Why Are BC Solar Cell Panels Expensive? Every Penny Spent Is for Quality

You may have noticed that BC (Back Contact) modules are often priced significantly higher than traditional ones in the market. So, why exactly are BC Solar cell panels so expensive? In fact, every penny is spent on advancements in technology and material optimization. Let’s break it down step by step, from wafers and solar cells to the module itself, as BC solar cell technology undergoes deep innovation and upgrades at every stage.

Wafers:

Reduced Oxygen Content and Improved Minority Carrier Lifetime In traditional solar manufacturing, wafers produced using the Czochralski process tend to have high oxygen content, negatively impacting the conversion efficiency of solar cells. The higher the oxygen content, the worse the wafer’s crystallinity and minority carrier lifetime, directly affecting the performance of the cell.

BC Module Innovation:

Aiko Solar developed the Lightly Doped Magnetic Czochralski Method (LD-MCZ), which introduces a stable magnetic field during wafer production, reducing the oxygen content and improving minority carrier lifetime by nearly tenfold compared to traditional techniques. This means a substantial improvement in wafer quality, laying the foundation for solar cells to achieve over 27% mass production efficiency.

Where the cost comes in:

The use of higher-quality wafer manufacturing technology increases costs, but it significantly boosts the conversion efficiency of solar cells, giving BC modules superior performance.

Solar Cells:

Optimized Printing and Silver Paste BC solar panel not only optimize wafers but also make significant advancements in solar cell manufacturing.

Printing Optimization:

They utilize ultrafast laser patterning technology, employing femtosecond, picosecond, or even sub-picosecond lasers. This technology allows for rapid and precise surface patterning of the solar cells, enabling cost-effective, high-capacity mass production.

Silver Paste Optimization:

Another standout feature of BC modules is their use of silver-free metallization coating technology, eliminating reliance on traditional silver paste. This drastically reduces manufacturing costs and addresses the issue of price instability caused by fluctuations in silver prices.

Where the cost comes in:

Implementing printing optimization and silver-free technology requires advanced equipment and technical support. This technological investment is reflected directly in module costs, but it also paves the way for even lower production costs in the future.

Modules:

Upgraded String Welding Process While the string welding process for traditional modules is relatively mature, BC modules have undergone a comprehensive upgrade in this area. BC modules use specialized BC string welding machines that employ resistance welding technology, combining current heating and pressure to achieve tighter connections. To ensure the best connection between solar cells and modules, surface treatment and cleaning are required before welding, enhancing the overall process.

Where the cost comes in:

This string welding process is more complex, requiring specialized equipment and additional pre-treatment steps. Every detail improved directly enhances the module’s efficiency and durability, but it also increases manufacturing costs.

Conclusion: Why Are They Expensive?

From wafers to solar cells to modules, every aspect of BC technology is focused on achieving higher conversion efficiency and longer service life. The use of innovative processes and advanced materials means that BC modules are more expensive to produce than traditional ones, but their performance and efficiency are also significantly higher.

Thus, every penny spent on BC modules goes towards improving efficiency and quality through technological advancements. While the current costs are high, they are expected to decrease as the technology becomes more widespread and the manufacturing processes mature. In the future, BC technology is poised to lead the development of the entire photovoltaic industry.

Do you believe BC is the future?

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