PROCUREMENT NOTES
How to compare solar cell stringer throughput
Define the output unit, cell format and acceptance conditions before comparing headline speed.
By PVYard Editorial · Updated 2026-11-06
Start with the output unit
A production rate is useful only when its counting unit is clear. Manufacturer literature may describe cells, half cells, pieces, strips or finished strings per hour. These terms are not interchangeable. A cell string contains multiple connected cells, while a half-cell count refers to individual pieces. Convert one supplier's number into another unit only when the process configuration and counting rule are documented.
The ConfirmWare AMS120CA page states 12,000 half cells per hour and a cell-size range of 156–230 mm. Autowell's AM050EH/FH page uses a rate of 7,200 strips per hour with a 156–230 mm range. Ooitech's SS-1500B IR page lists a TOPCon/PERC rate of 1,200 PCS per hour and a BC rate of 1,000. These are manufacturer statements with different labels and conditions. Compare finished-module output only after each supplier states its figure under the same conditions. The breakage, cycle time and throughput guide shows how to line up such figures across machine types.
Match the product to your process
Write down the intended cell technology, format, thickness, busbar arrangement and interconnection method before asking for a quotation. Include the planned cell split and the number of cells in each string. Ask the supplier to confirm compatibility with your exact cell geometry, coating, ribbon and process recipe, whatever the advertised format range. For back-contact, HJT or TOPCon cells, the cell technology compatibility guide lists the questions that change between routes. The ribbon itself is a material choice with its own qualification; see the PV ribbon and busbar materials class, including Yitong's flat ribbon.
Ask the supplier to identify the exact machine model and configuration covered by its proposal. Catalogue photographs may illustrate a product family. Ask for the quoted model's drawing and option list, since a catalogue photograph may show a different configuration. Other listed stringers, such as the Junxiang JX012, should be compared on the same documents.
Specify an acceptance run
Define what counts as a good unit leaving the machine, how rejects and rework are counted, and which pauses are included in the measurement. Agree on the sample cell lot, operating duration, changeover procedure and quality criteria. State who supplies the cells, interconnection material and utilities. The acceptance protocol should make it possible to repeat the test and match the result against the production log. The FAT and SAT guide covers how to write that protocol into the contract.
Availability, output rate and yield describe different aspects of operation. An agreed production trial gives a better basis than multiplying isolated brochure values. Ask for results under a configuration that resembles the intended line and retain the supporting measurement method. Where the stringer carries inline imaging, the machine vision guide explains how to test detection on your own defect samples.
Check the whole line
A stringer connects upstream cell handling, such as the HORAD cell feeding system, with downstream layup and the rest of module assembly. Buffer capacity, loading arrangements, inspection stations and handling limits can determine practical output. Include line interfaces, fault recovery, spare parts, training and service responsibilities in the sourcing brief, and agree how string records pass to your MES, as described in the traceability guide. The useful comparison is the proposed system under agreed conditions, rather than the largest number on a catalogue page. Browse all listed cell stringers to see which makers publish comparable data.
Build one comparison worksheet before collecting offers
Start with a shared recipe sheet that names the cell technology, dimensions, thickness, cut format, interconnection material and cells per string. Ask every supplier to complete the same sheet. Put each stated capacity beside its original unit and a supplier definition of that unit. Do not silently rewrite strips, pieces, half-cells and complete strings as the same output. Where a definition is missing, ask for it before comparing.
Separate the machine cycle from shift production
Ask where the capacity measurement starts and ends. Loading, cutting, inspection, soldering, unloading and transport may sit within different supply boundaries. Then ask which interruptions are included in a shift-output estimate: planned changeover, consumable replacement, input shortages, reject handling and maintenance. Record the assumptions alongside the output calculation. A nameplate rate is not a measured shift result, and a shift calculation is not a whole-line guarantee.
Resolve technology and upgrade differences
A proposal for one cell technology should retain its own rate and qualification conditions. For example, the sourced SS-1500B listing quotes separate TOPCon/PERC and BC operating cases. An optional 0BB upgrade on another product page should be resolved into installed hardware, consumables, recipe support and quoted scope. Take speed and process compatibility from the same configuration. Ask how changeover is performed if multiple cell technologies or string formats will be used.
Agree what counts as accepted output
Define a finished accepted string and the reason codes for rejection before a trial. Have the process owner specify connection-quality checks, handling damage criteria and the inspection method. Use representative input cells and interconnection material, and record their condition. Count accepted output, rejects and interruptions with clear start and end times. Retain the configuration and recipe identifiers, measurement method and trial records. The test duration and sample quantities should be agreed by the parties for the intended purchase; this guide does not invent universal pass limits.
Include the next station in the enquiry
A stringer that produces suitable strings can still create a downstream problem if the unloading carrier, string storage or layup interface is not included. Request a handover drawing and a responsibility list. Clarify what happens when the layup station stops, where rejected strings go and how product identity is kept. Compare quotations for the same cutting, inspection, handling and integration scope before interpreting a price difference.
Send a quotation brief with open fields visible
A useful RFQ contains the recipe sheet, requested operating cases, included station boundary, interface drawings and the proposed acceptance method. Ask the supplier to identify exclusions, customer-supplied items, utilities, training and spare-part support. Leave an unknown field marked for confirmation. A missing value is a question for the supplier, rather than permission to use a number from a related model. This makes the enquiry actionable without presenting a supplier catalogue as an independent equipment test.
Sources
- en.confirmware.com — source document
- www.wxautowell.com — source document
- www.ooitech.com — source document
Manufacturer specifications are source statements. Confirm configuration and acceptance conditions with the supplier. Our editorial standards
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