M10, M10R, G12 and G12R: cell formats, explained simply.
Format is the first line of any cell RFQ. It sets the module's dimensions, and through them the glass and frame drawings. Here are the working differences, without the marketing.
The square formats
M10 denotes the ~182 mm wafer side; G12 the ~210 mm side. Bigger cells mean more watts per cell and fewer cells per string for a given power, but heavier, larger modules and higher currents that the junction box, connectors and system design must carry.
The rectangular variants
M10R and G12R are rectangular cuts of those platforms. Rectangular cells let module designers hit target module widths and powers with better packing, most current high-power module families are built on an R variant. For procurement, the practical point is: the exact cell dimensions come from the selected line's specification sheet, not from the family name.
What format choice drives
- Module dimensions, and therefore the glass drawing and frame drawing.
- Electrical design, current class, busbar count, string layout.
- Compatibility, a module line's stringers and lay-up tooling are format-bound; switching formats is a production decision, not a purchasing tweak.
What to put in a cell RFQ
- Technology (PERC / TOPCon / HJT) and format (M10 · M10R · G12 · G12R)
- Efficiency bin structure you need, and the bin distribution you can accept
- Busbar configuration · cell thickness if constrained · colour uniformity requirement
- Monthly volume and forecast · destination country · documentation required
Bins, busbars and exact dimensions are confirmed against the selected manufacturing line, the TRX-SC product page covers how that confirmation works.
Format decided? Send the cell RFQ.
Send the drawing, datasheet or bill of materials with quantity, destination and timing, the desk reviews the requirement and returns with manufacturing options and structure.