In the quest for harnessing more electricity from sunlight, scientists and engineers continually push the boundaries of solar technology. Among the latest innovations in the consumer solar panels market is Heterojunction technology (HJT), a method that has gained prominence over the last decade for its exceptional efficiency and power output. This article aims to provide insights into HJT and help business owners, specifically those considering Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), make informed decisions about incorporating this cutting-edge technology into their structures.
Understanding Heterojunction Solar
Heterojunction technology (HJT) represents a groundbreaking solar panel production method, emerging as the most effective process in the solar industry for enhancing efficiency. Developed by SANYO (now Panasonic) in the 1980s, early HJT modules achieved 14.4% efficiency. Today, these modules can reach efficiencies of up to 25%, surpassing the performance of the widely used PERC technology.
How HJT Works
Heterojunction solar panels consist of three layers of photovoltaic material, seamlessly combining crystalline silicon and amorphous “thin-film” silicon technologies. The top layer of amorphous silicon captures sunlight, including reflected light, while the middle layer of monocrystalline silicon converts most of the sunlight into electricity. The final layer of amorphous thin-film silicon captures remaining photons that pass through the first two layers. This synergy results in significantly higher energy harvesting compared to using these technologies individually.
Advantages of Heterojunction Solar Cells
- Higher Efficiency: Most HJT panels on the market boast efficiencies ranging from 19.9% to 21.7%, a substantial improvement over conventional monocrystalline cells.
- Cost Savings: The use of cost-effective amorphous silicon in HJT panels, with its shorter manufacturing process, has the potential to make HJT more affordable than alternative solutions.
- Resilience and Adaptability: HJT technology excels in extreme weather conditions, with lower temperature coefficients than conventional solar panels, ensuring high performance at elevated temperatures.
- Extended Life Expectancy: While thin-film photovoltaic modules typically last up to 25 years, HJT solar cells can remain fully functional for well over 30 years.
The Future of HJT Solar
Given the numerous advantages, it is likely that more companies will adopt HJT technology in the future. The simplified manufacturing process, requiring four fewer steps than PERC technology, presents an opportunity for significant cost savings. According to the ITRPV 2019 report, HJT cells are projected to capture a market share of 12% by 2026 and 15% in 2029.
Trust Integra Energy Group with Your Next Project
Investing in solar panels is a substantial commitment, underscoring the importance of partnering with a trusted energy management company. At Integra Energy Group, we are dedicated to innovative approaches in science, aiming to exceed customer expectations by providing a diverse range of energy management solutions. Our commitment is to lower your external energy sourcing needs through leading technologies, strategies, and a focus on maximizing your building’s return on investment.
