According to TrendForce, 210mm technology has led to the widespread adoption of this size across all segments of the industry chain. By the first quarter of this year cumulative shipments of 210mm modules (including 210R) had surpassed 260GW. Leading module manufacturers are scaling up production of 210mm modules, with seven of the top 10 module makers now producing 210mm n-type modules. It is clear that the 210mm n-type modules are emerging as the predominant choice in the market.
Market penetration of 210R to accelerate in second half of year
A prevailing trend in the industry chain is the concentrated focus on the advance of n-type, large-format, and thin wafers. 210mm (including 210R) has emerged as the next mainstream standard, heralding a new phase in wafer size development. TrendForce says that by the end of this year the expansion of production capacity for large-format wafers will continue to accelerate, with capacity projected to reach 1,174GW. The share of production capacity for large-format wafers has risen to nearly 99%, becoming the predominant choice. Notably, the production capacity for 210mm (including 210R) wafers has reached 457GW, accounting for 38.46% of the total, with an increase of 46.33% compared with 2022. This upward trajectory points to the continuing rise in its market share.
Figure 1: Trends in production capacity share for wafer of various formats, 2022-27 (unit: %)
Rectangular wafers have become a key innovation for companies aiming to improve module efficiency. In 2022, Trinasolar first released modules using rectangular wafers, initiating the rectangular wave within the industry. Market penetration of 210R rectangular wafers is expected to accelerate from the second half of 2024.
Figure 2: Development stages of rectangular wafer modules by leading module manufacturers
TOPCon dominated n-type technology accounts for nearly 60%, demand for 210mm n-type cells continues to expand
In the solar cells realm, the industry’s demand for high-power modules is driving the expansion of large-format and n-type products. According to TrendForce, the share of production capacity for large-format cells will approach 99% by this year, with the production capacity for large-format cells to reach 1,549GW. Within this, the overall production capacity for 210mm cells will be 1,296GW, representing market share of 82.66%.
Figure 3: Trend in production capacity share of large-format cells, 2021-27 (unit: %)
TOPCon technology now dominates the n-type cell market. TrendForce forecasts that the production capacity for n-type cells will reach about 1,078GW, or 68.8%, by the end of this year. Of this, the production capacity for TOPCon cells will be about 909GW, an increase of 376GW, accounting for about 58% of the n-type cell market. The integration of 210mm and n-type can further improve conversion efficiency, increase single wafer power and improve other performance metrics, effectively meeting industry demand for higher-power modules. Consequently, the demand for 210mm n-type cells is expected to continue rising.
Figure 4: Trend in capacity share of different types of n-type cells, 2022-27
The share of production capacity for large-format modules exceeds 95%, and market share of n-type modules is rising rapidly
According to TrendForce, the production capacity for large-format modules will reach 1,365GW this year, with market share of about 96.7%. Specifically, the production capacity for 210mm modules will be about 1,105GW, reflecting growth of 51.8% from 2023 and accounting for 78.3% of the total. In terms of shipments, large-format modules are expected to accelerate, accounting for more than 85% of the market. By the first quarter of this year cumulative shipments of 210mm (including 210R) modules have exceeded 260GW.
Market demand for n-type modules is also projected to rise rapidly. TrendForce forecasts that the global market share of n-type modules will rise markedly, from 26.22% last year to 68.93% this year.
Figure 5: Trend in market share of modules of different formats, 2022-27, (unit: %)
Seven of the top 10 companies are producing 210mm n-type modules, stepping up to achieve power exceeding 700W
The commercial value of 210mm modules has been increasingly recognized by leading manufacturers. The 210mm product technology platform has seamlessly integrated with various advanced technologies as a result of its advanced, compatible and open nature, continuously unlocking new opportunities for reducing costs and improving efficiency. The adoption of 700W+ products has become an unstoppable force, with leading companies entering this market.
Figure 6: 700W+ module products by leading module companies
Trinasolar, Risen Energy, Tongwei and Huasun are all mass producing modules with power exceeding 700W. Trinasolar was the first to introduce Vertex N 700W+ modules, which uses 210mm and n-type i-TOPCon cell technology, achieving mass production power exceeding 720W. Trinasolar, in collaboration with five other companies, has launched the 700W+ PV Open Innovation Ecological Alliance to drive this advance. In addition, as a pioneer of 210mm modules, Trinasolar announced that cumulative shipments of 210mm modules surpassed 120GW by the first quarter of 2024, maintaining its position as global leader.
Continuous technological innovation and product upgrades are driving the advancement of the PV industry. The 210mm n-type technology is set to spearhead a new industrial revolution, fostering the high-quality development of the new energy sector.