Executive panel discussion In a free-flowing conversation with TaiyangNews Managing Director Michael Schmela, the high-level panel discussion had panelists look into the crystal ball to see what’s the next big thing in solar cell and module technologies. For Peter Tillmann of AIKO SolarLab, the decision to move from PERC cell production to BC was a no-brainer as it found the latter the perfect replacement owing to its highest efficiency potential. While the rest of the world seemed interested in TOPCon for its obvious cost benefits at the production equipment level, being a BC company helped AIKO differentiate from the competition, he added. AIKO’s world will continue to revolve around BC technology in the future as well, stated Tillmann. When SolarLab was founded 3 years ago, the idea was to bring European PV manufacturing. There aren’t many barriers between China and Europe, says Tillmann. Prof. Dr. Peter Fath of RCT Solutions agreed with Tillmann when he said that all his clients want to distinguish themselves from the competition. However, other considerations do step in like the cost; for instance, HJT is difficult to sell due to its high costs. The IP issues come into the picture in a market like the US. As the rest of the world moves forward with TOPCon or HJT, there is a trend among some US companies to play it safe and stick to PERC for now. Indian manufacturers, on the other hand, are acting like the Chinese as they also start with GW-scale lines. For the Chinese, investor push is making them move their manufacturing footprint beyond China, especially to Southeast Asia. As the US closes its doors to Chinese technology that’s well-established and cost-competitive, Fath believes this is an opening for Europe to use this opportunity to collaborate with the Chinese using its own strengths in innovation and research. Radovan Kopecek of ISC Konstanz too bets on the BC technology as he shared in his presentation as the keynote speaker. He shared that while manufacturers in India are investing in TOPCon, they are also in discussions to upgrade their TOPCon line to BC. While he agreed with Fath’s suggestion for more collaboration with the Chinese for the growth of PV technology, Kopecek pointed out an emerging problem for Indian companies. The Chinese are not keen on sharing their ingot and wafer technology with Indians. Overall, the panelists were in agreement with regard to the next innovative steps in PV technology, especially 0BB, copper paste metallization, and tandem technologies coming in faster now. Overcapacity concerns will ease soon but it will entail ‘survival of the fittest.’ They also believe IP fights are needlessly slowing down the sector. Instead, the need of the hour is enhanced collaboration. Conference summaries for Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 are available on the TaiyangNews website. Videos of the presentations on days 1 and 2 are available here, and for days 3 and 4 here.
