Canadian Solar to Mass Produce TOPCon Modules in 2023

Global solar conglomerate Canadian Solar has announced that its majority-owned subsidiary CSI Solar Co. Ltd. will start mass production of high efficiency N-type TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar modules in the first quarter of 2023. The move comes even as other industry majors like Jinko Solar and Trina Solar have indicated that n-type modules are the next big shift in manufacturing of modules.

Canadian Solar claims its TOPCon modules to be best in class and have a power output of up to 690W, and a cell conversion efficiency of around 25.0%, which is 1.5% higher than the average cell efficiency of the mainstream products in the market.

The solar firm held that TOPCon modules will increase energy yield of PV systems and deliver competitive BOS (balance of system) cost savings and LCOEs (levelized cost of electricity) for solar power plants, compared to PERC modules.

The company will provide a diversified portfolio of the TOPCon products to meet the needs for utility-scale, commercial and residential markets. The TOPCon portfolio includes the 182mm cell based bifacial TOPBiHiKu6 (555W-570W) and monofacial TOPHiKu6 (420W-575W) modules, and the 210mm cell based bifacial TOPBiHiKu7 (615W-690W) modules.

Canadian Solar looks to deliver the 182mm cell based TOPCon modules in the first quarter of 2023 and will start mass production of the 210mm cell based TOPCon modules in the second quarter of 2023. TOPCon module shipments are expected to account for around 30% of the Company’s 2023 total module shipments.

Canadian Solar expects the TOPCon modules to solidify its product and technology leadership while further increasing customers’ return on investment.

Temperature coefficient of the modules is as low as -0.30%/℃, and therefore, the product will have better performance under hot environments compared to the mainstream products in the market.

Canadian Solar said that there is no Boron-oxygen related LID; hence, less power degradation in modules.

The company claims power degradation of the TOPCon modules at only 1.0% after 2,000 hours of damp and heat, compared to 1.9% degradation of PERC modules under similar test.

Canadian Solar also offers 30-year limited performance warranty for monofacial TOPCon modules compared to 25-year for mainstream monofacial products in the market.