China’s Trina Solar (688599.SS) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in solar technology, setting a new world record for conversion efficiency in its n-type fully passivated heterojunction (HJT) modules. The company announced the achievement on Monday, following certification by Germany’s Fraunhofer CalLab, a leading solar research institute.
A Leap Forward in Efficiency
In laboratory tests, Trina’s HJT modules demonstrated an impressive 25.44% efficiency. This refers to the percentage of sunlight converted into usable electricity, a key metric in solar technology. By enhancing cell efficiency, solar installations can be downsized while costs are reduced, offering a significant advantage in the renewable energy market.
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The technology behind the achievement, known as passivation, involves covering surface defects on solar cells to improve their performance. According to Professor Martin Green from the University of New South Wales, Sydney—whose lab previously held the efficiency record for decades—the result underscores the promise of HJT as a next-generation solar technology.
“In the long run, it’s all about efficiency,” Green said. “Even if some technologies are initially more expensive, costs tend to drop quickly as the industry adapts and scales up.”
Trina Solar’s Vision
Trina Solar’s Chairman and CEO, Gao Jifan, emphasised the company’s commitment to advancing passivated solar technology through ongoing research and development. “This achievement strengthens our leadership in solar technology, and we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation,” he stated.
The Future of HJT Technology
While HJT technology currently represents a small share of the market—estimated at 7% of high-efficiency solar cell capacity in 2024, rising to 9% by 2026—it holds significant potential. However, it faces stiff competition from TopCON (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology, which is projected to dominate the market over the next five years.
This milestone not only represents a breakthrough for HJT technology but also sets a new benchmark for the photoelectric conversion efficiency of single-crystalline silicon solar cell modules, Trina noted in its statement.
As the race for efficiency continues, innovations like these are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of renewable energy.
