Across the solar market the most common panel types are P-Type solar panels, with this having been the industry standard for years. But times are changing. One of the newest innovations is the N-Type solar panels, which while having been around for years, are fast becoming even more efficient, and more cost-effective, than ever before. N-Type panels are looking to be the future of solar… but what exactly are they? And are there really that many benefits? If you’re looking to know these things, you’ve come to the right place.

UPDATE February 2024: Since this article was first published N-Type solar panels have indeed overtaken P-Type panels to become the most common in the Australian market. Not surprising considering the major benefits they offer.

What is the difference between N-Type & P-Type Solar Panels?

The making of N-Type solar panels has one key difference from the standard P-type. While P-type is coated (referred to as being dosed) in a base layer of boron, making the base positive, the N-Type instead having a negative base, being dosed in phosphorus. The change brings many advantages, including an increase in efficiency, better performance in a range of conditions, and lower degradation rates. This combines with the fantastic TOPCON technology to create better efficiency than previously available (or even possible) with P-type panels, with mass produced N-Type TOPCON panels reaching over 22% efficiency, with a potential for even greater efficiency in the future.

The structure is similar to a sandwich, with the base dosed on both sides.

What Technology does an N-Type Solar Panel Use?

N-Type technology is becoming a standard in the industry and is broken down into multiple branches, with TOPCon and HIT/IBC being the most popular currently. TOPCon is quickly become a standard across the industry due to the increased ability for mass production at a lower cost, with top solar companies like Jinko using TOPCon to break various panel efficiency records.

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