Back Contact Solar Cells Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Type (Interdigitated Back Contact Solar Cell (IBC), Heterojunction Back Contact Solar Cell (HBC), and Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact Solar Cell (PERC)), By Application (Photovoltaic Power Plants and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)), By End-User (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global back contact solar cells market is leading due to a rise in the demand for efficient and cost-effective characteristics. Back Contact (BC) solar cells are designed uniquely. This is a type of solar cell where all electrical connections are located on the back of the cell. It means that the front of the cell, facing the sun, is not obstructed by metal lines (called grids). In a BC solar cell, the front end is completely free of electrical lining barriers. All electrical components are backed up to maximize solar power and output.

• In January 2024, German company AEG launched an n-type solar cell module based on back contact cell (BC) technology. The AS-M1089B-GA(M10)/HV solar panel is available in three sizes with an output power of 445W to 455W. The power conversion efficiency is from 22.8% to 23.3%, the open circuit voltage is between 40.15V and 40.35V, and the short circuit is from 13.68A to 13.80A.

Back Contact Solar Cells Market Driver

Technological Advancements in the Solar Energy Market are Leading the Growth of the Market

Advances in electronic technology and cell design led to the development of more efficient and cost-effective reversible cells. Research and development efforts are focused on improving light absorption, reducing cell resistance, and increasing cell stability. These technological advances are expected to improve the performance and reduce the production cost of solar-powered solar panels, making them more competitive in the global market.

• Silicon heterogeneity (SHJ) solar cells have achieved high power conversion efficiency due to efficient noise junction structures. Improving the optoelectronic properties of these contacts will increase device efficiency and increase the commercial potential of SHJ technology.

Back Contact Solar Cells Market Restraint

Structural Complexity in the Manufacturing of BC Solar Cells is Challenging the Growth of the Market

The major challenge in BC solar cell technology is the use of metal electrodes to remove charge carriers. Due to the high defect in direct metal-electrode interfaces, these connections are important for recombination. The manufacturing process of double-layer cells, compared to conventional monocrystalline cells is to insert an additional layer at the back of the cell and create a hole next to this additional layer.

Back Contact Solar Cells Market Opportunity

Increasing Demand for Solar Energy to Influence Market Growth

The growing global demand for renewable energy sources, along with growing concern about climate change, has increased the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Contact-back solar cells, which are more cost-effective and have lower production costs compared to conventional solar cells, are gaining momentum in the global market. Governments around the world are implementing policies and incentives to promote the use of solar energy, making the solar market even stronger. This growing demand for solar energy will continue to be an opportunity for the industry over the coming years.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Key Emerging Trends – For Major Countries


• Latest Technological Advancement


• Insight on Regulatory Landscape


• Porters Five Forces Analysis


• Impact of COVID-19 on the market 

Analysis by Type

Based on type, the market is fragmented into interdigitated back contact solar cell (IBC), heterojunction back contact solar cell (HBC), and passivated emitter and rear contact solar cell (PERC).

The IBC or interdigitated back contact cells are a configuration of back contact solar cells. Rear contact solar cells can be made more efficient by moving all or part of the front contact line to the back of the device. An IBC cell is a back contact type with positive and negative metal electrons arranged in a forked finger shape on the surface of the light bulb. The simple configuration of IBC cells is making it popular in the BC solar cells market.

Analysis by Application

By application, the market is divided into photovoltaic power plants and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

The building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) segment is expected to witness significant growth over the coming years due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings and awareness of sustainable construction. BIPV systems are growing in popularity as they provide both manufacturing and manufacturing benefits, contributing to market growth.

• The German specialist in photovoltaics (BIPV) Paxos Solar has developed a new solar panel that produces electricity and heat for heat pumps. This BC solar cell is a small glass unit with a size of 59.5 x 48 cm and an output of 44 watts. About 4.3 tiles are installed per square meter, giving a total output of 190 watts.

Analysis by End-User

Based on end-user, the market is fragmented into residential, commercial, and industrial.

The commercial segment is expected to maintain its dominance due to the increasing use of solar panels in commercial buildings due to their energy efficiency and affordability. The residential and industrial sectors are growing, owing to the increasing awareness of the benefits of renewable energy sources and incentives from the government to adopt renewable energy.

• LONGi Green Energy Technology Corporation officially announced a new world record of 30.1% for size M6 silicon-perovskite wafer surface tandem solar cells on June 19, 2024, at InterSolar 2024 in Munich, Germany. The M6 ​​wafer-size silicon perovskite tandem solar cell was independently certified by the accredited Fraunhofer ISE institute in Germany and achieved a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 30.1%.

Regional Analysis

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America is expected to maintain its dominance as the market grows due to increasing demand for renewable energy sources in the region.

• In May 2024, North American photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer Silfab Solar Inc. received an innovation award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a USD 20 million project to develop reverse-engineered N-type cells to demonstrate efficiency. The award is part of USD 71 million in funding announced by the DOE for projects to boost America's solar energy supply chain. Silfab has been awarded USD 5 million, and the company will pay USD 14.9 million in expenses.

Europe is another key market for contact solar cells, with countries such as Germany and Italy leading the way in adoption.

• Swedish power producer Sticky Solar Power has announced that it is placing orders for its BC solar panel system instead of a sticker. With the ability to use up to 20 buses at a time, the output varies between 2,500 and 3,500 one-way connections per hour.

The Asia Pacific is the leading region, with exceptional growth in China's solar cell market at the global level. Government investments, private sector collaborations, and industrial technological developments are the main reasons influencing regional growth. For instance, according to the International Energy Agency, China has invested over USD 50 billion in PV supply capacity – around 10 times more than Europe. In addition, in 2021, China’s solar PV exports were around USD 30 billion. Furthermore, Chinese investments in Vietnam and Malaysia made these countries major exporters of photovoltaic products. The total value of global PV-related trade – comprising wafers, polysilicon, modules, and cells – surpassed USD 40 billion in 2021, a growth of over 70% from 2020.

• Chinese firm LONGi has developed advanced technologies for launch in the solar cells market. The latest was in December 2023 when it broke the record for the efficiency of Silicon Heterojunction Back Contact, or HBC cells, which refers to the connection of two different materials.

BC solar cell technologies in the Middle East & Africa and Latin America are at initial stages of development. With easing efficiency in solar cell technology, the use of these solar cells will rise over the coming years.

Key Players Covered

The global back contact solar cells market is fragmented, with the presence of a large number of group manufacturers in the market.

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• Trina Solar (China)


• AMEA Power (UAE)


• Adani Green Energy (India)


• JinkoSolar (China)


• Longi Solar (China)          


• SunPower (U.S.)


• GCL System Integration Technology (China)


• JA Solar (China)


• ReneSolar (U.S.)


• SolarEdge Technologies (Israel)


• SunEdison (U.S.)


• Canadian Solar (Canada)


• First Solar (U.S.)


• REC Group (Singapore)


• Hanwha Q CELLS (South Korea)

Key Industry Developments

• In June 2024, JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. announced a breakthrough in the development of its N-type BC perovskite tandem solar cell. Tested by the Shanghai Institute of Microsystems and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the cell achieved an impressive conversion efficiency of 33.24%, a huge jump over JinkoSolar's previous record of 32.33% for tandem cell type.


• In May 2024, LONGi announced a new record of 27.30% solar heterojunction energy efficiency, confirming its leadership in the global solar industry. LONGi also unveiled its new Hi-MO 9 power module, which has the best power conversion module in the industry at 24.43%.