More power in the same space – the new G12R cell size is changing the market

Martin Schmal
7 days ago
3 min read

Solar trend: Larger cells, higher power, same module size.

With the new G12R wafer generation (182 × 210 mm), SOLYCO achieves an increase in performance per square meter, with the same module size.

From the early M2 cells to the new G12R generation, a clear trend is emerging:

More active area per cell, less electrical loss and higher performance on the same module size.

The following overview shows how cell formats have evolved in recent years – and why G12R is now, in 2025, considered the new standard for high-performance modules .

Wafer designation	Dimensions (mm)	Established since	Typical number of cells	Mission
M0 / M2	156 × 156	circa 2010	60 / 72 full cells	Early PV modules 220-300W e.g.: SOLON Black 230/07
M4	161.7 × 161.7	circa 2017	120 / 144 half-cells	Residential & Commercial
M6	166 × 166	circa 2018	120 / 144 half-cells	Widely used until 2021
M10	182 × 182	from 2020	108 / 120 / 132 half-cells	Standard Residential
G12 (M12)	210 × 210	from 2021	132 / 156 half-cells	Current Standard Utility
M10*	182 x 187	from 2023	108 / 120 half-cells	Current Standard Residential
G12R	182 × 210	from 2024	96 / 108 half-cells	Future standard e.g. SOLYCO PRO R-TG96n

From M10 to G12R – the next step in development

For years, the active cell area in photovoltaics has been growing: from M2 (156 mm) through M4 and M6 to M10 (182 mm). Each generation brought higher current, increased power output, and more efficient modules. M10 wafers with 108 half-cells are now standard in many rooftop systems – they offer a good balance of power, weight, and handling. After the M10 size became the standard, around 2023, slightly taller M10 variants (e.g., the M10*) were introduced, resulting in a slightly longer overall module length. In the rooftop segment, the module length increased from 1722 mm to 1762 mm, while still precisely complying with the then-current 2 m² rule.

And now comes the next stage of evolution: G12R.

G12R – more power, fewer cells?

The new G12R wafer combines the advantages of M10 and G12:

96 half-cells instead of 108, with almost identical module size (1,134 mm width)
Higher power output per cell due to larger active area
Inverter compatible despite higher currents
Unchanged handling

The result: More power in the same area, perfect for private and commercial roofs.

For example, the new SOLYCO R-TG 96n.5 /460 W p module impressively demonstrates how G12R technology brings more efficiency to the roof – while maintaining the same ease of installation.

Why not just use G12?

When G12 wafers are used in the standard module design, the module width increases to 1,303 mm, which is suitable for ground-mounted installations. They would simply be too unwieldy for rooftop systems. G12R, on the other hand, offers the optimal compromise: maximum performance without compromising compatibility and handling.