What is a solar wafer?

The “wafer”, which is only around 200 µm thick, is the basic raw material for the fabrication of crystalline solar cells. Wafer size counts in photovoltaic (PV), just as it does in the semiconductor sector. The wafer is the PV module’s power-generating component, accounting for roughly 40% of overall module costs.

What is solar wafer size evolution?

Solar wafer size evolvement In order to increase the power of solar panels and reduce the cost of solar panels, the silicon wafer industry has been driven to continuously expand the size of silicon wafers, from M2, M4, G1, M6, M10, and finally to M12 (G12) and M10+.

Why do solar panels need bigger wafers?

The growing demand for larger wafers enables higher power output each module and increases system efficiency by up to 6%. Currently, over 55% of utility-scale solar projects use G12 wafers due to their cost-per-watt advantages. However, M10 wafers still dominate the residential and commercial sectors, holding a 45% market share.

What are the different wafer sizes used in solar cell production?

M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, and M12 are standard different wafer sizes used in the solar cell production process.

Do solar panels use wafers?

P-type (positive) and N-type (negative) wafers are manufactured and combined in a solar cell to convert sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. Thin-film solar panels do not use wafers but are highly inefficient and only used in rare circumstances. Over 90% of solar panels use silicon wafers.

How do wafer solar cells work?

These solar cells draw inspiration from nature. Similar to how plants use photosynthesis, wafer solar cells capture and store energy during the day, making it available for use at night. Sunlight Absorption: Just as plants soak up sunlight, the solar cell's surface captures sunlight, initiating the energy conversion process.