The question of the solar photovoltaic industry, the bigger the silicon wafer, the better?

　　With the development of the photovoltaic industry, the size of silicon wafers has become larger and larger. Soon after the 182 and 210 size modules were launched on the market, larger silicon wafers have come again.

　　Recently, a silicon wafer manufacturer released 218.2 size silicon wafers for the first time.

　　Since the 158.75-size silicon wafer was introduced internally in the industry in 2018, the speed of silicon wafer size iteration has continued to accelerate. In 2019, 166 and 210 size silicon wafers will compete with each other. In 2020, 182 size will suddenly explode, showing a tendency of "meshed war". Although large size is a recognized silicon wafer development trend in the industry, can silicon wafers continue to increase in size? How will the introduction of 218.2 size affect the photovoltaic industry?

　　A: 218.2 silicon wafer is not a substitute for 210 silicon wafer, both of which are advanced production capacity

　　The introduction of the 218.2 size is essentially a continuation of the dispute between the 182 and 210 sizes. Some calculations show that if the 218.2 size is made into a 60-piece type, its area is similar to the 182-size 72-piece type. At the same time, the manufacturing cost of large-size silicon wafers is relatively lower, which can be said to occupy a cost advantage.

　　Experts pointed out that whether it is 210 size or 218.2 size, it is a product whose silicon wafer size has jumped to more than 200 mm. There is almost no difference in the manufacturing process and equipment selection between the two, and both require the use of a 12-inch single crystal furnace.

　　In the opinion of relevant persons, the introduction of the 218.2 size does not mean the failure of the 210 size. Both belong to the advanced production capacity of the 12-inch series. The goal is to replace the backward and old production capacity, rather than replace the 210 size with the 218.2 size.

　　B: Some difficulties need to be overcome to truly realize industrialization

　　In fact, after the introduction of 210-size silicon wafers, cell and component companies have conducted a series of discussions on the load and current changes of 210 components. The concerns within the industry and the market about large-size components are not unreasonable.

　　Although the larger size has brought cost reduction, but also pay attention to the subsequent safety hazards, upstream and downstream matching, standardization and other issues. In fact, after the 210-size components were launched, some people in the industry speculated whether there would be larger-size components coming out. FraunhoferISE, a European photovoltaic industry research organization, pointed out that further increase in module size may bring higher labor requirements, increase labor costs and installation risks, and ultimately fail to bring value in manufacturing costs and system costs. In addition, in terms of electrical safety, the safety risks of the system should also be emphasized and evaluated.

　　Adjusting the size of silicon wafers not only involves wafer manufacturers, but also affects companies such as solar cells and components. If the new size is to be truly industrialized and commercialized, it is necessary to consider the standardized collaboration between upstream and downstream customers, equipment and auxiliary material suppliers.

　　C: Lack of unified standards for upstream and downstream industries

　　Although there are more and more large-size silicon wafer specifications, and downstream options continue to increase, the industry is also facing challenges brought about by the diversification of silicon wafers, solar cells, and component sizes. A photovoltaic glass manufacturer was worried: “There are really too many large silicon wafers and high-power components emerging in an endless stream. The upstream and downstream companies in the industry chain need a unified industry standard to reduce the loss and cost caused by uneven size.”

　　The road of advanced technology towards industrialization and marketization requires the guidance of standards. In the early stages of product launch, as different manufacturers explored different technical routes, the differences in the specifications and dimensions of photovoltaic products are understandable. However, with the continuous development of the industry and the demand for cost reduction from upstream and downstream, uniform product specifications and sizes are the general trend.

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　　Solar power generation system with lithium battery energy storage system is a very promising clean energy.