China’s Trina Solar has achieved a new world record in solar module efficiency, underscoring its leadership in advancing renewable energy technology. The company announced on Monday that its large-surface-area n-type fully passivated heterojunction (HJT) modules achieved an impressive conversion efficiency of 25.44% in laboratory testing. The results were certified by the Fraunhofer CalLab, a leading German solar research institute.
Heterojunction technology (HJT) combines crystalline silicon and thin-film silicon layers to optimize efficiency, with passivation playing a critical role by minimizing defects on the solar cell’s surface. This process enhances the cell’s ability to convert sunlight into electricity, ultimately reducing the space and cost requirements for solar installations.
“Efficiency is the Key to Future Solar Technology”
Professor Martin Green from the University of New South Wales, whose laboratory has historically held solar cell efficiency records, emphasized the significance of Trina Solar’s achievement.
“In the long run, it’s all about efficiency. While some manufacturing processes might currently be more expensive, costs typically decline as industries scale up and optimize new technologies,” Green told Reuters.
This milestone highlights the growing potential of HJT technology, which is one of several contenders vying to dominate the next generation of solar cell manufacturing.
HJT Technology Poised for Growth Amid Market Competition
Despite the achievement, HJT technology remains a niche player in the global solar market. According to consultancy InfoLink, HJT solar cells are projected to represent 7% of high-efficiency solar cell capacity in 2024, increasing modestly to 8% in 2025 and 9% in 2026. Meanwhile, TopCON (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology is expected to dominate the sector over the next five years.
Trina Solar’s Chairman and CEO Gao Jifan reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing passivated solar technologies through continued investment in research and development.
The breakthrough not only sets a new benchmark for HJT solar modules but also represents a significant milestone for the overall efficiency of single-crystalline silicon solar cell technology.
As the solar industry continues its rapid evolution, Trina Solar’s accomplishment serves as both a technological achievement and a glimpse into a future where higher efficiency paves the way for more cost-effective and scalable renewable energy solutions.
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