In 2023, TOPCon, HJT, and BC were some emerging technologies or processes, yet the dominant technology remained uncertain. It wasn’t until 2024 that the industry reached a consensus on TOPCon as the domain for new technology after PERC. In 2024, TOPCon is projected to represent 70% of all panel sales globally, a notable increase from 15% in 2023. This shift could signify a tipping point for the acceleration of TOPCon adoption in the market.
As the TOPCon pioneer and largest owner of TOPCon patents, JinkoSolar’s prowess has transformed these technological breakthroughs into cost-efficient products. By the end of 2023, JinkoSolar had gained 460 TOPCon patents authorized and another 980 patents registered, openly accessible at a reasonable rate. While all solar makers have had access to these patents on licensing and grant models, they appear to have catalyzed significant advancements primarily in the N-type era.
Since this year, JinkoSolar has agreed to grant its TOPCon patents to two top 10 solar manufacturers and negotiate the transfer of data collected in their lines to enhance its autonomous process upgrading algorithms, as a result of achieving the industry-best yield rate of TOPCon products.
JinkoSolar’s early involvement, particularly through intensive investment, and patent portfolio establishment aimed at stimulating R&D, technological standardization, and environmentally sustainable solutions, has greatly accelerated the production and adoption of TOPCon globally.
