Risen Energy's Long-Term Strategy for Low-Silver HJT Technology in the Photovoltaic Industry
Risen Energy's Long-Term Plan for Low-Silver HJT Technology
In recent discussions within the photovoltaic industry, the focus has significantly shifted toward reducing silver paste costs and developing innovative metallization materials. Risen Energy has taken a proactive approach, evident in their recent white paper on the HJT Hyper-ion products and the application of low-silver metallization paste. This retrospective analysis aims to present industry professionals with practical insights derived from their strategic initiatives and experimental validations.
I. Anticipation and Systematic Planning Beyond Replacement
Faced with the limited supplies and price volatility of silver, Risen Energy recognized the necessity of adopting affordable metal alternatives for sustainable growth. This shift mirrors historical transitions in integrated circuits, like from gold to copper interconnections. Rather than merely substituting materials, Risen has embarked on a systematic approach to material selection, weighing options among metals such as copper, aluminum, zinc, and nickel. The evaluation criteria focused on electrical conductivity, global reserves, and market stability. Ultimately, copper stood out as a premier candidate, offering high conductivity (5.96 × 10⁷ S/m), ample reserves, and cost-effectiveness.
Strategic Technological Path
While galvanic plating offers a silver-free alternative, Risen Energy's preference for low-silver paste—which features a silver shell enveloping inexpensive metal cores—stems from its compatibility with existing manufacturing lines and rapid scalability. A thorough reliability check indicated that modules employing low-silver paste show exceptional performance regarding degradation rates after undergoing stringent damp heat (DH) and thermal cycling (TC) tests. In several instances, their performance even surpassed that of modules utilizing pure silver paste, displaying comparable energy output.
II. From Innovations to Industrialization Leading Mass Production
Risen Energy has achieved stable mass production of its HJT products on manufacturing lines for several years. Presently, the consumption of pure silver in Risen Energy's HJT cells has plummeted to just 3.9 milligrams per watt (mg/W), placing it at the forefront globally. This transformation underscores their commitment to innovative manufacturing practices and sustainable energy solutions.
III. Considerations and Future Outlook: Value-Driven Progress
This analysis highlights three core principles underpinning Risen Energy's strategy:
1. Intrinsically Synergistic Relationship between HJT and Low-Silver Materials: Low-temperature production, dual-sided capabilities, and excellent passivation of HJT create a solid foundation for safe and effective metallization innovation.
2. Cost Reduction as a Value Multiplier: By integrating material optimization with process excellence, Risen Energy ensures lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and enhanced return on investment (ROI) without compromising reliability or performance.
3. Material Innovations as Catalysts for the Industry: The reduction of silver content not only results in cost savings but also signifies a pivotal advancement in photovoltaic technology and sustainability.
Risen Energy expresses sincere gratitude to all customers and partners for their continued support and trust in HJT technology. The company remains committed to its original goal of "reducing costs and enhancing efficiency", further advancing the industrialization of HJT technology, and making significant contributions to the global energy transformation.