The solar sector has advanced significantly in its search for more sustainable and efficient energy options. One of the most notable developments in recent years is the passivated emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology, which has raised the bar for solar panel efficiency and usefulness.
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 attraction 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 exceeding that of conventional panels by more than 1%. This enhanced efficiency results in higher energy output, 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Cost Savings
Because of their higher efficiency, fewer PERC solar panels are required to generate the same amount of energy as conventional panels. This lowers installation costs and frees up space, making PERC technology a more economical choice over time.
-
Durability and Longevity
PERC solar panels outlast conventional panels due to their extra layers of protection and better performance under various conditions. This means that they will last longer and need less maintenance, which will result in even more cost savings over time.
-
Environmentally Friendly
PERC technology offers efficiency, cost savings, and environmental benefits. In the solar energy industry, PERC panels contribute to a cleaner, greener earth by capturing more sunlight and turning it into power, thus reducing the need for non-renewable energy sources.
Manufacturing Process of PERC Solar Cell
High-efficiency photovoltaic cells called PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) solar cells use a unique design to absorb more sunlight and turn it into electrical power. The steps involved in producing PERC solar cells are broken down as follows:
-
Surface Preparation
The manufacturing procedure begins with a silicon wafer, which serves as the solar cell’s base.
-
Emitter Formation
The emitter is a thin layer on the front side of the wafer. This layer efficiently collects electrical current.
-
Passivation
Applying a passivation layer to the wafer’s front and back surfaces is a critical stage in the process. Recombination, the process by which electrons waste energy before producing electricity, is reduced by the passivation layer. The back surface passivation layer of PERC cells is composed of silicon nitride (SiNx) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The efficiency of PERC is largely dependent on this special stack.
-
Metallization
Metallization processes like screen printing make the front and rear surfaces of the cell electrically available. The generated electricity can be collected as current through these connections.
-
Laser Doping (Optional)
In certain PERC cell production processes, the rear passivation layer is made to have localized openings made by lasers. As a result, light can enter the cell and reflect into the back metal contact, potentially converting more sunlight into energy.
-
Sintering
The metal contacts are heated to a high temperature to increase their electrical conductivity and adherence to the silicon wafer.
-
Testing and Quality Control
The completed PERC solar cell is thoroughly tested to ensure it meets efficiency and performance requirements.
Applications of PERC Solar Panels
PERC solar panels are adaptable and have uses in:
- Residential Rooftops
- Commercial Buildings
- Large-Scale Solar Power Plants
Types of PERC cells
We’ll talk about two of them below.
Mono PERC vs. Poly PERC Cells
| Feature | Mono PERC Cells | Poly PERC Cells |
| Silicon Type | Single crystal silicon | Multiple crystal silicon grains |
| Appearance | Uniform black color | The blue or mottled appearance |
| Efficiency | Higher (typically 19-22%) | Lower (typically 17-19%) |
| Light Sensitivity | More efficient in low light conditions | Slightly less efficient in low light |
| Temperature Coefficient | Lower power loss at higher temperatures | Slightly higher power loss at higher temperatures |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Space Requirements | May require slightly less space for the same power output | May require slightly more space for the same power output |
| Manufacturing Complexity | More complex manufacturing process | The less complex manufacturing process |
Leading Manufacturers
Because the solar panel market is highly competitive, PERC technology is becoming more widely used. It might be challenging to identify manufacturers based only on PERC usage. Numerous large solar panel manufacturers produce PERC cells as a component of their high-efficiency products.
- Longi
- JinkoSolar
- JA Solar
- Canadian Solar
- Trina Solar
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 the 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 |
Comparing PERC with Other Technologies
| Feature | PERC | TOPCon | HJT |
| Technology Type | Passivated silicon | Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact | Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer |
| Efficiency | 19-22% (commercially available) | Up to 23.5% (achieved in labs) | Up to 26.8% (achieved in labs) |
| Manufacturing Complexity | Moderate | More complex | Highly complex |
| Cost | Moderate | Higher than PERC | Highest among the three |
| Light Sensitivity | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Temperature Coefficient | Low | Lower than PERC | Very low |
| Current Status | Mature technology, widely used | Emerging technology, gaining traction | Emerging technology, limited production |
Conclusion
With its more effective and adaptable approach to solar energy collecting, PERC solar cell technology is a major advancement in the solar industry. As it develops and becomes more widely available, technology is set to be a key component of the global shift to sustainable energy sources.