Trina Solar has achieved a new milestone in solar energy by setting a world record for the conversion efficiency of a specific type of solar module as reported by Reuters. According to a statement released by the company, their large surface area n-type fully passivated heterojunction (HJT) modules achieved a remarkable efficiency rate of 25.44%, as certified by the Fraunhofer CalLab in Germany, a renowned solar research institution.
Understanding Passivation and Efficiency in Solar Cells
Passivation refers to the technique of covering defects on the surface of a solar cell, improving its performance. Cell efficiency measures the percentage of sunlight that a solar module converts into usable electricity, indicating its overall performance. Higher cell efficiency reduces the space and cost needed for solar installations, making projects more compact and affordable.
Potential of HJT Technology for the Future
Professor Martin Green, a prominent solar energy expert at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, who previously held the record for solar cell efficiency, commented on the significance of Trina’s achievement. He noted the result showcases HJT technology’s potential, positioning it as a strong contender among next-gen solar energy technologies.
“In the long run it’s all about efficiency, so even if some sequences are at the moment more costly than others, what tends to happen is that as the industry gets itself into a new technology the cost comes down quite quickly,” Green explained to Reuters.
Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar, Gao Jifan, said that the company would further research and develop passivated solar technologies. According to him, Trina wants to maintain its leadership in solar technology by continually innovating and refining its products.
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Growth and Market Outlook for HJT Technology
HJT technology still shares a relatively small portion of the global solar market despite this innovation. InfoLink, a consultancy on solar, anticipates that by 2024, HJT will occupy 7% of high-efficiency solar cells. By 2026, the figure is predicted to rise to 9%. Meanwhile, the majority of the market is expected to be dominated by TopCON cells in the coming years.
Trina has set a new record in HJT modules while advancing photoelectric conversion efficiency in single-crystalline silicon solar cells. This shows Trina is in the front in pushing the boundary of solar technology to be efficient and cheaper.