What it is, why it matters, and how it’s shaping the future of high-efficiency solar manufacturing
By Sova Solar

The Solar Industry is Evolving — And So is the Technology

As solar adoption surges worldwide, the demand for higher efficiency, longer lifespan, and better thermal performance is pushing the industry beyond traditional PERC technology.

Enter TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) — the rising star in solar cell innovation.

At Sova Solar, where we’ve been focused on engineering performance since 2008, we believe that understanding emerging technologies like TOPCon is crucial for the next chapter of India’s solar manufacturing journey.

Let’s decode this powerful advancement.

What is TOPCon?

TOPCon stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact — an advanced cell technology that enhances the passivation and electron collection process compared to conventional PERC cells.

It is built on a high-efficiency N-type silicon base, layered with an ultra-thin tunnel oxide and a doped polysilicon contact. This structure improves carrier selectivity and minimizes recombination loss — making it a next-generation alternative to PERC.

How TOPCon Differs from PERC

Understanding the key distinctions between TOPCon and PERC helps clarify why TOPCon is considered the next evolutionary step in solar cell technology:

Base Cell Type

• PERC: Built on P-type silicon, more prone to light-induced degradation.
• TOPCon: Uses N-type silicon, which is more stable and less prone to performance loss.

Efficiency

• PERC: Offers average cell efficiencies around 20–22%.
• TOPCon: Delivers higher efficiencies, typically in the 22–24% range.

Degradation

• PERC: More susceptible to LID (Light-Induced Degradation) and PID (Potential-Induced Degradation).
• TOPCon: Shows much lower degradation over time due to better material stability.

Temperature Performance

• PERC: Moderate performance drop in high temperatures.
• TOPCon: Superior temperature coefficient, making it better suited for hot climates like India.

Bifacial Compatibility

• PERC: Limited bifacial adaptability.
• TOPCon: Naturally suited for bifacial designs, allowing for higher energy yield.

Long-Term Output

• PERC: Stable but may show faster degradation under tough conditions.
• TOPCon: Offers stronger long-term performance with consistent energy output for 25+ years.

Key Benefits of TOPCon Technology

• Higher Efficiency:- Thanks to its advanced cell structure, TOPCon delivers 2–3% more efficiency than PERC on average.
• Lower Degradation Rates:- N-type cells are inherently more stable and resist LID (Light-Induced Degradation) and PID (Potential-Induced Degradation).
• Superior Temperature Performance:- With a better temperature coefficient, TOPCon maintains output even in hot Indian climates.
• Bifacial Potential:- Most TOPCon modules are bifacial, capturing sunlight from both sides — boosting yield without increasing land area.
• Future-Proof Technology:- As global module efficiency benchmarks rise, TOPCon aligns with the expectations of next-gen solar buyers and EPCs.

Global Market is Adopting TOPCon — Fast

• Major global players like Jinko, JA Solar, and Trina are already scaling up TOPCon production.
• Europe and the U.S. are actively sourcing high-efficiency bifacial modules for utility-scale projects.
• TOPCon is expected to overtake PERC in global shipments by 2026, according to Wood Mackenzie.

🇮🇳 Is India Ready for TOPCon?

India has the ambition. But unlocking the potential of TOPCon will require:

Infrastructure Readiness

• TOPCon production demands high-precision equipment, advanced diffusion furnaces, and tighter process control.

Investment in CapEx

• Setting up a TOPCon line is 20–30% more capital-intensive than PERC — requiring financial incentives and strategic funding.

Skilled Workforce

• Operating and maintaining a TOPCon line requires specialized engineering capabilities and cleanroom discipline.

Supply Chain Support

• Key inputs like N-type wafers, polysilicon, and compatible encapsulation materials need to be locally available at scale.

Sova Solar’s View: Innovation with Intention

At Sova Solar, we recognize that TOPCon is more than just a tech upgrade — it’s a signal that the solar manufacturing race is becoming more advanced, more competitive, and more performance-driven.

While we are actively evaluating TOPCon integration into our future roadmap, our core focus remains:

• Ensuring long-term reliability
• Matching technology to Indian climate realities
• Balancing innovation with affordability and scalability

We believe that India’s solar future must be built on tech that works — not just in labs, but in the field.

Final Word

TOPCon is not a distant innovation — it’s already shaping global solar procurement standards. For Indian manufacturers and EPCs, the time to adapt is now.

Efficiency will define competitiveness.
Longevity will define trust.
And advanced tech like TOPCon will define the next era of solar manufacturing.

— Sova Solar
Powering India’s energy future through quality, precision, and purpose.