Maxwell Technologies has taken part in the 2024 edition of PV CellTech USA, with its North America representative, Dr Gang Shi, delivering a presentation in which he discussed how HJT cell technology, invented over thirty years ago, is contributing to the advancement of the solar industry, as well as the role being played by Maxwell with its full-line HJT cell manufacturing equipment offerings and innovative technology solutions.
For the burgeoning U.S. PV manufacturing sector, HJT is a cell technology that is rising in response to the unique time and conditions. With simple processes, superior efficiency and low degradation, ample room for further cost reduction and efficiency improvement and a lower carbon footprint, HJT can pave the way for the sustainable development of the industry.
Dr. Shi commented: “HJT is widely recognized as a high efficiency cell technology. Although traditional HJT has a few limitations, including the higher cost of N-type wafers and Ag paste and greater Si layer resistance, these challenges have been largely addressed over the past five years.”
Maxwell has developed a range of innovative technologies, including nanocrystalline layer deposition, a manufacturing process for half-sized cells, NBB, Ag coated Cu paste technology, Cu electroplating and low-indium target material. With these advancements, the company collaborates with both upstream and downstream entities in the industry chain to jointly promote the industrialization of HJT cells, resulting in a mass production level which has seen a qualitative leap in terms of cost, the reduction in thickness of a G12 half-sized cell to 110 μm, the replacement of pure Ag paste by Ag coated Cu paste and the NBB technology saving a further 30% in Ag consumption. In terms of efficiency, the application of bifacial nanocrystalline technology has increased this by over 1%, with the mass production power of HJT cell modules (66 G12 cell version) reaching 725W.
Analyzing the unique advantages of HJT in the U.S., Dr Shi pointed out that the initial investment in the technology in the U.S. is comparable to that of TOPCon, but key factors such as labour, water and energy consumption lead to lower manufacturing and operating costs. It is estimated that the non-silicon cost of HJT is about 0.5 cents/W lower than TOPCon. Overall, considering the simple processes, low manpower demand, rapid production and low patent risk, HJT presents a significant set of advantages for U.S. manufacturers.
Based on its industry-leading equipment, technological solutions and professional services, Maxwell has earned the highest global market share for HJT cell equipment for three consecutive years and will continue its commitment to ongoing innovation, focusing on client needs and the provision of advanced, reliable and cost-effective equipment.
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