Gautam Solar has launched UL-certified N-type TOPCon solar modules in three different sizes. First, there is the 435 Wp module with 108 cells, which is ideal for residential rooftop solar projects and has an efficiency of 21.77 per cent. The second is a 475 Wp module with 120 cells, well suited for both residential and commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar projects, delivering an efficiency of 22.01 per cent. The third is a 580 Wp module with 144 cells, designed for large-scale C&I and utility-scale solar plants, with an efficiency of 22.45 per cent. The inclusion of half-cut cells using larger M10 wafers in these N-type solar modules results in higher power output per unit area when compared to polycrystalline and full-cell monocrystalline solar modules. This reportedly leads to a reduced levellised cost of electricity (LCoE) for the solar power plant and enhances performance in low-light conditions. Additional advanced cell technologies such as round ribbon connectors to enhance light utilisation, non-destructive cell cutting for increased reliability and reduced risk of micro-cracks, and multi-busbar technology to minimise electrical losses are also employed. The module reportedly ensures efficient space utilisation within a standard 40 foot shipping container, commonly employed for transportation.
These modules come in both monofacial and bifacial versions. The bifacial option includes a lightweight transparent backsheet, which can reportedly result in a power gain of 10-30 per cent from the rear side of the module, depending on the specific installation conditions. Moreover, N-type TOPCon solar modules exhibit lower degradation rates, with only a 1 per cent degradation in the first year and a 0.4 per cent year-on-year decline, thereby ensuring the long-term durability of solar projects. The N-type modules provide an annual generation increase of 5 per cent, along with 3.26 per cent savings in balance of system costs and a reduction of 1.56 per cent in the LCoE.
