficiency than monocrystalline cells
Slightly higher temperature coefficient of power derating than monocrystalline cells

Module Efficiency: 14 to 16.5%

HIT

Description

Hetereojunction with intrinsic thin film – monocrystalline cells surrounded with layer of amorphous thin film.
Very high conversion efficiency and low temperature coefficient of power derating.

Module Efficiency: 18 to 19.4%

N-type rear contact

Description

Monocrystalline cells using N type silicon with electrical contacts at the rear to improve conversion efficiency.
Highest conversion efficiency.

Module Efficiency: 20.1%

CIGS (thin film)

Copper indium gallium selenide
Aesthetically appealing black appearance. Low temperature coefficient of power derating

Module Efficiency: 13 to 14.5%

TOPCON

1. Higher Efficiency: TOPCon cells offer high energy conversion rates, typically exceeding 22%, by utilizing a passivated contact layer that reduces surface recombination.

2. Enhanced Durability: These cells are less susceptible to light-induced degradation (LID) and maintain consistent performance over time.

Module Efficiency: 22 to 24%

Heterojunction (HJT)

1. Superior Efficiency: HJT cells provide even higher efficiencies, often surpassing 24%, due to the combination of crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon layers.

2. Longer Lifespan: The design of HJT cells reduces temperature-related losses and enhances their overall durability, leading to longer operational lifespans.

3. Better Low-Light Performance: HJT cells perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions, offering better energy output in varied environmental conditions compared to other technologies.

Module Efficiency: 22 to 24%

Types

Framed

This is the most commonly used type.
The module has an aluminium frame on all four sides to protect the glass edge

Frameless

This type of modules do not have a frame.
They are for special architectural applications and have the added advantage of reducing accumulation of dirt at the edge.