wafer sizes

New module formats and packaging challenges in distribution

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The global photovoltaic market has grown considerably in recent years. In concrete terms, this can already be seen in the preliminary product, the silicon wafer. Here, the expansion of production capacities in 2021 increased by an impressive 64 %. It is also evident that the supply is more diversified. Good profit margins have brought new market participants and driven both small and large companies to expand. Our module partners LONGI SOLAR at No. 1 and JINKO SOLAR at No. 3 among the world’s largest wafer manufacturers, together with Zhonghuan (No. 2) dominate global wafer capacity with more than 80%. Vertically integrated module manufacturers have also significantly increased their internal supply capacities. Thus, another 134 gigawatts of capacity could likely be added in 2022. (more…)

From M0 to M12 – different wafer sizes in the market

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When you talk to the pioneers of the German PV industry, such as Mr. Udo Möhrstedt or the first participants of the symposium at Banz Monastery, one looks back at the early years with a sparkle in the eyes. A specific example is the comparison between the wafer sizes of the past and the present. The “wafer” is the starting material for the production of crystalline solar cells, which is only about 200 µm thick. Although there have been many adjustments over the years, the continuity has unfortunately disappeared. In recent months, countless new wafer sizes have appeared on the market. Something the PV industry has never experienced before. In addition, there is no uniform designation. With this article we would like to shed some light on the topic, and in addition to a review of the history of cell size, we want to compare the current common names. (more…)