Building New Ecosystem in New Era Says Trina Solar Chairman Gao Jifan

Gao Jifan, chairman of the global PV and smart energy solutions provider Trina Solar, has told his global peers about the way in which he sees the industry heading in early December.

Gao talked of n-type technology trend, the high value of 210 mm n-type i-TOPCon solar cells and modules, the value of the industry chain and ecology, and the ways in which Chinese PV manufacturers can remain competitive.

As the PV industry continues its path of constant upgrading, PERC is approaching the upper limits in efficiency, and the industry is showing a clear preference for n-type modules.

We can say confidently that over the next three to five years the tech of n-type will supplant the p-type in the realm of high-efficiency modules. Indeed, the industrialization of n-type modules is already well and truly underway.

At present, mass produced 210mm n-type cells achieve an average conversion efficiency of more than 25%, and those with a 26% rate will soon be in mass production. 

This year our 210mm n-type 595W, 690W and other products have made their debut globally, with power 75W higher and LCOE 1.5% lower than those of counterparts on the market. We are likely to have modules exceeding 700W in the near future.

For the existing 210mm Vertex technology based on PERC technology and the coming 210mm n-type technology, the key to industrialization lies in the integrated industry chain.

This ranges from raw materials to finished equipment, and particularly where higher requirements are concerned, the techniques used in producing the likes of wafers, silicon materials, machinery and other equipment are critical.