The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded for demonstrating ​macroscopic quantum tunneling, highlights a quantum phenomenon that is already revolutionizing solar technology. Quantum tunneling—where particles traverse energy barriers like "walking through a wall"—enables breakthroughs in photovoltaics (PV) efficiency, particularly in ​Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) solar cells​. Jolywood, a pioneer in n-type TOPCon technology, has leveraged this principle early since 2016 to advance high-efficiency solar solutions.

What is quantum tunneling?

In classical physics, particles cannot cross energy barriers higher than their own energy. But quantum mechanics allows electrons to "tunnel" through such barriers with a finite probability. This effect, once confined to microscopic scales, now operates in macroscopic systems (e.g., superconducting circuits), receiving the 2025 Nobel Prize. Its applications span scanning tunneling microscopes, semiconductors, PV cells, and advanced applications in nanotechnology.

TOPCon Solar Cells and Quantum Tunneling

The Secret of High Efficiency TOPCon Solar Cells?

As early as 2016, while the global photovoltaic industry primarily focused on PERC cell mass production, Jolywood pioneered n-type TOPCon cell research utilizing the quantum tunneling effect. It became one of the earliest enterprises globally to achieve GW-level mass production of TOPCon products.

TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) replaces traditional metal contacts with a structure comprising an ultra-thin tunnel oxide layer and a doped polycrystalline silicon layer. This design leverages quantum tunneling to facilitate majority carrier transport while minimizing minority carrier recombination, achieving an optimal balance between passivation and conductivity for high conversion efficiency.

Jolywood’s core manufacturing innovation involves using plasma to deposit an ultra-thin silicon dioxide (SiO₂) layer with thickness of 1–2 nm. At this scale, quantum mechanics allows electrons to "tunnel" through the insulating barrier—a phenomenon impossible under classical physics. Thinner layers increase tunneling probability, enabling selective electron passage while blocking unwanted carriers like holes, thus reducing energy loss at contact area.

In 2019, Jolywood achieved a global milestone by launching the world's first gigawatt-level mass production line for TOPCon solar cells. This pioneering move marked the industry's first successful transition of TOPCon technology from Lab to Fab. Jolywood has since developed a comprehensive, independently protected patent portfolio for its TOPCon technology.

Quantum Tunneling: Empowering the TBC Technology of Jolywood

Building on its leadership in n-type TOPCon technology, Jolywood is now advancing TBC (TOPCon Back Contact) technology. By combining TOPCon with back-contact design, TBC removes front-side electrodes to minimize shading loss and increase conversion efficiency. The key enabler remains the quantum tunneling effect, which provides superior surface passivation and efficient carrier transport. Moving all electrodes to the rear of the cell eliminates optical loss and maximizes light absorption.

Looking ahead, Jolywood plans to deepen collaborations with universities, research institutions, and industry partners to further push the boundaries of photovoltaic performance. Jolywood aims to leverage quantum-inspired innovations to accelerate global energy transformation.