Manufacturing challenges associated with N-type solar panels stem primarily from their higher complexity and cost compared to traditional P-type cells, as well as issues related to long-term durability and ultraviolet (UV) degradation:
1. Higher Manufacturing Costs and Complexity
N-type solar cells require more sophisticated production processes, including the use of specialized materials such as amorphous silicon layers and advanced equipment. These factors contribute to significantly higher manufacturing costs relative to P-type cells. The advanced cell designs like TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) and heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HJT) also add to process complexity, requiring careful control and monitoring during fabrication to ensure uniformity and quality.
2. Ultraviolet-Induced Degradation (UVID)
Recent testing has revealed that some N-type TOPCon and HJT panels experience performance losses when exposed to UV light, with up to 40% of tested modules showing at least 5% power loss after accelerated UV exposure. Some modules have exhibited power degradation as high as 16.6%, far exceeding typical warranty limits. This degradation is caused by UV photons breaking chemical bonds within the silicon-hydrogen passivation layers, adversely affecting the cell’s efficiency. Addressing this requires either blocking or converting UV photons before they reach the cell or improving the cell design itself to remove these weaknesses, which adds complexity and cost.
3. Quality Control and Process Precision
To mitigate degradation and ensure product reliability, manufacturers must implement stringent process controls, including precise measurement of passivation layer thickness and intelligent monitoring systems during production. Inadequate control can lead to cell defects that accelerate degradation or reduce performance, making quality assurance a critical manufacturing challenge.
4. Intellectual Property and Licensing Barriers
In some markets, particularly the United States, legal challenges related to patents for advanced N-type technologies like TOPCon limit domestic manufacturing capabilities. This intellectual property landscape restricts access to state-of-the-art N-type designs for some manufacturers, forcing reliance on less efficient P-type cells and hampering scaling of N-type production.
Summary Table: Manufacturing Challenges of N-Type Solar Panels
| Challenge | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Higher manufacturing costs | Complex processes and specialized materials increase production expenses | Limits widespread adoption and scale |
| Ultraviolet-induced degradation | UV exposure causes chemical bond breakage in passivation layers, reducing efficiency | Potential long-term power loss and warranty risks |
| Process precision and quality control | Requires exact layer thickness control and defect monitoring to avoid performance loss | Increases manufacturing complexity and costs |
| Intellectual property issues | Patent disputes (e.g., TOPCon tech) limit access to advanced N-type designs in some regions | Restricts domestic manufacturing capability |
In conclusion, while N-type solar panels offer superior efficiency, lower light-induced degradation, and better longevity compared to P-type panels, their manufacturing involves higher costs, more complex processes, vulnerability to UV-induced efficiency loss, and legal/IP challenges that complicate large-scale production. Overcoming these challenges is critical for wider adoption and cost reduction of N-type solar technology.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-manufacturing-challenges-are-associated-with-n-type-solar-panels/
