Emerging Solar Technologies: The Shift Towards High-Efficiency PV Solutions

Solar 2.0: Shift to Newer PV Technologies Gains Momentum
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The global energy transition is significantly reliant on the rapid expansion of solar power. However, this growth cannot depend solely on polycrystalline and mono PERC photovoltaic (PV) modules, which typically have an efficiency range of 19-21 percent. Their limitations, including a lack of bifaciality, faster degradation, and underperformance in high-temperature and low-light conditions, highlight the urgent need to move towards more advanced PV technologies. To reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), maximize output, and enhance performance across varied operating conditions, newer solar PV technologies such as n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) and heterojunction (HJT) are being increasingly adopted. Additionally, innovative concepts like perovskite tandems, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), organic PV solar cells (OSCs), and quantum dot-based solar cells (QSCs) are under exploration.

### Advancements in Solar PV Technologies

The solar sector is evolving from multi-busbar, polycrystalline, and p-type mono PERC modules to higher-efficiency bifacial n-type TOPCon and HJT modules. This shift is driven by the demand for greater energy output and higher open-circuit voltages. Bifacial modules have become a standard component in new solar projects, particularly in floating solar installations, which leverage water surface reflectivity to achieve energy yields that are 10-20 percent higher than those of monofacial panels. TOPCon has emerged as the leading technology in utility-scale solar projects, representing a significant share of new installations according to various industry reports. It also shows lower first-year degradation compared to PERC. In contrast, HJT accounts for a smaller portion of total solar installations, as indicated by industry analyses. The production efficiencies for these modules now exceed 24 percent, with bifacial gains approaching 95 ± 3 percent. Their low temperature coefficient (-0.2 percent per °C) makes them particularly well-suited for high-rise rooftops. Given their superior low-light and low-temperature performance, these modules are being considered for building-integrated PVs (BIPVs), with several companies piloting BIPV-ready HJT modules aimed at commercial building applications.

### Emerging PV Technologies

While not yet widely commercialized, the sector is experiencing steady progress in the research and development (R&D) and pilot deployment of next-generation PV technologies. In October 2024, researchers achieved a lab-scale efficiency of 28 percent in a perovskite-silicon tandem cell using a four-terminal configuration. By December 2024, scientists from the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology developed a DSSC prototype with an impressive 40 percent indoor light conversion efficiency at 4,000 lux, specifically designed for indoor PV applications. In February 2025, collaborative research between the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education at IIT Bombay and Colorado State University produced a 24.2 percent efficient perovskite/cadmium telluride tandem prototype. Furthermore, lab-scale OSCs and QSCs have shown promise in flexible and portable electronics, with perovskite single-junction efficiencies increasing from 3.8 percent to 26.1 percent over the past decade. Researchers have also reported 15 percent efficiency with 35 percent transmittance for semi-transparent perovskite solar cells, indicating their potential for building-integrated applications.

### Key Bottlenecks and Future Outlook

The advancements in solar PV technologies are beginning to reshape the solar landscape. The uptake of high-efficiency n-type TOPCon and bifacial modules has already led to annual energy yield increases of 10-20 percent and LCOE reductions of 5-10 percent compared to mono PERC designs. Bifacial modules based on TOPCon and HJT architectures, which offer higher energy outputs, are increasingly being utilized in floating solar projects and commercial and industrial sectors. Meanwhile, advancements in perovskite tandem, QDSCs, and DSSCs suggest growing maturity, paving the way for BIPV and indoor PV applications.

However, challenges remain. A significant gap exists between module assembly capacity and domestic cell production in many countries, especially for n-type TOPCon and HJT technologies. Consequently, most nations remain heavily reliant on imported cells, particularly from China, where costs are reportedly 20-35 percent lower. This cost disparity, combined with weak vertical integration, hampers the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers and stifles innovation.

To tackle these issues, the industry must adopt a multi-faceted approach. Increasing cell production will require concerted efforts to attract investment for new manufacturing facilities, particularly in wafer and cell production, promote ongoing technological advancements, and enhance workforce capabilities through dedicated skill development initiatives. The growth of ancillary sectors, such as pumped storage, and the establishment of essential infrastructure—including reliable water supply, land availability, and dependable power—will also be critical in supporting solar manufacturing clusters.

Additionally, there is an urgent need to focus on developing indigenous solar cell technologies that are economically viable and tailored to local climatic conditions, which include high temperatures, dust, and humidity. As a price-sensitive market, countries should prioritize technologies that strike a balance between cost, durability, and performance under local operating conditions. This necessitates increased investment in R&D aimed specifically at fostering homegrown solutions rather than relying solely on imported or unproven global technologies.

In summary, a sustained policy push from governments, increased public-private investments, and innovation in high-efficiency PV technologies will be vital to scaling up solar deployment. Countries should aim for greater utilization of emerging and high-efficiency solar modules, not only to meet capacity targets but also to maximize energy output from solar projects.