In this unprecedented downturn, what strategies will PV enterprises employ to overcome internal competition? Is it robust cash reserves? Is it cost control capabilities? Or merely a "coincidence" of overseas capacity deployment?

In my view, these factors may only be supplementary. The ultimate competition undoubtedly lies in technological iteration capabilities. Hence, the cell technology debates this year have even overshadowed the severe supply-demand imbalances and overseas tariff disputes.

The reason is simple: technological advancement undoubtedly accelerates humanity's grand prelude to an era of new energy freedom and a more brilliant material life!

Today, the PV sector is undergoing profound transformations—from the ultimate pursuit of front-side efficiency to the extreme optimization of bifaciality, then to the consideration of the economic benefits of vertical installation in certain scenarios, and finally, to operators optimizing models to assess the relationship between cost and efficiency... These unprecedented shifts signal a global trend: diverse installation scenarios and methods are driving diversified module technology demands.

From the perspective of international competition, only sustained technological leadership remains the only effective path to break through trade barriers.

Based on this insight, PV Notes pays special attention to outstanding enterprises that have achieved remarkable success in the field of PV technology across multiple routes. Recently, Tongwei Co., Ltd. has achieved consecutive impressive results: the TNC G12R-66 module efficiency has surged to an astonishing 25.28%! This industry-shaking achievement has greatly broadened the space and imagination for the mass production efficiency of TOPCon technology.

So, how has Tongwei unlocked the technological door to module efficiency leaps?

1

Spearheading the Revolution in Mainstream TOPCon Technology

Tongwei Co., Ltd.'s robust R&D capabilities in TOPCon technology were initially demonstrated through its mastery of tubular PECVD technology. Unlike other TOPCon leaders who focused on LPCVD, Tongwei adopted the PECVD approach and pioneered its research and mass production implementation. According to InfoLink Consulting statistics, the PECVD solution—a latecomer—now holds a 56% market share, surpassing the pioneering LPCVD route.

As one of the few companies in the industry to have successfully and efficiently transitioned from P-type cell to N-type TOPCon technology on a large scale, Tongwei continues to lead in the TOPCon 2.0 era, with its module efficiency repeatedly setting new records. These achievements have significantly impressed the industry.

On March 20, 2025, under the standard size of 2384*1303mm, Tongwei TNC2.0 modules achieved a front-side power output of 778.5 watts, with a conversion efficiency exceeding 25.06%; under the standard size of 2382*1134mm, Tongwei TNC2.0 modules achieved a front-side power output of 682.8 watts, with a conversion efficiency exceeding 25.28% (certified by TÜV), once again breaking the power and efficiency records for the two mainstream TOPCon module types. This result further solidifies TOPCon technology's leading position and potential for efficiency enhancement, while also validating its technological superiority and forward-thinking approach.

Although these are laboratory efficiency records, they are of great significance:

1. The 25.28% efficiency achieved by the TOPCon modules proves the significant potential for mass production efficiency improvements in TOPCon 2.0 technology, significantly narrowing the gap with BC technology in terms of front-side efficiency.

2. This efficiency record is entirely based on mass-producible technology, and Tongwei has already begun preparations for mass production. This not only brings a qualitative leap to Tongwei's TNC2.0 products but also provides new hope and goals for TOPCon companies, pointing the way forward.

Tongwei's leadership in TOPCon has laid a solid foundation for its eight consecutive years as the global cell shipment champion and will continue to contribute to the advancement of this current mainstream technology.

2

What Technologies Contribute to the Efficiency Improvement of Tongwei's TOPCon 2.0?

The technological underpinnings of the TNC2.0 module's record-breaking efficiency, which has sent shockwaves through the industry, include: 908 technology (Tongwei's proprietary 0BB technology), Poly Tech, TPE technology (Tongwei's edge passivation technology), and steel screen printing, alongside optimized module designs for optics and electrical performance, coupled with high-throughput, high-density module layout technology. The module efficiency record of TNC-G12R 66 announced on March 20 represents a 0.72% increase compared to the data at the end of December 2024.

Analyzing the efficiency-enhancing technologies, we observe a progression from surface passivation to edge passivation, followed by fine grid lines and the elimination of main grids (908 technology), culminating in the integration of technologies at the module level to enhance overall performance. This approach minimizes efficiency losses from cell to module and significantly improves encapsulation technology. This remarkable achievement represents a comprehensive upgrade and breakthrough in cell, module, and encapsulation technologies, and it introduces technologies directly applicable to large-scale production, providing robust support for future improvements in production-side efficiency. Specifically:

1. Tubular PECVD Poly Deposition:

Source: Keynote speech by Professor Shen Wenzhong at a technology forum

Professor Shen Wenzhong affirmed the advantages of using PECVD for P+Poly-Si (superior to LPCVD), further improving the passivation effect of TOPCon cells and achieving efficiency improvement.

2. 908 Main Grid-Free Technology

Tongwei's independently developed 908 technology offers superior overall power generation efficiency compared to traditional 0BB technology, due to reduced main grids, reduced rigidity, and reduced stress. The application of 908 technology minimizes light obstruction and significantly boosts efficiency.

908 Main Grid-Free Technology

3. TPE edge passivation technology and Poly Tech

TPE edge passivation technology also contributes significantly to efficiency gains, with an expected increase of over 0.2% in module efficiency. The application of Poly Tech further enhances the bifaciality of TNC2.0 modules.

4. Others

Tongwei's steel screen printing technology, through the subversive full-opening steel screen design and process innovation, shows significant advantages in improving cell efficiency, reducing silver paste cost, and optimizing production stability. The progress in the field of PV cell metallization mainly involves copper paste, silver-coated copper, copper electroplating, and overlapping grid technologies. In the advanced packaging field, Tongwei's high-throughput, densely packed technology continues to lead the industry in quality and efficiency improvements.

Regarding the future efficiency enhancement potential of these technologies, Dr. Xing Guoqiang, Chief Technology Officer for the PV Business of Tongwei Co., Ltd., stated that the potential for TNC modules is still vast and far from exhausted. Tongwei has also reserved more efficiency-enhancing technologies that will be implemented in the future.

3

Why develop multiple technological routes?

Is redundancy a concern?

Public information indicates that the Tongwei Global Innovation R&D Center officially commenced operations in June 2024. This center is dedicated to researching various mainstream PV technologies with potential for future breakthroughs, equipped with advanced material testing and product reliability testing centers. The T6 workshop is the industry's largest, with the highest pilot production capacity and the strongest upgrade capabilities, representing an integrated R&D workshop.

In addition to continuously investing in TOPCon technology, Tongwei has also accumulated significant R&D achievements in the HJT field, having broken the HJT module power and efficiency records 11 times. The company recently announced that its HJT modules have set a record for the overall efficiency of crystalline silicon modules, further validating Tongwei's ability to continuously lead and look towards the future.

Moreover, the company holds leading R&D advantages in TBC and perovskite/crystalline silicon tandem technologies, which undoubtedly reflects Tongwei's original intention of using technological R&D to mitigate risks, identify directions, position the market, and develop mainstream technologies for the company itself.

Dr. Xing Guoqiang, the person in charge of Tongwei's technology, is a quintessential technical expert, known for his rigor, low profile, and pragmatism. He insists on making comprehensive and objective evaluations based on the first principles of technology. Dr. Xing believes that TOPCon is currently the mainstream technology, while BC, HJT, and perovskite/crystalline silicon tandem technologies also have their respective advantages. He cautions against prematurely concluding which technology will prevail before large-scale market validation. Tongwei's technology R&D philosophy is to "comprehensively deploy mainstream technology routes in the industry", focusing on TOPCon, HJT, BC, and perovskite/crystalline silicon tandem technologies, and continuously leading the way.

Tongwei's continuous research on various mainstream technology routes aligns perfectly with the current trend of diversified technologies and demands. And the ultimate goal of technology is to bring products and combinations with the best value to customers, rather than forcing a certain technology on customers.

Different from enterprises that solely bet on a single technology route, Tongwei's understanding, adherence, and choices of technology may be more current and may create more value.