There are a few reasons N-type cells tend to be more efficient:The thinner emitter layer in N-type cells reduces recombination losses, allowing more current to be collected. N-type cells are less prone to light-induced degradation, maintaining higher efficiencies over time.
Why are n-type Si solar cells better than P-type solar cells?
N-type Si (silicon) solar cell materials have extremely low boron content, and the light-induced degradation effects caused by boron-oxygen pairs can be largely disregarded. Consequently, N-type Si solar cells possess a longer minority carrier lifetime compared to P-type Si solar cells.
N-Type technology shines in this regard, offering remarkable resistance to common degradation mechanisms that affect solar cells. Light Induced Degradation (LID) and Potential Induced Degradation (PID) are two phenomena that can significantly reduce the performance of P-Type solar cells over time.
However, there are some limitations in making n-type solar cells considering the technologies involved to fabricate p-type cells. In this paper, different advantages of n-types wafers, their limitations in solar cell production, and an analysis of total market coverage are discussed.
Are n-type solar cells good for LCOE?
With the increasing market share of n-type wafers and the obtainability of n-type modules at suitable price levels, a higher awareness among product users about the LID issue of p-type modules is expected soon, outlining another benefit of n-type solar cells in terms of LCOE.
Higher Efficiency: N-type solar cells typically offer higher efficiency rates, due to their lower rate of light-induced degradation and better performance under high temperatures. Less Degradation: These panels are less susceptible to the types of degradation that affect P-type panels, making them more durable over time.
P-type Solar Cells (1) In terms of bifacial rate, N-type solar cells have a higher bifacial rate than P-type solar cells. The PERC (P-Type) cell has a bifacial rate of 75%, TOPCon (N-Type) has a bifacial rate of 85%, and HJT (N-Type) has a bifacial rate of approximately 95%.