Trina Solar has broken new ground in solar technology, achieving a 25.9% efficiency milestone with its industrial large-area TOPCon solar cell, marking a significant advancement in photovoltaic (PV) innovation.
The accomplishment, verified by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH CalTeC), establishes a new world record for a 210 x 182 mm² industrial-grade n-type bifacial cell.
This is the 27th world record for efficiency or output achieved by Trina Solar, reinforcing its leading role in PV technology and innovation.
The breakthrough leverages Trina’s proprietary 210 x 182 mm² wafer design, an innovation that optimizes surface area and power output.
With a focus on advanced materials, Trina has integrated phosphorus-doped silicon wafers and an innovative tunnel oxide passivating contact within the structure, further enhanced by high-efficiency light-trapping and fine-line printing technologies. The result is an efficiency gain that propels n-type technology forward, and positions it as a frontrunner in the race for PV optimisation.
Trina’s efficiency achievement is a milestone not only for the company but for the industry, as TOPCon technology continues to gain traction due to its high conversion efficiency and reduced costs.
“TOPCon is shaping up to be the dominant technology in the PV sector, thanks to its cost-effectiveness and significant performance advantages,” commented Dr. Chen Yifeng, Vice President at Trina Solar. “Breaking the 25.9% threshold signals TOPCon’s capability and its substantial potential for wider adoption in the global energy market.”
TOPCon, short for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact, is increasingly seen as the next step in high-efficiency solar cells, replacing earlier monocrystalline and polycrystalline technologies with a more robust solution.
By investing in TOPCon research and development, Trina has positioned itself at the forefront of this technology shift. This year alone, the company has acquired over 500 patents within the TOPCon domain, underscoring its commitment to advancing this high-efficiency solution.
Since pioneering n-type technology research in 2015, Trina Solar has focused on both lab-scale and commercial-scale applications of its findings. As a trailblazer in PV efficiency, the company has continuously pushed the envelope with innovations that balance technical performance with economic feasibility, aiming to increase the viability of solar power as a cornerstone of renewable energy.
Trina Solar’s efforts have led to repeated efficiency milestones, each driving greater competition and advancement within the industry.
The new 25.9% efficiency record, certified by ISFH CalTeC, is set to be acknowledged by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which records global efficiency benchmarks.
This formal recognition by leading international bodies further validates Trina Solar’s technology and serves as a strong endorsement of China’s growing influence in renewable energy technology and innovation.
Industry implications and future prospects
Trina’s efficiency milestone is expected to ripple through the PV industry, influencing not only manufacturers but also investors, utility providers, and governments focused on scaling solar energy. The enhanced efficiency of TOPCon cells reduces the cost per watt, making solar technology more accessible and attractive for large-scale installations, a critical factor as the global market seeks to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Industry analysts have indicated that the advancements by Trina and others in module efficiency are key to meeting global renewable energy goals. By pushing the limits of PV cell performance, companies like Trina Solar can help make solar energy competitive with conventional power sources, bringing the industry closer to grid parity. This is particularly impactful as nations strive to meet decarbonisation targets and ramp up their renewable energy portfolios.
The development of Trina’s HPBC 2.0 model signifies a shift toward greater market adoption of high-efficiency technologies.
As it enters the market, the HPBC 2.0 is expected to spur further research and development across the industry, with competitors likely to intensify their efforts to enhance PV efficiency and scalability.
The impact of Trina’s achievement goes beyond mere numbers; it demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to leading the global energy transition. With a presence in over 100 countries and a focus on integrating advanced PV technology into energy systems worldwide, Trina Solar’s new efficiency benchmark exemplifies how Chinese firms are shaping the renewable energy sector.
