If you decide to buy a balcony power plant, you should make sure to choose a model with the longest possible guarantee when purchasing. Nevertheless, it cannot be avoided that solar panels in particular lose their efficiency over time. The new TOPCon technology is intended to prevent this.
A balcony power plant includes solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. N-type cells or TOPCon technology often play a crucial role in the latest generation of solar cells. What’s special: This technology is intended to increase the efficiency of the panels.
Balcony power plants: What is important about N-type solar panels?
N-type solar modules represent a further development of the previously known P-type solar cells. The difference between the two types of panels lies in the doping of the silicon. This is an important component in the production of solar cells. But what exactly are the differences?
- P-type silicon: Here the base layer is doped with elements such as boron, which generate positive charge carriers and create so-called electron holes.
- N-type silicon: In contrast to the P-type, the base layer is doped with elements such as phosphorus or arsenic. The combination with silicon results in excess free electrons, causing the cells to be negatively charged.
These free electrons allow N-type solar cells to have higher conductivity. This means that electrical power can be transported better this way. This results in greater efficiency, especially in weak sunlight. According to the manufacturers, N-type modules can use sunlight for up to two hours longer.
TOPCon modules for higher yields
Solar modules work much more efficiently when they are equipped with TOPCon technology. TOPCon stands for Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact. Behind this is a solar module structure that uses N-type cells as a basis and was developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.
Unlike the PERC solar cells used previously, in which part of the electrical charge is lost through recombination of the charge carriers, this is not the case with TOPCon panels. The charge loss is reduced in several places. The connection contacts on the back and those made of metal were replaced by passivated contacts. In addition, the silicon dioxide layer enables better separation of the negative and positive charge within the solar cells. The transport of charge carriers – electrons – is more efficient, which also leads to a higher efficiency of the panels.
Bifacial solar system from Kleines Kraftwerk
Only a few solar systems currently available on the market are equipped with the new technology. If you are still looking, you will find balcony power plants from the provider Kleines Kraftwerk that already use modern TOPCon technology.
The mini solar system Duo consists of two modules and has a total output of up to 860 watts. Advantage of the system: It has modules that are bifacial. This means that they can also absorb sunlight on the back. The manufacturer promises a higher energy yield, which is up to 38 percent higher than that of conventional solar cells.
The details of Kleines Kraftwerk Duo
- Two bifacial solar modules, each with 430 watts of power,
- 600 watt/800 watt inverter from Hoymiles
- Includes two solar modules, inverter, Schuko socket cable, two extension cables
Here you can find the offer from Kleines Kraftwerk
The power fed in by the inverter is currently limited to 600 watts. However, that should change next year, when the inverter can be upgraded to 800 watts.
Solar panels with TOPCon technology from Austa
Panels with TOPCon technology can also be found from other providers. The manufacturer Austa also uses this technology for its balcony power plant, which is equipped with bifacial N-type solar modules. According to the manufacturer, the higher efficiency compared to conventional systems is said to be up to 22 percent.
- Two bifacial solar modules, each with 430 watts of power
- 600 watt/800 watt inverter from Hoymiles HMS-800W-2T
- Supplied with two solar modules, inverter, Schuko socket cable or optionally with WLAN module
Click here to see the offer on Ebay
Balcony power plant with N-type cells from Solakon
If you want a solar system with N-type cells, the manufacturer Solakon offers an alternative. The system’s solar modules are also bifacial and absorb sunlight via their backs. Each module has an output of 440 watts. The power plant also includes a 600/800 watt inverter and a ten-meter-long Schuko cable.
Click here for the offer on Amazon
Modern solar panels: for whom is the switch worthwhile?
A switch is particularly worthwhile for those who have owned a balcony power plant for a few years that is still equipped with conventional PERC modules. Balcony power plants with solar panels that rely on new technologies such as TOPCon or N-type cells promise better conductivity of the cells and thus an increase in energy production efficiency. But those who want to purchase a balcony power plant for the first time are also well advised to choose a model with TOPCon or N-type cells and benefit from the higher performance that the latest generation of systems offer right from the start.
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