The solar sector has advanced considerably in its search for more sustainable and efficient energy options. The Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology, which has raised the bar for solar panel efficiency and usefulness, is one of the most notable developments in recent years.
What is PERC Solar Cell Technology?
By introducing a layer to the back of the cell that increases its capacity to absorb sunlight and transform it into electrical energy, PERC technology improves the design of conventional solar cells. By adding this layer, the cell’s internal reflectivity is increased, increasing its capacity to absorb light and produce power.
How Does PERC Technology Work?
The secret to PERC technology’s magic is its capacity to reroute sunlight so that photovoltaic (PV) cells have another opportunity to produce power. This is made possible by the design of the PERC solar cell, which consists of an anti-reflective coating on the front, a dielectric passivation layer, and chemical or laser engraving to create pockets in the rear passivation layer. As a result, power production and efficiency both significantly increase.
The Benefits of PERC Solar Panels
The increased efficiency of PERC solar panels is highly praised, frequently surpassing that of conventional panels by more than 1%—higher energy output results from this enhanced efficiency, even in conditions with low light and high heat. Requirements for space and installation costs may also be lowered by using fewer panels to produce the same power output.
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Enhanced Efficiency
With an efficiency gain of more than 1%, PERC solar panels are renowned for their capacity to generate higher amounts of electricity than conventional panels. This is because of the extra layer that was added to the cell’s back, which improves sunlight absorption and power production.
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Improved Performance in Various Conditions
One of PERC technology’s main features is its capacity to function well in a range of environmental situations. PERC cells are more dependable than conventional panels because they can continue to operate at high temperatures and low light levels.
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Cost Savings
Due to their higher efficiency, fewer PERC solar panels are required to generate the same amount of energy as regular panels. This lowers installation costs and frees up space, making PERC technology a more economical choice over time.
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Durability and Longevity
PERC solar panels outlast conventional panels due to their extra layers of protection and better performance under different circumstances. This implies that they will last longer and need less maintenance, which will result in even more cost savings over time.
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Environmentally Friendly
PERC technology offers efficiency, cost savings, and environmental benefits. By capturing more sunlight and turning it into power, PERC panels help create a cleaner, greener world, reducing the need for non-renewable energy sources.
Manufacturing Process
A few crucial processes are involved in the production of a PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar cell. This is an explanation:
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Surface Preparation
Modeling and cleaning are applied to the silicon wafer to improve light absorption. Texturing produces a rough surface that allows more sunlight to enter the cell.
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Emitter Formation
Doping creates a thin layer (emitter) on the front surface with different electrical properties to allow for efficient current flow.
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Passivation
This phase is crucial for PERC cells. On the back surface, a thin coating of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is deposited. This layer acts as a passivation layer, increasing efficiency by minimising the recombination of electrons and holes.
An additional layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) may be deposited on both the front and back surfaces for further passivation.
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Metallization
Electroconductive materials such as aluminum or silver are used to provide electrical contacts on both the front and back surfaces. The cell’s current can exit through these connections.
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Laser Doping (optional)
Lasers are used to produce localized openings on the back passivation layer. As a result, current can be collected more successfully by the metal contacts reaching the silicon.
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Sintering
The metal contacts are heated to form a strong bond with the silicon surface.
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Testing
The finished solar cell undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets performance and quality standards.
Applications of PERC Solar Panels
PERC solar panels are versatile, finding applications in:
- Residential Rooftops
- Commercial Buildings
- Large-Scale Solar Power Plants
They are particularly beneficial in areas with limited space or challenging environmental conditions.
Mono PERC vs. Poly PERC Cells
There are two types of PERC cells:
- Mono PERC Cells: Use a single crystal silicon structure, offering higher efficiency but at a slightly higher cost.
- Poly PERC Cells: Made from multiple silicon crystals, providing a more affordable option with slightly lower efficiency.
Manufacturers
Among the leading companies in the PERC solar panel industry are Canadian Solar, Adani Solar, and Renogy Solar. In order to meet the rising demand for cutting-edge solar solutions, these manufacturers are leading the way in the production of PERC panels that are both high-quality and efficient.
The Difference Between Standard and PERC Solar Cells
| Feature | Standard Solar Cell | PERC Solar Cell |
| Technology | Basic silicon cell | Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) |
| Construction | Silicon wafer with front and back contacts | Silicon wafer with front contact, passivation layer, and back contact |
| Efficiency | 15-18% | 19-22% |
| Light Capture | Captures some light reflected from the back | Captures more reflected light with a passivation layer |
| Performance in Heat | Efficiency decreases in high temperatures | Mitigates heat loss and performs better in hot climates |
| Low Light Performance | Standard performance | May perform slightly better in low-light conditions |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Slightly higher upfront cost |
| Overall Value | Good value for budget-conscious buyers | Better value for long-term efficiency and potentially smaller panel requirements |
Comparison Between HJT, perc, and TOPCon Solar PV Module Technology
PERC is distinguished from Heterojunction Technology (HJT) and Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) solar panels by its ability to balance cost and efficiency. Although TOPCon and HJT panels might provide better efficiency rates and less deterioration over time, PERC panels are more widely available, more cost-effective, and can be used in a variety of applications.
| Feature | PERC | HJT (Heterojunction) | TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) |
| Technology | Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell | Thin-film silicon on a silicon wafer | Tunnel oxide layer and heterojunction |
| Efficiency | 19-22% | Up to 24.5% | Around 25% (Lab: Up to 28%) |
| Manufacturing Complexity | Relatively simple | It is simpler than TOPCon, but more complex than PERC | More complex than PERC and HJT |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost | Potentially lower cost than HJT, but more expensive than PERC |
| Light Capture | Good | Excellent | Very good |
| Bifaciality (Light capture from both sides) | Limited | Excellent | Good |
| Temperature Dependence | Performance degrades more in high-heat | Less efficiency loss in high-heat | Lower degradation than PERC |
| Low Light Performance | Standard performance | May perform better | May perform better than PERC |
| Current Status | Mature technology, widely adopted | Emerging technology | The early stage of commercialization |
Pros and Cons
Here are a few advantages of PERC technology.
Pros:
- Higher efficiency and energy output
- Better performance in low-light and high-temperature conditions
- Reduced space requirement for installation
Cons:
- Generally more expensive than traditional panels
- Potential for increased sensitivity to shading
- Long-term durability and performance are still under observation
Conclusion
With its more effective and adaptable approach to solar energy harvesting, PERC solar cell technology is a major advancement in the solar industry. Technology is set to be a key component of the global shift to sustainable energy sources as it develops and becomes more widely available.