(SeaPRwire) –   BEIJING, March 20, 2026 — In 2026, the global photovoltaic industry is navigating cost challenges, evolving policies, and rapid technological change, with TOPCon technology establishing itself as the core of modern solar manufacturing and representing the majority of new module output globally. With its widespread adoption, the sector faces new critical issues: achieving a balance between increasing efficiency and ensuring long-term durability, and handling cost pressures alongside material supply limitations.

To address these topics, JA Solar has launched a new installment of its worldwide webinar series, JA Solar Power Talk. This scenario-focused program gathers specialists from throughout the PV supply chain for comprehensive discussions on cutting-edge technologies, standards, and practical implementations. The latest episode, titled “TOPCon & Beyond: Insights from the Solar Frontier,” presents a dialogue between Dr. Zi Ouyang, President of the Product and Solution R&D Centre and Chief Technology Officer of JA Solar, and Professor Bram Hoex, Deputy Head (Research) at the University of New South Wales.

The conversation delves into the reasons behind TOPCon’s swift rise to become the dominant cell technology, emphasizing its benefits in terms of efficiency, production feasibility, and power generation in real-world conditions. It also tackles current significant hurdles for TOPCon, such as pressures from raw material costs, risks associated with metallization and long-term reliability, and the requirement for stronger testing protocols as the technology is deployed on a massive scale. Future prospects are also considered, with the dialogue investigating potential successors to TOPCon, such as tandem cell structures, recycling and circular economy practices, optimization at the system level, and new application areas.

“TOPCon has moved beyond being an emerging innovation; it is currently the bedrock of the PV sector,” stated Dr. Ouyang. “The coming competitive landscape will be shaped by our ability to convert efficiency improvements into dependable, financially sound performance under actual operating conditions, all while responsibly paving the way for subsequent technological advancements.”

Professor Hoex observed that although TOPCon provides an effective equilibrium between high performance and manufacturing scalability, superior long-term reliability will become a key factor distinguishing product manufacturers. He emphasized that strengthened partnerships between industry and academic research bodies are vital to tackling degradation processes, refining testing standards, and overcoming sustainability obstacles as next-generation cell designs are developed.

Continuing the format of previous sessions, JA Solar Power Talk unites perspectives from production, academia, materials science, and quality assurance to promote open dialogue on advanced technologies and their use in diverse scenarios. The series is designed to help the industry make better-informed technology choices and speed up the shift to high-efficiency, durable, and sustainable photovoltaic solutions, with additional expert discussions scheduled for release later in the year.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyZ-uBR7IJc