What is the shape of a typical monocrystalline solar wafer?

Monocrystalline solar wafers typically have a square shape with rounded corners. This design allows for efficient use of space when the wafers are placed together in a solar cell configuration, minimizing the gaps between them. The rounded corners help in reducing stress concentrations during manufacturing, making them less prone to cracking compared to sharp-cornered designs.

This shape is common for monocrystalline cells due to the manufacturing process that involves slicing a cylindrical ingot of silicon into thin wafers. The rounded corners also contribute to improved aesthetics of the solar panels. In contrast, other shapes would not provide the same combination of efficiency, strength, and aesthetic appeal that is characteristic of monocrystalline technology.