In a significant move to address challenges in solar module manufacturing, nine leading manufacturers have agreed on the standard dimensions for rectangular silicon wafer modules.

The nine manufacturers – Canadian Solar, Risen Energy, JA Solar, JinkoSolar, LONGi, TW Solar, Trina Solar, Astronergy, and DAS Solar, agreed on the following specifications:

• Module size: 2,382mm*1,134mm
• Module long side vertical hole distance: 400 mm/ 790 mm/ 1,400 mm

The new standards are expected to help increase module power, optimize container utilization, and reduce system costs while tackling issues related to supply chain disruptions, material wastage, and customer system design complexities.

To ensure uniformity and adherence to these standardized dimensions, it is proposed that both current and future designs for 182 and 210 series modules align with the specifications outlined in the “T/CPIA 0003-2022 Technical Specification for Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial Photovoltaic Module Dimensions and Mounting Holes” document issued by the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA).

Additionally, manufacturers will comply with existing agreed industry dimensions. The flexible approach would allow each manufacturer to work within the specified dimension ranges based on its unique circumstances, thus catering to the diverse needs of their customers.

The nine companies will collectively advocate and promote the acceptance of these standardized dimensions by other industry manufacturers. They have urged incorporating these rectangular silicon wafer module dimensions into the industry standards published by the CPIA.

To foster ongoing collaboration and communication in advancing dimension standardization for other variants of rectangular silicon wafer modules, the companies have agreed to establish the “Photovoltaic Module Dimension Standardization Seminar Group.”

Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, LONGi Solar, and JA Solar were among the top solar module suppliers in the calendar year 2022, according to Mercom’s recently released India Solar Market Leaderboard 2023.

China’s annual export of solar products, such as polysilicon wafers, cells, and modules, surpassed $51 billion in 2022, a year-over-year increase of 80.3%. China’s export performance is noteworthy as it has come despite the import barriers erected by several countries to restrict the entry of Chinese products last year.