Finding the Cell to Module Performance Values for Industrial TOPCon and HJT Technologies

This paper examines the cell-to-module (CTM) power conversion efficiency for glass-glass (GG) solar modules available on the market. Despite the impressive efficiency records reported by cell manufacturers of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) and Heterojunction (HJT) cell technologies, a corresponding substantial increase in module power output is not consistently observed. Our analysis reveals a trade-off, where either higher CTM efficiency is achieved with relatively lower cell efficiency, or vice versa, to meet competitive module power outputs. This study highlights the critical need for accurate assessments of CTM loss and gain mechanisms to better understand their impact on overall cell and module efficiencies. Several photovoltaic (PV) suppliers were analyzed through simulations and calculations to determine the actual CTM power and efficiency conversion values. Results from four different suppliers using various cell technologies demonstrate that CTM power performance consistently exceeds 100%.