Advancements in TOPCon ModulesThe latest ASTRO N – TOPCon 4.0 series cell technology, the core component of the TOPCon module, includes several technological advancements such as laser-induced firing, metallization paste optimization, and POML technology – an upgraded rear poly-Si passivation technology. Laser-induced firing reduces damage to the passivation layer during metal-silicon contact formation, enhancing cell efficiency. Metallization paste optimization improves product reliability, while the advanced rear-side passivation technology, using multi-layer doped poly-Si (POML), reduces parasitic absorption, boosts Voc and lsc, and ultimately increases cell efficiency.In addition to the upgraded cell technology, Astronergy has incorporated light-redirecting film (LRF) and high-transmittance double-layer PV glass into the design of its TOPCon PV modules. The LRF, featuring a 120° reflective microstructure surface, provides full reflection of incident light (as opposed to diffuse reflection in conventional coatings), boosting front-side power by up to 2 W. The double-layer PV glass, with 94.2% transparency and consisting of an upper layer of closed-cell film and a lower layer of SiO2 structure, delivers a power gain of 1 W – 2 W and improves moisture resistance compared to conventional coated PV glass with 93.9% transparency.By integrating these advancements, Astronergy is promoting 2 models for utility-scale applications: the ASTRO N7 and ASTRO N8 series, and the ASTRO N7s black module for distributed markets. The company has shifted its wafer sizes from M10 and M10R to G12 and M12R for utility-scale modules, aligning with global market trends. The ASTRO N7 series, launched in 2023, features 66 210R-size TOPCon 4.0 series 16BB cells, double 2 mm-glazed high-transparency glass, and LRF film, offering a power output of up to 630 W. With dimensions of 2,382 x 1,134 x 30 mm, this module is suitable for utility applications with tracker systems.The newest ASTRO N8 bifacial series, equipped with 66 210 x 210 mm TOPCon 4.0 series cells, double 2mm-glazed high-transparency glass, and LRF film, can deliver up to 720 W of power output. A tracker with 4 strings (4x28) of ASTRO N7 615 W modules can achieve a 12.3% higher power output compared to a tracker with 4 strings (426) of ASTRO N5 590 W modules. Meanwhile, a tracker with 3 strings (3x28) of ASTRO N8 710 W modules can generate 2.8% less power. For 2P fixed-tilt rack installations, the ASTRO N8 modules can deliver up to 29.6% higher rack power compared to ASTRO N5 modules.Astronergy also introduced its special offshore PV design, featuring high-edge sealing, insulation, corrosion resistance, and high mechanical strength, tailored for floating PV applications. This design can be incorporated into ASTRO N7, N8, and N5 series modules. Additionally, the new 38-piece ASTRO N7 module series, with a 2,000 V system voltage and dimensions of 2,390 x 1,142 x 30 mm, can reduce the balance of system (BOS) costs by up to 0.29 c$/W and enhance power yield by up to 1%.
