

Because this extra layer is reflective, it is able to send unused light back across the n-type and p-type junctions to generate more energy. What are PERC solar panels and how do they work?įirst introduced in 1989, PERC panels are modified silicon cells that have an additional layer on the back. The rear back surface field repels electrons, reducing the number that make it to the rear contact. Most silicon modules have layers that help avoid losses the front layer reduces reflection losses and also prevents electrons from being lost on the front edge. Because of these limits, the maximum efficiency of standard solar modules hovers around 20% in the field. The hardest efficiency losses to manage, however, are excessive PV panel heating and back-side recombination. To prevent unwanted electrons from moving through the cell and hitting the rear contact, it’s possible to add a back surface field layer or place all the wires on the back of the panel during the manufacturing process. This strategy also helps to reduce some reflection. Researchers are constantly working to reduce these losses.įortunately, some of these efficiency losses can be mitigated with technology.įor example, adding a front passivation layer can help stop front-side recombination. Within a solar cell, some efficiency is lost when light is not converted to electrons, or the resulting electrons don’t make their way to the rear for contact. Electrons recombining with the silicon material on the front and back of the solar cell.
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Free electrons being knocked out of alignment due to scattered light refraction.


Traditional solar cells contain two layers of silicon, commonly called “n-type” and “p-type” for their negative and positive charge behavior. But first, let’s get into some background about how conventional solar cells work and what limitations they present.
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In this article, we’ll look at the core benefits of PERC solar cells, how they work, how they’re made, and even how to sell them. But as the technology matures and approaches hard efficiency limits, researchers and manufacturers have started to embrace a relative newcomer - the Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact ( PERC ) solar cell. Conventional silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells have long been the standard in the solar industry.
