Key takeaways:
While TOPCon remains the dominant manufacturing platform, the emergence of back-contact technology introduces more fundamental changes to module interconnection
Design changes such as SMBB, 0BB, and increasingly fine multi-cut cells require broader line-level adaptations rather than isolated equipment upgrades
Equipment development is increasingly focused on higher throughput, improved yield, uptime, and greater flexibility to accommodate shorter technology cycles
PV module production equipment closely follows developments in module design, while cell technology continues to represent the primary source of differentiation among final PV products. At a broader level, TOPCon has emerged as the industry workhorse. In markets such as India, manufacturers are still building operational experience around TOPCon. In China, however, back-contact (BC) technology has become the current focus, with several leading manufacturers developing pilot lines and prototype products based on BC architectures. From a module production perspective, the transition from PERC to TOPCon is rather easily manageable, as many processes and interconnection concepts can be adapted. BC technology, by contrast, represents a more fundamental shift. With contacts of both polarities located on the rear side, BC requires a redesigned interconnection framework, which not only introduces new challenges but also opens up alternative interconnection options. In addition, BC modules demand a different bill of materials, necessitating further optimization across multiple processes within the module factory. Beyond accommodating cell-level transitions, equipment suppliers to module manufacturers must also respond to rapid evolution at the module-design level. Developments such as the move from MBB to Super-MBB (SMBB), zero-busbar (0BB), and increasingly fine multi-cut cell formats place new demands on production tools. These changes require substantial adaptation and optimization across much of the module production line, rather than isolated equipment upgrades. At the same time, there has been a steady improvement in the fundamental performance characteristics of module production equipment, including throughput, uptime, and yield. As technology cycles shorten and design complexity increases, flexibility has become a critical requirement for equipment platforms.
These technologies, optimizations, and requisites translate differently across the various production stages of a module line. Hence, the key development trends vary by process station and the corresponding equipment used.
A summary of key technology trends for production equipment used in key module production processes – interconnection, auto-layup, auto-bussing, lamination, and IV testing – within the scope of TaiyangNews Solar Module Production Equipment Market Survey is presented in Chapter 3 of the survey report.
The text is an edited excerpt from TaiyangNews’ latest Market Survey on Solar Module Production Equipment 2026, which can be downloaded for free here.