Image: JinkoSolarThe solar industry’s pursuit of higher efficiency has reached another milestone. JinkoSolar, in collaboration with researchers from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) and multiple Chinese universities, has achieved a 26.66% power conversion efficiency for an industrial-scale TOPCon solar cell based on an M10-size wafer .
This is not just another laboratory curiosity—it is a record certified for an industrial-scale device (313.3 cm² effective area), meaning the underlying innovations are compatible with existing mass-production lines .
Breaking Down the Technology
The research team, led by Prof. Jichun Ye, implemented what they term a “dual-side electrical refinement” strategy . Here is what makes this achievement noteworthy:
Front-side optimization: High-sheet-resistance boron emitters (~430 Ω sq⁻¹) combined with refined grid designs improve surface passivation while reducing carrier transport losses .
Rear-side innovation: A novel double-layer tunnel oxide/polysilicon structure addresses a persistent challenge—metallization-induced degradation. The design features a highly crystalline inner polysilicon layer and an outer barrier layer that blocks silver diffusion from electrodes into the silicon substrate .
Bifaciality boost: By thinning the rear polysilicon layer, the team increased the cell’s bifaciality to 88.3% , enhancing energy yield in real-world installations .
The results speak for themselves: 744.6 mV open-circuit voltage, 85.57% fill factor, and an efficiency that reaches 83.8% of the theoretical limit for silicon solar cells .
Why This Matters for the Industry
TOPCon technology has been gaining market share rapidly due to its compatibility with existing PERC production lines and superior temperature coefficient. However, the gap between commercial modules and theoretical efficiency has remained stubbornly wide—until now.
This breakthrough demonstrates that industrial-scale TOPCon can approach lab-scale performance (JinkoSolar holds the lab-scale record of 27.02%) . The use of standard M10 wafers means these refinements can be deployed across the industry without waiting for next-generation wafer formats.
Our Perspective at Sunlink
At Sunlink, we see this development as part of a broader trend: the convergence of advanced passivation technologies with practical manufacturability.
Bifaciality matters more than ever. The 88.3% bifaciality achieved in this cell design translates directly into higher energy yield for ground-mount projects where rear-side irradiance is available. For our utility-scale customers, every percentage point in bifaciality improves project economics.
Silver consumption remains a focus. The double-layer structure’s ability to block silver diffusion addresses both performance and cost. Silver is one of the most expensive materials in cell production, and innovations that allow thinner electrodes without compromising conductivity are essential for continued LCOE reduction.
The roadmap continues. JinkoSolar has stated its intention to cross 28% efficiency by 2028 . While that target is ambitious, this 26.66% result—achieved on industrial equipment, not laboratory-scale devices—suggests the trajectory is credible.
Looking Ahead
This achievement reinforces our confidence in TOPCon as a platform technology for the coming decade. Unlike some “hero” cells that rely on exotic materials or processes incompatible with volume manufacturing, the dual-side refinement approach appears ready for deployment.
At Sunlink, we evaluate every technology breakthrough through one lens: does it deliver value to our customers in real-world conditions? Higher cell efficiency means more power per square meter, reduced balance-of-system costs, and better land-use economics. When those gains come with improved bifaciality and without compromising manufacturability, everyone wins.
We congratulate the research team and JinkoSolar on this milestone. It is another step toward the day when 25%+ module efficiency becomes the industry standard—not the exception.
Sunlink provides integrated PV solutions including high-efficiency modules, inverters, and monitoring systems. Contact us to discuss how the latest cell technologies can benefit your next project.