{ All Black Solar Panel }

  • Do you know what the Topcon technology for photovoltaic cells is?

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    When talking about the Topcon technology (Topcon technology All Black Solar Panel) for photovoltaic cells, we are actually talking about an advanced solar cell production technology that offers significant advantages in terms of improved cell conversion efficiency and performance. topcon, or "Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact", is a surface engineering method that achieves enhanced electron conductivity and carrier surface complex losses by introducing specific amorphous silicon (a-Si) or microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si) thin films to the front and back surfaces of the cell. Topcon, or "Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact", is a surface engineering method that enhances electronic conductivity and reduces carrier surface complex losses by introducing specific amorphous silicon (a-Si) or microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si) films on the front and back surfaces of the cell. 

    Topcon technology Solar Panel

     

    The core idea of the Topcon technology lies in the fact that passivation films are applied to both the positive (front surface) and negative (back surface) surfaces of the photovoltaic cell during the fabrication process, and these films play a key role in reducing electron-hole complex losses, improving electronic conductivity, and inhibiting surface reactions.

     

    In the process, firstly, a layer of amorphous silicon or microcrystalline silicon film is coated on the front and back surfaces of the cell, respectively, by methods such as physical vapour deposition (PECVD). These films have excellent electronic conductivity and passivation properties, which can effectively reduce the surface compounding phenomenon of carriers. In addition, by forming a special oxide layer called "tunnel oxide" on the front surface of the cell, the collection and transport of carriers can be further enhanced, thus improving the efficiency of the cell.

     

    The advantage of the Topcon technology is that it integrates the optimisation of the performance of the positive and negative surfaces through the design of the double-sided passivation, which significantly reduces the loss of electrons and holes from the complex on the surface. This helps to improve the efficiency of PV cells and provide more stable performance, especially in high temperature environments.

     

    However, it is to be noted that the manufacturing process of the Topcon technology is more complex than the conventional process, which may lead to an increase in production costs. Therefore, in practical applications, the choice of whether to adopt the Topcon technology needs to be based on a combination of investment costs and the benefits of efficiency improvements. Overall, the Topcon technology represents an significant technological innovation in the field of solar cells and offers potential opportunities for further development of the photovoltaic industry and improvement of energy conversion efficiency.

  • ALL-BLACK VS. TRADITIONAL PANELS

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    So, what is the deal with all black-solar panels? Most solar panel manufacturing companies now have an all-black model, which is becoming more and more popular with customers. However, many people get confused about the difference between the two, and don’t know which type of panel is better for their home.

    MONOCRYSTALLINE VS. POLYCRYSTALLINE

    Before discussing all-black panels, we first must differentiate between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. In summary, polycrystalline panels are less efficient because some crystal formation occurs when they are being made. These crystals make it harder for electrons to flow through the cells.  On the other hand, a lack of crystal formation in monocrystalline panels allows fir easy electron flow, making these panels more efficient.  Because they are more efficient, they are also more expensive. Additionally, monocrystalline panels are darker in color, while polycrystalline panels have the traditional blue color.

    Here is the visual difference between the two: monocrystalline is on the left and polycrystalline is on the right.

    BLACK SHEETS AND FRAMES

    There is a difference between a traditional dark-colored monocrystalline panel and these all-black models that we are talking about. Regular monocrystalline panels still have a white sheet and frame, while all-black panels have black sheets and frame. Below you can see the difference. The picture on the left shows traditional monocrystalline panels up close. The photo on the right shows a whole array panels with black sheets.

     
    EFFICIENCY COMPARISON

    Although the black sheets and frame gives these black panels a sleeker look, this does slightly decrease efficiency. All-black panels not only heat up more quickly, but also allow for less light trapping. Both factors decrease efficiency. On panels with white sheets, unused light is reflected then trapped to be used by the solar cell. This increases the cell’s current and makes cells with white sheet slightly more efficient. However, overall, all black panels are only 0.5% less efficient, so it is not a huge difference.

    THE ROLE OF AESTHETICS

    So, as it turns out, the major difference between all black panels and traditional, white-framed ones is simply the aesthetic. Many customers are concerned about how the solar array will look on their house, and for that reason they decide on the all-black panels. So, if you want a sleeker aesthetic from your array, the choice seems to be all-black array, as long as you are okay with sacrificing a little efficiency. However, if you want the most efficient and best deal for your investment, then traditional, white-framed panels are the way to go. All our most popular manufacturers sell both all-black and traditional models!