Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has completed a field test which has found that TOPCon PV modules deliver an average power generation gain of 3.15% per watt over back contact (BC) modules, with a relative gain of up to 3.4% on a monthly basis. This analysis demonstrates the superior power generation of TOPCon modules, and the added value these will bring to customers over the coming years.
The test was conducted between 16th July and 10th September 2024 in Changzhou, China. Trinasolar compared the performance of its Vertex N 600W bifacial dual-glass modules, based on advanced n type i-TOPCon technology, with 620W bifacial dual-glass tunnel back contact (TBC) modules from an alternative manufacturer.
To ensure accuracy, the test site was designed to closely simulate regular installation conditions. It featured a cement ground with around 30% reflectivity, with modules mounted on fixed racking systems with a 23° tilt angle and installed 0.5 metres above the ground. There was no shading on the front or rear rows, and power generation data was collected using an IV tracker.
The TOPCon modules demonstrated superior performance in low-irradiance conditions such as in the morning and early evening. From 7am to 8am, the TOPCon modules’ power generation per watt was 6.9% higher than the TBC modules, and from 5pm to 7pm, its relative gain was 8.3-8.4%. This is in line with earlier field tests showing that TOPCon outperforms BC by about 5% in low-irradiance conditions.
TOPCon’s higher bifaciality also contributes to its greater power generation: even at midday when sunlight is strongest, TOPCon modules deliver a 2.6% power generation advantage over BC alternatives.
The combination of high bifaciality and low-irradiance performance enables TOPCon modules to deliver a 2-3% power generation gain per watt over BC modules in actual operating conditions. These findings are consistent with results from the National Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Experimental Platform and the National Centre of Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Products Quality, both based in China.
The test results provide strong evidence that TOPCon will be the dominant PV technology over the next five years, with further improvements to efficiency and reductions in costs still to come. Trinasolar envisions that efficiency of the cells will increase by an additional 1% in this time, and that the power output of TOPCon modules will grow by over 30W in the same period. In five years’ time, the company expects n-type TOPCon-based perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells to become the benchmark for high-quality development in the PV industry.
Image 1: https://bit.ly/3BYDEdN
Caption: TOPCon vs TBC: Field test performance and relative gain
Image 2: https://bit.ly/4dQcWkM
Caption: TOPCon vs TBC: Energy yield gap per watt at different times
Image 3: https://bit.ly/3VasdYe
Caption: N-type solar PV modules using TOPCon technology will remain dominant over the coming five years, according to Trinasolar
Source (all): Trinasolar
About Trinasolar
Trinasolar was founded in 1997. As a global leading provider for photovoltaic (PV) module and smart energy solutions, Trinasolar delivers PV products, applications and services to promote global sustainable development. Through constant innovation, Trinasolar continues to push the PV industry forward by creating greater grid parity of PV power and popularising renewable energy. Trinasolar's mission is to boost global renewable energy development around the world.
To date, Trinasolar has delivered more than 225 GW of solar modules worldwide. In addition, Trina's downstream business includes solar PV project development, financing, design, construction, operations and management, and one-stop system integration solutions for customers. Trinasolar first launched the Energy IoT brand in 2018 and is now aiming to be a global leader in smart energy. In June 2020, Trinasolar listed on the STAR Market of Shanghai Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com.
Media enquiries
Trina Solar Europe
Michael Katz
michael.katz@trinasolar.com