Solar manufacturers unite to develop 700 W + module standards

Solar module size standardisation will enhance supply chain efficiencies, boost production, and lower costs, according to the 700W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance, thus accelerating the industrialisation of 700 W or greater modules.

December 22, 2023 Anne Fischer

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From pv magazine USA

Trina Solar announced the formation of the 700 W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance. Joined by Astronergy, Canadian Solar, Risen Energy, TCL Zhonghuan and Tongwei, the group of six solar manufacturers intends to standardise the design of solar modules of 700 W or greater.

The alliance calls for module manufacturers adhere to existing agreed industry dimensions of 2,384 mm by 1,303 mm; module long-side vertical hole distance: 400 mm / 1,400 mm). A hole distance of 790 mm has been added to the standard. This adheres to and builds on the T/CPIA 0003-2022 Technical Specification issued by the China Photovoltaic Industry Association.

In recent years, the power output of solar modules has jumped from 500 W to 700 W, and the size of modules have increased along with the wattage. In 2021, for example, Risen Energy released the 132-cell NewT@N panel based on 210 mm n-type monocrystalline multi busbars cells with a half-cut design. The high-wattage module size conforms to the recommended standard of 2,384 mm x 1,303 mm x 35 mm.

Having large modules presents some challenges in terms of weight on a roof, ease of mounting on trackers or racking, and more. But lack of standardisation presents several challenges, not only in production but in fitting to infrastructure.

The 700W+ alliance sees standardisation as a way of reducing balance of system costs as well as cutting the levelized cost of electricity. Ultimately, standardisation will enhance supply chain efficiencies, boost production, and lower costs, the Alliance contends, accelerating the industrialization of high-powered modules.

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