SEMI International Standards
Standards New Activity Report Form (SNARF)
Date Prepared: 07/30/2019Revised (if Applicable):

Document Number: 6609
SNARF for: Revision to SEMI PV22-0817，Specification for Silicon Wafers for Use in Photovoltaic Solar Cells

Originating Global Technical Committee: Photovoltaic (PV) - Materials
Originating TC Chapter: China
Task Force (TF) in which work is to be carried out: PV Silicon Wafer Task Force
Note: If a new task force is needed, also submit a task force organization form (TFOF)

___________________________________________________________________________
1. Rationale:
a. Describe the need or problem addressed by this activity.
(Indicate the customer, what benefits they will receive, and if possible, quantify the impact on the return on investment [ROI] if the Document is implemented.)
At present, the standard of silicon wafer produced by wafer manufacturers is not uniform, which poses certain difficulties to downstream cell customers in selection and comparison and also impact the long-term healthy development of the photovoltaic industry. Considering the equipment production capacity of wafer, cell, module process and the compatibility of main & auxiliary materials, through lots of test verifications and cost calculations, two kinds of the specification standards of quasi-square monocrystalline silicon wafer are determined as follows:
Figure A is a schematic view of the dimension of 166 quasi-square (166 QS) monocrystalline silicon wafer. Compared with the conventional standard of 156.75 quasi-square monocrystalline wafer, the area of 166 QS is increased by 12.21%. Under the same condition of PERC cell efficiency 21.95%, the wafer will also bring 12.21% power gain due to the area increase. Though calculation, the cost per watt of 166 QS at wafer process is reduced by 0.41%. Based on 72 half-piece module calculation, the cost per watt is relatively reduced by 4.47%. In addition, the production efficiency of 166 QS is increased by 3.3% per unit area, and the earning of 72 half-chip module is increased by 22.95%.
Figure B is a schematic view of the dimension of the 166 full square (166 FSQ) monocrystalline silicon wafer. Compared with the conventional standard 156.75 quasi-square monocrystalline wafer, the area of 166 FSQ is increased by 12.78%. Under the same condition of PERC cell efficiency 21.95%, it would also bring 12.78% power gain due to the area increase. Though calculation, the cost per watt of 166 FSQ per wafer at wafer process increased by 1.74%. Based on 72 half-piece module calculation, the cost per watt is relatively reduced by 4.22%. In addition, the production efficiency of 166 FSQ is reduced by 3.21% per unit area, and the earnings of 72 half-piece module increased by 22.1%.
The standardization of 166 large-size monocrystalline silicon wafer size is conducive to unify the current silicon wafer size specifications and maintain a longer dimensional lifecycle. It is conducive to reduce the cost of the whole industry chain, and promote the development of the industry. In addition, it is benefitial to enhance the versatility of the subsequent wafer production market and reduce the company's product liquidity and inventory risks.


b. Estimate effect on industry.
2: Major effect on an industry sector - identify the relevant sector
Sector or Company Information: Photovoltaic

c. Estimate technical difficulty of the activity.
II: Some Difficulty - Disagreements on known requirements exist but developing consensus is possible

___________________________________________________________________________
2. Scope:
a: Describe the technical areas to be covered or addressed by this Document development activity. For Subordinate Standards, list common concepts or criteria that the Subordinate Standard inherits from the Primary Standard, as well as differences from the Primary Standard:
This specification describes the dimensional characteristics, crystal defects and electrical properties of monocrystalline silicon wafers commonly used in the photovoltaic industry.

b: Expected result of activity
Major revision to an existing Standard or Safety Guideline

For a new Subordinate Standard, identify the Primary Standard here:


Modification of an existing part of Standard(s) or Safety Guideline(s) including Appendices, Complementary Files, and Supplementary Materials

For Standards, identify the Standard Subtype below:
Specification

Miscellaneous (describe below):

___________________________________________________________________________
3. Projected Timetable for Completion:

a: General Milestones
a. Activity Start: 07/01/2019b. 1st Draft by: 11/01/2019
c. (Optional) Informational Ballot by: d. Letter Ballot by: 04/01/2020
e. TC Chapter Approval By:11/01/2021

_____________________________________________________________________________
4. Liaisons with other Global Technical Committees/TC Chapters/Subcommittees/TFs:
a. List SEMI global technical committees, TC Chapters, subcommittees, or task forces in your or other Regions/Locales that should be kept informed regarding the progress of this activity. (Refer to SEMI Standards organization charts and global technical committee charters and scopes as needed.)


b. List any planned Type I Liaisons with external nonprofit organizations (e.g., SDO) that should receive Draft Documents from Standards staff for feedback during this activity and be notified when the Letter Ballot is issued (refer to Procedure Manual § 7):


c. Intercommittee Ballots:
will not be issued

Identify the recipient global technical committee(s):

___________________________________________________________________________
5. Safety Considerations:
The resulting document is expected:
NOT to be a Safety Guideline

NOTE FOR "to be a Safety Guideline": When all safety-related information is removed from the Document, the Document is NOT technically sound and complete - Refer to Section 15.1 of the Regulations for special procedures to be followed.

NOTE FOR "NOT to be a Safety Guideline": When all safety-related information is removed from the Document, the Document is still technically sound and complete.

___________________________________________________________________________
6. Intellectual Property Considerations:
Note: Both a: and b: below should be checked for Revision of existing Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s).

a. For a new Standard or Safety Guideline and for any part to be modified or added in a Revision of published Standards and Safety Guidelines:


If "patented technology is intended to be included in the proposed Standard(s) or Safety Guideline(s) " is selected above, then also check one:


b. For Revision, Reapproval, Reinstatement, or Withdrawal of existing Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s):
there is no known material patented technology necessary to use or implement the Standard(s) and Safety Guideline(s)

c. The body of the Document and any Appendices, Complementary Files, Related Information sections, or Various Materials that may or may not be a part of the Document by reference:



NOTE FOR ‘the use of patented technology or the incorporation of Copyrighted Item(s) is NOT required’: If in the course of developing the Document, it is determined that the use of patented technology or Copyrighted Item(s) is necessary for the Document, the provisions of Regulations § 16 must be followed.

NOTE FOR ’will incorporate Copyrighted Item’: A copyright release letter must be obtained from the copyright owner prior to publication.

___________________________________________________________________________
7. Comments, Special Circumstances:
None.

__________________________________________________________________________
8. TC Member Review:
took place between (put dates below ) before approval at the TC Chapter Meeting, or

Member Review Start Date; 2019/9/30
Member Review End Date: 2019/10/15

NOTE FOR ‘TC Member Review’ is required by the Regulations for a period of at least two weeks
before approval of a new, or a major revision of an existing, Standard or Safety Guideline. (Refer to Regulations ¶ 8.2.1)
__________________________________________________________________________

9. SNARF Approval Dates:
TC Chapter or GCS10/25/2019
Recorded in TC Minutes11/20/2019

__________________________________________________________________________

10. SNARF Extension Dates:
TC Chapter Extension Granted on
Extension Expires on