As energy conversion rate requirements are on the rise, investment in the production of N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cells with conversion rates over 20% is likely to take off in 2-3 years, according to industry sources.
In response to increasing energy conversion rate requirements from Europe-, US- and Japan-based clients, China- and Taiwan-based makers have increased investments to shift production from P-type polycrystalline silicon solar cells with a maximum energy conversion rate of 19% to P-type monocrystalline models with conversion rates of 20-21%, the sources said.
If makers want to further hike energy conversion rates, they have to produce N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cells, the sources indicated. However, production of such solar cells requires completely different manufacturing equipment, meaning that large additional capital investments are necessary, the sources noted. Therefore, China- and Taiwan-based solar cell makers are expected to begin investment in the production of N-type monocrystalline models in two to three years, the sources said.
