Understand the industry's shift from P-type PERC to higher-efficiency N-type cells like TOPCon and HJT.
The biggest shift in solar over the last two years has been the move from P-type (PERC) to N-type cells. N-type wafers (used in TOPCon and HJT) resist the degradation that affects P-type and deliver higher efficiency.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | N-Type | P-Type |
|---|
| Examples | TOPCon, HJT | PERC |
| Module efficiency | ~22–24% | ~20–21% |
| First-year degradation | ~1% | ~2% |
| LID / LeTID | Minimal | Susceptible |
| Temperature coefficient | Better | Standard |
| Relative cost | Slightly higher | Cheaper (being phased out) |
| Best for | Long-term yield | Tight budgets |
Which Should You Choose?
N-type is now the mainstream choice: higher efficiency, lower degradation and better heat tolerance mean more energy over the panel's life. P-type PERC is cheaper and still fine for tight budgets, but it is being phased out — for a new install in 2026, N-type is the future-proof pick.
Specifications reflect each brand's 2025/26 flagship line-up and can vary by model and region. Always confirm the exact datasheet before buying.
