JinkoSolar has now officially launched its next-generation N-type Tiger Neo TOPCon module, incorporating all the anticipated features, together with higher efficiency. The company provided updates on the key performance metrics of the new module at its official launch in Shanghai, reporting that, in addition to the previously reported efficiency increase of up to 22.3% and maximum 620W output based on a 182 wafer, the Tiger Neo is also equipped with a new “performance package” that enhances JinkoSolar’s already industry-leading module efficiency and reliability, resulting in much lower LCOE and IRR.
At the launch event, the company detailed full characteristics of Tiger Neo as well as laying out a roadmap for TOPCon technology as the successor to PERC, with N-type representing a further evolution, extending performance and efficiency to further lower LCOE by an average 3-6%. Tiger Neo’s 10GW level volume production is set to be at the forefront of the industry’s transition from PERC to TOPCon, with the module offering 6% more efficiency and power density, 15% higher bifaciality (85% vs 70%), lower temperature coefficient (-0.3%/C vs. -0.35%/C), half initial-year degradation (-1% vs -2%) and 37.5% less degradation (-0.4% vs -0.55%) across its whole lifecycle, in comparison with the conventional P-type equivalent. The positive comparisons extend to 5 years prolonged linear warranty (30 vs 25 years), better low light performance (additional 0.5 working hours per day during morning and sunset), enhanced safety due to improved Isc and an ergonomic and installer-friendly design with optimized width and weight.
According to Dany Qian, JinkoSolar VP, the current yield rate of Tiger Neo in mass production is progressing not far behind PERC, and delivers additional efficiency gains and power enhancement. She also explained during a post-event interview why the mono-PERC mainstream landscape of c-Si production in 2021 will be short-lived, with HJT facing challenges in terms of yield rates and cost.
One of the key metrics as to how well a cell process is developing is its quantitative yield or, rather, its defect rate. JinkoSolar’s TOPCon yield rate is ahead of its counterparts and the company expects it to improve further as high volume manufacturing ramps into next year. JinkoSolar is now at the forefront of N-type mass production and the first phase of its 10GW-level capacity release will accelerate the technology to become a mainstream offering, returning the industry to the fundamental properties of substrate type and cell process flow. Going forward, the company will adhere to the TOPCon roadmap and rely on “combined innovative features” to enable the full-node scaling that Tiger Neo promises to bring.
