For more than ten years, the classic module had a cell size of 156 mm (M0 wafer). Later, it increased to 156.75 mm (M2 wafer) and was considered the standard module, which became very popular.
Now, the standard module dimensions are constantly changing, and more rapidly than ever. This became particularly noticeable at the beginning of 2020 when manufacturers in Asia started the trend of increasing wafer sizes, leading to the production of larger module formats.
As recently as 2018, 156.75 mm (M2) wafers accounted for about 80% of the market. In 2020, the 158.75 mm (M3) wafer sizes made its way into the market. These modules range between 325 and 345 watts, and the dimensions are about 10 to 30 millimeters larger than a classic 60-cell module. However, the 158.75 mm (M3) cell, which was introduced only a few years ago, is already only available to a very limited extent.
A new size came onto the module market - M6 wafers with 166mm. In 2021, the M6 cell type has become the most widely installed module. This is a 120 cell with typically 350 to 380 watt module.
However, the trend shows that it is possible to go even bigger. Wafer sizes of 182 mm (M10) and 210 mm (M12) will soon arrive in the market. With the new cell sizes, a new power class is also emerging: M10-based modules will be between 435 and 455 WP.
Trend and Outlook
According to the leading manufacturers, modules with 182 mm (M10) wafers and 210 mm (M12) wafers are clearly superior to modules with smaller wafers in terms of manufacturing costs. Therefore, modules with these wafer sizes will probably prevail in the long term and may become the standard wafer sizes as soon as 2022/2023.
For further information, contact your sales representative.