Innovation in solar technology has always been at the forefront of Trina’s 25-year push toward a more sustainable future, and remaining innovative in this industry requires constant advancement.

Better efficiency, greater reliability, and lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) are just a few examples of the continued successes that have been exciting solar developers and installers. And while most end users might not be as up-to-date on the details and specifications about how their energy options are becoming streamlined and more advanced, it is worth touting these milestones and spreading the word. After all, the more who know about the true power of renewable energy and understand its benefits, the closer the world becomes to achieving a sustainable future.

Introducing N-Type Solar Technology

This type of awareness starts with understanding the different types of solar panels. For example, there are P-Type solar panels, and then there are N-Type solar panels. Simply put, the main difference between these two types is the number of electrons each contains.

To take a step back, all standard silicon solar panels are composed of silicon wafers mixed with various chemicals, generating power production. The difference between P-Types and N-Types involves the chemicals used during manufacturing. Specifically, boron is the chemical mixed with the silicon wafers in a standard P-Type solar panel. Boron has one less electron than silicon, which makes the solar cell positively charged. On the other hand, an N-Type solar cell uses phosphorus, which has one more electron than silicon, and you guessed it—this makes an N-Type solar cell negatively charged.

But what does that mean? In a word: Efficiency.

Traditionally, manufacturers have made solar panels with P-Type cells. However, introducing boron to oxygen can cause the solar cell to lose purity, negatively impacting its efficiency. Boron is also prone to degradation from light. In contrast, phosphorus isn’t, on either account. But these are only the baseline differences. 

The long haul through trial and error in the solar industry has reached a place where it is clear that N-Type solar cells are the more efficient path forward. And not only has Trina already developed a top-of-the-line N-Type solar cell, but it has also proven that this is the path forward by setting a new world record for efficiency.

Trina’s New N-Type Cell Paves the Way

As Trina unveiled its new 210×210 mm monocrystalline N-Type i-TOPCon solar cell, it also announced that it set a new world record for efficiency levels of 25.5%. This result was certified by the National Institute of Metrology of China and further established that the N-Type design is a massive achievement for Trina, the solar community, and, ultimately, the planet.

And what’s more, is that the rollout has begun. Trina has already integrated this technology into their Vertex N and Vertex S+ PV module models. Designed for utilities and C&I partners, the Vertex N boasts up to 590W of power, with a module efficiency of up to 22%, while the Vertex S+ has established a new standard for residential solar.

By integrating N-Type technology into their 210mm Vertex designs, Trina has taken another leap forward in the solar industry, redefining what can be done to reach a more sustainable future.

Want to learn more about N-type PV technology and what it means for the future of the solar industry? Reach out to us today.