Always committed to improving the performance and reliability of its photovoltaic modules, CSI Solar constantly works on developing technologies to maximize the efficiency of its products.
Since 2019, it has been dedicated to the development of N-type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide ivated ) technology, with modules based on different cell sizes, such as 182 x 210 mm and 210 x 210 mm, offering flexibility for various applications.
Based on 182 x 210 mm rectangular cells, the 182 Pro TOPCon bifacial modules have 66 cells, dimensions of 2382 x 1134 mm with power of up to 630Wp and efficiency of up to 23.3%, and can be applied in C&I or Utility segments.
Due to the optimized dimensions and storage method, the container utilization rate can be maximized with a capacity utilization rate of up to 99.8%. This means that the power per container for 182 Pro TOPCon modules can reach up to 453.6kW, representing an increase of approximately 8,0% compared to modules based on 182 x 182 mm cells.
By delivering more power per container, it is possible to reduce BOS (Balance of System) costs and LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy), which adds significant value for customers.
Furthermore, when compared to 182N 72-cell modules, the 182 Pro module allows increasing the number of modules per string for both fixed systems and installations with trackers, due to its lower open circuit voltage (Voc), which also contributes to reducing system costs.
However, one factor that significantly influences the performance of PV modules is the operating temperature. TOPCon 182 Pro modules use N-type silicon wafers with extended minority carrier lifetimes, combined with the implementation of advanced tunnel oxide ivation technology.
This approach involves improving the cell's open circuit voltage (Voc) by depositing an ultrathin oxide layer and doping a polysilicon layer on the backside of the cell, facilitating effective interface ivation and contributing to a more favorable temperature coefficient in the module.
As a result, TOPCon modules outperform PERC modules in high-temperature environments, as demonstrated in Figure 2.
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Figure 2 – Influence of Module Temperature on its Energy Generation
In the cell design, narrower and more numerous fingers (small metal lines that collect the energy generated in the photovoltaic cells and deliver it to the busbars) are implemented. This minimizes transmission distances, reduces shadowing areas and effectively reduces series resistance and silver paste consumption.
Through simulations and experimental validations, it was determined that 16 busbars represent the ideal configuration to maximize output power in the 182 Pro TOPCon modules, as seen in Figure 3.
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Figure 3 – Relationship between the number of busbars and the output power
The TOPCon cell is designed with a symmetrical design on the front and back faces of the cell, allowing for a smaller shadow area compared to PERC.
By combining multiple bifaciality-enhancing technologies at both the cell and module levels, TOPCon 182 Pro modules can achieve bifaciality of up to 85%, a significant gain when compared to PERC technology.
In of reliability, in addition to being certified by external laboratories, these modules undergo an internal testing protocol that is 2 to 3 times more rigorous than IEC standards, ensuring high product reliability (Table 1).
Table 1: Internal testing protocol
| Tests | IEC 61730/61215 | CSI Internal Protocol |
| DH (Damp Heat) | 1000 hours | 2000~3000 hours |
| TC (Thermal Cycling) | 200 cycles | 400~600 cycles |
| HF (Humidity Freeze) | 10 cycles | 20~30 cycles |
| PID (Potential Induced Degradation) | 96 hours | 192 hours |
As shown in Table 1, the test results show that TOPCon modules exhibited superior performance compared to PERC modules.
Taking the Damp Heat (DH) test as an example, TOPCon bifacial modules showed less than 2% power degradation after the DH2000 test, which was well below the 5% required by the IEC standard after the DH1000 test.
CSI Solar has also developed a cell-level UV assessment method for daily monitoring. After 60kWh/m² UV irradiation, TOPCon cells showed approximately 0,2% less degradation compared to PERC cells, as shown in Figure 4, once again ensuring the reliability of the tested products.
- Figure 4 – Results of ing tests of PERC and TOPCon modules
Finally, another great advantage of the 182 Pro modules is related to system compatibility, since they are mechanically compatible with traditional mounting systems and electrically compatible with the main brands of string inverters (including Canadian inverters).
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.
