The global PV manufacturing landscape is entering a phase where technology roadmaps are increasingly diverging across regions. In China, where manufacturing overcapacity continues, most companies are moving beyond the first generation of TOPCon towards next-generation architectures incorporating innovations such as rear polyfingers and edge passivation. At the same time, several leading manufacturers are expanding into back-contact (BC) architecture, while some are already exploring hybrid BC structures to further improve cell performance. Beyond crystalline silicon, the industry’s long-term focus is gradually shifting towards perovskite-based tandem technologies, with growing attention on pilot production and equipment readiness.
The picture is vastly different outside China. While most new manufacturing projects in India, the world’s fastest growing and now second largest solar manufacturing hub, are based on first-generation TOPCon cell technology, Europe and North America are exploring a broader portfolio of technologies, including selective interest in heterojunction (HJT) and next-gen tandem cell concepts. As a result, equipment suppliers are increasingly required to address diverse manufacturing requirements rather than a single technology roadmap. As part of this, equipment vendors are developing flexible and scalable tool platforms that enable manufacturers to transition from TOPCon to BC with minimal changes, while simultaneously preparing production solutions for tandem technologies.
At the module level, manufacturing innovations are increasingly focused on multi-cut cell configurations and zero-busbar (0BB) interconnection.
There are also developments in area metallization pastes and encapsulation materials – the 2 key process consumables that play a critical role in improving cell and module manufacturing efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing module reliability.
Reflecting these developments, the TaiyangNews Cell & Module Production Equipment & Processing Materials Conference will bring together leading equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, and PV makers to discuss the latest advances across the cell and module manufacturing value chain.
Registration will start soon.
