Understanding global solar trends and what they mean for Indian manufacturers
By Sova Solar

The Solar Race is Evolving — And the Technology is Getting Smarter

As global solar adoption accelerates, so does the push for more efficient, future-ready solar technologies. While PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) has long dominated the market, two next-gen contenders are now in the spotlight:
TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact)
HJT (Heterojunction Technology)

Together, these technologies represent the next leap in solar cell performance, efficiency, and longevity. But the big question remains:

Is India — and its manufacturing ecosystem — ready for this shift?

At Sova Solar, where innovation meets Indian conditions, we’re tracking these trends closely. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are TOPCon and HJT Solar Cells?

TOPCon Technology (N-Type Based)

• Builds on standard PERC architecture but adds a tunnel oxide + polysilicon layer
• Enhances passivation and electron flow, reducing recombination losses
• Efficiency: Typically 22%–24%, higher than standard PERC
• Benefits: Better performance at high temperatures, lower LID (Light-Induced Degradation)

HJT Technology (Heterojunction)

• Combines crystalline silicon with amorphous silicon layers
• Enables bifacial capabilities, capturing light from front and rear
• Efficiency: Can exceed 24%, among the highest in commercial production
• Benefits: Exceptional low-light performance, excellent temperature coefficient, ultra-low degradation

Global Adoption is Accelerating

• China, Europe, and Korea are investing heavily in TOPCon and HJT lines
• Longi, Jinko, and REC have already made commercial-scale shifts
• International buyers and EPCs are demanding higher-efficiency modules to lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)
• TOPCon is rapidly becoming the mainstream successor to PERC, while HJT leads the premium segment

🇮🇳 India’s Challenge — And Opportunity

What’s Holding Us Back:

• High CapEx requirements for new cell lines (TOPCon is CapEx +30%, HJT even higher)
• Limited technology know-how and talent pool in advanced cell architectures
• Inadequate domestic ecosystem for high-purity wafers and equipment
• Lack of clear policy incentives targeting R&D or next-gen upgrades

But Here’s Where India Has an Edge:

• A rapidly growing solar market with 280+ GW capacity target by 2030
• Government push through PLI schemes to support vertical integration
• Growing interest from Indian manufacturers in N-Type cell investments
• Demand from export markets increasingly favoring higher-efficiency products

What Indian Manufacturers Must Do Next

1. Start with R&D and Pilot Lines:- Testing small-scale TOPCon/HJT lines before large-scale investments
2. Collaborate on Technology Transfer:- Work with international partners to localize advanced production techniques
3. Invest in Skilled Talent:- Train engineers and operators in new-gen cell manufacturing
4. Build for Long-Term Demand:- Understand that higher efficiency = better ROI for customers = stronger market share
5. Think Beyond Assembly:- India’s real solar power lies in true manufacturing, not module packaging

Sova Solar’s Perspective: Smart Innovation, Not Blind Adoption

At Sova Solar, we’ve always believed that technology must match reality — especially when building for Indian climates, infrastructure, and customers.

While we’re closely evaluating both TOPCon and HJT technologies for future expansion, we’re equally focused on:

• Ensuring supply chain readiness
• Maintaining Grade A reliability
• Keeping our panels cost-competitive and condition-resilient
  

Because in solar, it’s not just about adopting what’s new — it’s about building what’s right.

Final Thoughts

TOPCon and HJT are no longer just experimental technologies — they’re fast becoming the global standard for solar performance.

India can lead in the next phase of solar manufacturing — but it must be intentional, investment-ready, and innovation-led.

The sun is evolving. The question is — are we?

— Sova Solar
Powering India’s future, one breakthrough at a time.