In November last year eight world-leading photovoltaic brands, including Trina Solar, Zhonghuan Semiconductor and Risen Energy, set about promoting the standardization of 210mm silicon wafer modules in the photovoltaic industry. By May the 210-standardization process had achieved significant results, which was released in October. This is significantly driving up the value of the PV industry chain and system level.

Achieving agreement: Uniform size for 210 modules

On May 26 the China Photovoltaic Industry Association organized an online seminar on the standardization of module sizes. Fifty experts and representatives of module manufacturers, developers, system solution providers and third-party organisations, including Trina Solar, Risen Energy, Canadian Solar, Tongwei and TÜV SÜD, agreed on the overall dimensions of modules and technical specifications of mounting holes. Technical details such as cell spacing and design reference standards were also agreed upon to form a group standard. This means 210  module manufacturers, end-users and system solution providers have achieved uniformity in technical issues.

Standardization of modules will greatly reduce BOS costs and LCOE, and deliver the convenience and maximum value of ultra-high power modules and solutions to solar applications.

For 110 half cells (55 whole cells), the length is determined as 2384±2mm, the width as 1096±2mm, and the positions of the mounting holes in the long side are put at 400/1400±1mm. Following is a breakdown of the dimensions of the three 210 products:

In addition, all 210 module manufacturers will design products in accordance with the latest international standard IEC/UL 61730.

Module standardization benefits the solar industry and maximizes IRR of solar plant

Increasing module power and reducing power generation costs has become an inevitable trend. Standardization of the 210 modules will directly benefit the solar industry, EPCs and project developers.

Standardization of the 210mm wafer, cell and module size will directly result in lower BOS costs, and the supply chain will be made more efficient, achieving the optimum scale effect. In addition, industrial technical innovation stands to be accelerated, reducing manufacturing costs for the industry chain, initial investment of PV systems and LCOE and ensuring IRR.

The module standard is expected was officially released in October by the China Photovoltaic Industry Association.