On October 20, Trina Solar’s National Key Laboratory for Photovoltaic Science and Technology announced that its self-developed high-efficiency N-Type i-TOPCon cells achieved a maximum efficiency of 25.9%, certified by the testing laboratory of the German Institute for Solar Energy Research (ISFH). This milestone marks a new world record for large-area industrial N-Type monocrystalline silicon TOPCon cells and is Trina Solar’s 27th world record.
The record-breaking cell features Trina Solar’s innovative 210×182 mm² large-area, phosphorus-doped N-Type silicon substrate, integrating advanced quantum tunneling passivation technology, low recombination current density emitter technology, front-and-back optical trapping design, and state-of-the-art metallization. These innovations significantly enhance the optical and electrical performance of the cells.
Dr. Chen Yifeng, Vice President of Trina Solar and Deputy Director of the National Key Laboratory, stated, “We are thrilled to announce that our large-area high-efficiency N-Type i-TOPCon cell has achieved a maximum efficiency of 25.9% certified by ISFH CalTech. This not only sets a new efficiency record for large-area TOPCon cells but also breaks the world record for N-Type TOPCon cells established by Fraunhofer ISE since 2017. This signifies that TOPCon technology is opening new avenues for efficiency improvement. While it is currently the most mature and cost-effective technology in the industry, there remains substantial room for future development and technical potential.”
Trina Solar began its TOPCon research in 2015, being the first in China to develop this technology and file the initial patents. The company pioneered the dual-sided “i-TOPCon” cell structure and its associated processes. In 2018, Trina Solar was the first to industrialize i-TOPCon cells, leading the way for the commercialization of advanced technologies within the industry. In 2019, Trina Solar set a world record for large-area i-TOPCon cells and was included in the Efficiency Table edited by Martin Green, as well as the NREL solar cell world record list.
In May 2023, Trina Solar launched the next generation of i-TOPCon Advanced technology, which fully utilized the 210 product technology. The Supreme 210+ N-Type 700W+ modules achieved mass production in August, making Trina Solar the first manufacturer in the industry to surpass 700W in TOPCon module production. In December of the same year, Trina Solar announced an upgrade to its N-Type i-TOPCon Advanced technology, with the Supreme 210+ N modules reaching a maximum power of 720.53W. In April 2024, Trina Solar’s self-developed 210+ N-Type i-TOPCon photovoltaic modules received certification from TÜV Rheinland, achieving a maximum output power of 740.6W, setting world records in both conversion efficiency and module output power.
