#China #Risen Energy #Ningbo #HJT Technology #Silver Reduction

Risen Energy's Long-Term Strategy for Silver Use in HJT Technology

In the rapidly evolving photovoltaic industry, recent discussions have intensified around reducing the costs associated with silver paste and the development of innovative metallization materials. Risen Energy has emerged as a leader in this dialogue, advocating a comprehensive long-term strategy that aims to minimize silver use in HJT (Heterojunction Technology) solar cells. This article analyzes their strategic roadmap, highlighting key aspects from their latest technical report on HJT products, including findings on low-silver metallization pastes that have the potential to reshape industry standards.

Systematic Planning Beyond Simple Replacement

Faced with the challenges of limited silver reserves and fluctuating prices, Risen Energy has recognized the imperative to adopt low-cost metallic alternatives to ensure sustainable growth. This move parallels the historical transition from gold to copper interconnections in integrated circuits. The company’s strategy does not merely focus on a conceptual replacement but extends to a systematic implementation across its operations.

Comprehensive Materials Selection

To lay the groundwork for this transition, Risen Energy evaluated various candidate metals, including copper, aluminum, zinc, and nickel. Their assessment was based on three critical criteria: electrical conductivity, global availability, and market stability. Among these options, copper was selected as the primary candidate due to its superior conductivity (5.96×10⁷ S/m), abundant global reserves, and cost-effectiveness.

Strategic Technological Path

While electroplating presents a feasible alternative to silver usage, Risen Energy prioritized the development of a low-silver paste. This innovative paste encapsulates cost-effective metal cores beneath a thin layer of silver, which maintains compatibility with existing production lines and allows for rapid scalability. Rigorous validation of the reliability of these pastes showed that modules utilizing low-silver formulations demonstrate excellent performance during damp heat (DH) and thermal cycling (TC) tests, often surpassing traditional pure silver modules.

From Innovation to Industrialization

For several years, Risen Energy’s HJT products have achieved stable mass production on large-scale manufacturing lines. The company has successfully reduced the pure silver usage in their HJT cells to just 3.9 milligrams per watt (mg/W), setting a global leadership benchmark. This accomplishment underscores Risen Energy's commitment to reducing the reliance on silver while enhancing overall module performance.

Reflections and Future Perspectives

This strategic review of Risen Energy highlights three fundamental principles that drive their approach:

1. Intrinsic Synergy of HJT and Low-Silver Materials: HJT technology's low-temperature manufacturing, bifaciality, and superior passivation provide an ideal platform for secure and efficient metallization innovations.
2. Cost Reduction as a Value Multiplier: By seamlessly integrating material optimization with process excellence, Risen Energy ensures a lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and higher Return on Investment (ROI), all without compromising reliability or output.
3. Material Innovation as an Industry Catalyst: The reduction of silver consumption transcends mere cost savings, signaling a paradigm shift towards more sustainable practices in photovoltaic technology.

In conclusion, Risen Energy expresses its gratitude to customers and partners for their unwavering support and trust in HJT technology. The company remains committed to its original aspiration of reducing costs while improving efficiency, actively driving the industrialization of HJT technology. This mission contributes significantly to the global energy transition, reinforcing Risen Energy's position as an industry pioneer.