RCT Solutions' Solar Wafer Size Calculator estimates cell area, weight, and theoretical power output based on wafer and cell parameters
The tool supports standard, rectangular, and custom wafer formats, allowing users to evaluate a wide range of wafer geometries
The calculated cell power can be used as a reference to estimate module power and compare it with commercially rated module specifications
Germany-based RCT Solutions has launched its Solar Wafer Size Calculator tool to infer the final cell properties based on the wafer’s physical parameters. The calculator outputs area, weight, and theoretical individual cell power.
The tool allows users to select a wafer preset from the list of available options, or manually input custom wafer dimensions, such as length A and length B, along with the diagonal length. The tool also requires wafer thickness in µm, density in g/cm³, irradiation in W/m², and cell efficiency, which is manually input based on reference commercial mainstream efficiencies by technology. After these parameters are added, the tool calculates area and weight and provides a theoretically estimated cell power. From this value, one can derive the module power based on the number of individual cells and a value for cell-to-module (CTM) losses. From the derived module power, its efficiency can be easily determined, which can be used as a reference value against the nominal power rated by module manufacturers.
Although several wafer calculators are available from other companies, the key differentiator of RCT’s tool is that it also accounts for currently trending rectangular wafer formats and any custom-sized wafer. “The idea is to provide an educational resource while also gathering feedback on how the industry is adapting to recent changes in wafer dimensions”, said Julian Reichle, Project Engineer for Ingot and Wafer at RCT Solutions.
