North American solar company Silfab Solar says it expects to become the 1st US solar manufacturer to deliver Made-in-America n-type TOPCon solar panels with domestically produced n-type TOPCon cells when it releases its premium line in Q1/2024.
Among the 2 TOPCon modules it plans to launch early next year are Silfab Commercial NTC panels with increased power output, higher efficiency in low light conditions and improved shade tolerance. These will be available in H1/2024 for the commercial segment.
Silfab Prime NTC for residential modules will be black to match the aesthetics of homes. It has not disclosed any other details about the new range of modules.
The manufacturer also aims to release its next generation Silfab Elite 430 BG+ in Q1/2024, comprising the company's proprietary X-Cell design, back contact integrated cell design and additional half-cell features. Silfab says it currently offers the module as Silfab Elite 410 and 420.
"TOPCon is another milestone in Silfab's ongoing commitment to innovation and technological advancements to meet growing demand for high-quality, made-in-America PV solar," said Silfab President and CEO Paolo Maccario.
Already operating solar module facilities in Bellingham and Burlington in the US, and Toronto in Canada, Silfab is adding another US factory to its name with 1 GW solar cell and an additional 1.2 GW module assembly capacity. Th new fab is scheduled to be commissioned by mid- to late-2024 at an undisclosed location (see Silfab Solar Raises Capital For GW-Scale US Production Fab).
It added, "Under current production schedules, Silfab will incorporate these domestically produced N-type TOPCon cells into Silfab's most-advanced TOPCon PV modules that will be completely assembled at a USA facility with deliveries expected later in 2024."
Earlier this month, Silfab announced a long-term supply agreement with Norway's NorSun to secure Western-made silicon wafers for its high-performance modules. NorSun has temporarily shuttered its plant, but plans to launch a 5 GW wafer fab in the US (see European Solar Wafer Manufacturer In Trouble).