Canadian Solar Inc. has received the “Canadian Solar TOPCon Technology Review Report” from DNV, a renowned independent expert in product certification, risk management, and assurance. Founded in Oslo, Norway, in 1864, DNV brings a rich history of expertise.
In this comprehensive technology assessment, DNV meticulously evaluated Canadian Solar’s TOPCon 210 mm and 182 mm cell-based TOPBiHiKu6 and TOPBiHiKu7 bifacial modules. These cutting-edge modules, featuring an impressive front side power output of up to 700W, have earned DNV’s recognition for their exceptional durability and quality. Furthermore, after a thorough review of Canadian Solar’s Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) model, DNV has concurred with the remarkable 3.2% reduction in LCOE, thus solidifying the economic feasibility of Canadian Solar’s advanced technology.
DNV’s comprehensive report covers various aspects of module performance, reliability, compatibility with mounting systems, field data, and an assessment of Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Here’s a breakdown:
DNV recognized Canadian Solar’s outstanding commitment to quality and service life modeling, positioning them as industry leaders. They praised the company’s rigorous re-testing program, where every module undergoes tests for each Bill of Materials (BOM) alteration. This approach ensures reliability across all configurations.
Additionally, DNV highlighted the impressive features of Canadian Solar’s TOPBiHiKu6 and TOPBiHiKu7 modules. These modules boast industry-leading efficiencies of up to 22.6%, temperature coefficients as low as -0.29%/°C, and a bifaciality of approximately 80%. These attributes suggest that these modules are expected to outperform typical commercial modules in real-world conditions. DNV also noted that N-type cells, used in these modules, are less susceptible to light-induced degradation (LID) and light and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID), as confirmed by VDE tests. The VDE report showed a median (P50) LID of -0.19% and a P90 of ‑0.34% after 60 kWh/m2 of exposure.
DNV’s rigorous reliability tests, including thermal cycling, damp heat exposure, and potential-induced degradation (PID) testing, demonstrated minimal power loss of less than 2%, reaffirming the durability of these modules.
Regarding LCOE modeling, DNV’s review highlighted the competitive edge of the TOPBiHiKu6 and TOPBiHiKu7 modules. They projected reductions of 2.5% and 3.2%, respectively, compared to PERC modules using 144 half-cut cells of 182 mm width. This underscores Canadian Solar’s dedication to providing efficient and cost-effective energy solutions.
Furthermore, DNV’s report emphasises their thorough audit of Canadian Solar’s TOPCon module production process, supplier quality management, utilization of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Statistical Process Control (SPC), and human resource management.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, said, “The independent recognition of our TOPCon modules by DNV, spanning product performance, reliability, LCOE, and manufacturing quality, is a source of pride. These results underscore Canadian Solar’s technological prowess and stringent quality controls. Our commitment to delivering peak performance products to our global customers is unwavering.”
In Q1 of 2023, Canadian Solar started the distribution of TOPCon modules. By the end of 2023, it expects to achieve an annual TOPCon cell manufacturing capacity of approximately 30 GW.
