P-Type vs N-Type Solar Cells: Characteristics, Pros and Cons, Future Trends, and Mainstream Technologies
Dec 13, 2023
P-type and N-type solar cells are two common types named after the silicon substrate they use. P-type silicon is doped with boron, creating positive charge carriers, while N-type silicon is doped with phosphorus, generating negative charge carriers. When joined, they form a P-N junction, the basic unit of a solar cell.
Differences:
-Efficiency: N-type cells generally have higher efficiency due to fewer recombination losses, tolerance to impurities, and lower sensitivity to light-induced degradation. Advanced technologies like TOPCon, HJT, and IBC contribute to higher efficiency, with a theoretical limit of 28.7% for N-type versus 24.5% for P-type.
- Cost: P-type cells are less expensive due to simpler manufacturing processes, mature technology, and higher yield. However, the cost gap is expected to narrow as N-type cells improve production efficiency.
- Stability: N-type cells exhibit higher stability with a lower temperature coefficient, higher bifaciality, no light-induced degradation, and less potential-induced degradation. They withstand harsh environmental conditions better, ensuring a longer lifespan and greater reliability compared to P-type cells.
Future Trends and Technologies:
- P-type Cells: Dominant in the market, P-type cells (80% of global production) rely on PERC technology, incorporating a rear passivation layer to enhance efficiency and stability. Ongoing advancements include larger wafer sizes, half-cut cells, multi-busbar contacts, and shingled modules. However, P-type cells face increasing competition from N-type cells.
- N-type Cells: Accounting for 15% of global production, N-type cells utilize technologies like TOPCon, HJT, and IBC to establish passivated contacts, reducing recombination losses and increasing efficiency. N-type cells aim for higher efficiency potential, lower degradation rates, and reduced costs through innovations such as thinner wafers, MWT cells, and tandem modules.
SpolarPV as a Solar Solution Provider:
- SpolarPV Technology Co., Ltd is a leading solar solution provider with a focus on designing, manufacturing, and marketing solar cells, modules, and power systems.
- Established in 2010 and headquartered in Nanjing, China, SpolarPV has a state-of-the-art facility with an annual production capacity of 800MW and a global sales network spanning over 50 countries.
- SpolarPV offers a diverse range of high-quality solar products, including P-type and N-type solar cells and modules, full black and dual glass modules, BIPV modules, and customized solutions for various applications.
- A flagship product is the 625W TOPCon solar module, utilizing 210mm N-type cells with a conversion efficiency of 22.08%. The module excels in challenging conditions and is ideal for large-scale ground-mounted solar systems, optimizing power generation and return on investment.
- Committed to innovation, quality, service, and sustainability, SpolarPV aims to contribute to the global energy transition and environmental protection.
- For more information on SpolarPV's products and services, interested parties are encouraged to contact them for a brighter and greener future.
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