# Chinese TOPCon solar cell efficiency breakthrough

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-topcon-solar-cell-efficiency-breakthrough
> Updated: 2026-08-24T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Researchers from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Soochow University have developed a new metallisation method for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) silicon solar cells. 

The technique utilizes an aluminium-free silver paste combined with laser-enhanced contact optimisation (LECO) to achieve a certified power-conversion efficiency of 26.31%. This method allows for ultra-thin, high-aspect-ratio gridlines and eliminates the high-temperature firing step that typically damages the passivation layer. 

As detailed in a study published in the journal Matter, the LECO method uses high-precision laser beams to apply heat only to specific electrical contact points rather than using industrial ovens to heat the entire plate. This prevents damage to the silicon’s protective film and reduces surface shadowing, allowing for greater light capture. 

Because the process can be integrated into existing production lines, it offers a cost-effective way to increase photovoltaic panel performance without requiring major factory retooling. The technology is already impacting global markets; for instance, Filipe Ferraz, a director at Grupo Solare in Brazil, noted that the increase in module power density—moving from 330 W to 610 W models in similar spaces—has “significantly transformed the sector.”

## Claims

- The Chinese Academy of Sciences released a study published in the journal Matter regarding solar cell efficiency. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Researchers developed a new technology that achieved a record silicon solar cell efficiency of 26.31%. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The new method uses a special silver ink without aluminum combined with Laser Enhanced Contact Optimization (LECO). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The LECO process uses a high-precision laser beam to apply localized heat to electrical contact points. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Filipe Ferraz, credit management director at Grupo Solare, noted that module power increases have transformed the market. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- High-density solar modules have increased in power from 330 W to 610 W in the same space. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Solar cell efficiency reaches record 26.31% via new technology

Chinese researchers have achieved a record 26.31% efficiency in silicon solar cells using a new laser-based contact method (LECO) that minimizes energy loss and shadowing.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/solar-cell-efficiency-reaches-record-2631-via-new-technology

### 2026-08-21: Chinese researchers boost TOPCon solar cell efficiency above 26%

Chinese scientists have boosted TOPCon solar cell efficiency to over 26.31% using aluminum-free silver paste and laser treatment, a method compatible with existing manufacturing lines.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinese-researchers-boost-topcon-solar-cell-efficiency-above-26

### 2026-08-06: Chinese researchers achieve record 26.3% efficiency in TOPCon solar cells

Chinese researchers using aluminium‑free silver paste and laser‑enhanced contacts have pushed TOPCon silicon solar cells to a certified 26.31% efficiency, a record that could improve panel performance without a

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinese-researchers-achieve-record-263-efficiency-in-topcon-solar-cells

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Cite as: Chinese TOPCon solar cell efficiency breakthrough. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-topcon-solar-cell-efficiency-breakthrough