Silfab Solar has acquired EnPV’s patents for SABC technology, along with its solar PV expert team
It plans to integrate this BC technology in its technology library, especially to optimize the Elite series
EnPV claims that the SABC technology enhances TOPCon solar efficiency at lower costs and can be integrated into existing lines
North American solar PV manufacturer Silfab Solar has acquired the technology patent portfolio of Germany’s solar PV research firm EnPV, which includes the latter’s Self-Aligned Back Contact (SABC) architecture.
A subsidiary of EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg), EnPV has developed a method to ‘upgrade’ mass market TOPCon technology to BC technology at production costs lower than TOPCon.
It uses phosphorous-doped n-type polysilicon by directional physical vapor deposition (PVD) that enables self-aligned separation of polysilicon contacts via shading from PVD at under-etched trenches. The SABC, explains EnPV, incorporates n-type and p-type passivated contacts through tunnel oxide and doped n- and p-type Si layers, respectively, arranged in an interdigitated design on the rear side.
It claims that this method can be integrated into an existing TOPCon manufacturing line with the addition of 2 tools.
Silfab says this proprietary method will help it immediately integrate SABC technology into its technology library, to enable precise alignment and improved electrical performance in cell and module fabrication.
TOPCon is currently the technology of choice for Silfab Solar’s South Carolina factory, which will initially produce 1 GW of solar cells and 1.3 GW of modules. A 1.1 GW module factory in Burlington, Washington already operational.
Along with the trademark and other patents acquired by Silfab, the deal also brings to the manufacturer EnPV’s team of solar experts, who will continue research on next-generation PV solutions for it.
“Acquiring these cutting-edge technology patents and intellectual property will enable us to develop the next generation of solar panels for the Silfab Elite Series and beyond, ensuring we continue to offer our customers high-quality, powerful solar modules manufactured in the U.S. while preserving and protecting strategically important European and American innovation,” explained Silfab Solar President and CEO Paolo Maccario.
Back contact technology is gaining traction in the global solar PV market due to its higher efficiency advantage, and also as TOPCon patent war continues unabated across the globe. On the TaiyangNews TOP SOLAR MODULES Listing, the top 3 spots for commercial module efficiency are occupied by BC technology (see TOP SOLAR MODULES Listing—May 2025).
At the TaiyangNews Solar Technology Conference.India 2025, ISC Konstanz Co-Founder and Director Dr. Radovan Kopecek called BC the future emperor of energy markets (see TaiyangNews STC.I 2025 Day 1: Innovation & Strategic Collaborations Key To India’s Solar Manufacturing Success Story).
TaiyangNews Cell & Module Technology Trends 2025 report covers the latest developments for mainstream cell architectures, namely TOPCon, HJT and BC. The report can be downloaded for free here.
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