News - Events

Deliverable D7.5 "Market status report including benchmark with competing technologies", available in the Project Reports section, identifies the most suitable PV applications for IBC cells and modules, assesses their market potential, compares IBC with competing PV technologies, and explores future market development possibilities

The PV landscape has transformed from small multi-Si to large mono-Si cells, shifting from p-type to n-type, driven by wafer cost reductions and higher efficiency demands

Historically, IBC technologies represented a small portion of the PV market. However, recent developments in terms of cost have led to a significant increase in annual installations. Estimates show that almost 7 GW have been installed in 2022, and forecasts suggest that under a business-as-usual scenario the annual market share of IBC technologies will reach 12% by the end of the decade, with annual installations projected to reach around 134 GW by 2030. These forecasts emphasize the expected growth and maturation of IBC technologies, aided by projects like IBC4EU

IBC technology's potential varies across PV segments, with immediate opportunities in distributed and integrated PV, while in the long term all applications are within reach, as cost decrease and efficiencies improve

When compared with other technologies available on the market, IBC technologies offer specific features such as its unique rear-side design and increased energy conversion efficiency. Despite past challenges, recent developments, including polyZEBRA and POLO IBC cells, have improved cost effectiveness, compatibility with mainstream manufacturing equipment, and efficiency.

These characteristics suggest that the end-use applications for which IBC technology should be the most attractive are the distributed market, especially residential, as well as some integrated PV applications. Their significant market potential in absolute terms, combined with a higher willingness to pay of the end-users, makes these PV segments preferential targets that fit well with the attributes such as efficiency and aesthetics of IBC technology.

IBC technologies are currently pricierthan competing ones, but nearly match them in LCOE. Innovations from IBC4EU aim to lower manufacturing costs to €0.12/Wp, boosting competitiveness across all segments

Although the manufacturing cost of IBC technology remains higher than those of PERC and TOPCon, or even HJT, recent advancements and economies of scale are closing this gap. With ongoing innovations, such as those from the IBC4EU project, the manufacturing cost of IBC modules could decrease to decrease to around 0,12 €/Wp, significantly enhancing their competitiveness across all market segments. As a result, IBC technology is already cost-competitive for distributed residential and commercial segments, and it is anticipated to further improve in the coming years.