Chinese researchers boost TOPCon solar cell efficiency above 26%

Researchers from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) and Soochow University in China have achieved a breakthrough in solar cell efficiency. By utilizing an aluminum-free silver paste combined with laser-assisted contact optimization (LECO), the team has pushed the energy conversion efficiency of industrial TOPCon (tunnel oxide passivated contact) cells beyond 26.31%.

This development is significant because it addresses a historical bottleneck in photovoltaic technology regarding electrical conductivity and cell protection. Crucially, the new method allows for increased efficiency without requiring manufacturers to overhaul existing production lines or invest in entirely new machinery, offering a cost-effective path for industrial commercialization.