Current Photovoltaic Research ISSN:2288-3274(Print) 2508-125X(Online)

In contrast to conventional crystalline cells, back‐contact solar cells feature high efficiencies, simpler module assembly, and better aesthetics. The highest commercialized cell and module efficiency was recorded by n‐type back‐contact solar cells. However, the mainstream PV industry uses a p‐type substrate instead of n‐type due to the high costs and complexity of the manufacturing processes in the case of the latter. P‐type back‐contact solar cells such as metal wrap‐through and emitter wrap‐through, which are inexpensive and compatible with the current PV industry, have consequently been developed. In this paper the characteristics of EWT (emitter wrap‐ through) solar cells and their status and prospects for development are discussed.