French PV module manufacturer Voltec has developed a new cell layout for its glass-backsheet residential PV modules to increase panels output without changing dimensions.

“Our distinctive feature is that we arrange the cells perpendicular to the module’s length rather than parallel to it,” Voltec Director Lucas Weiss told pv magazine. “As a result, while our competitors use 48 cells in their residential modules, we can fit 50.”

With each cell rated at 9.5 W, the new design increases module power by 18 W to 19 W while maintaining nearly identical dimensions. According to the company, this represents an increase of almost 4% in power output.

The new cell layout has been introduced across Voltec’s Tarka product range. “We achieve a power output of 470 W, allowing us to match the performance of back-contact (BC) modules,” Weiss said. “We’re gaining a competitive advantage.”

In parallel with the product redesign, Voltec upgraded one of its production lines in June to process G12R-format cells. The company is investing €1.5 million ($1.8 million) to convert its second production line to the same format by the end of the year.

Once the upgrade is complete, Voltec’s annual production capacity will remain at 500 MW, with all output based on tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology. Previously, one of the two production lines still manufactured modules using passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology.

“This will allow us to improve our cost structure,” Weiss said.

Voltec also expects to benefit from France’s new resilience criteria for public tenders covering small-scale PV projects between 100 kW and 500 kW, as well as ground-mounted solar installations.

Under the new rules, eligible projects must use PV modules that are not assembled in China. In addition, at least four of eight designated strategic components must originate from countries other than China.

“The resilience criteria will logically increase the cost of modules imported from Asia, while the cost of our modules is decreasing,” Weiss said.

The company also said that the introduction of France’s reduced 5.5% VAT rate for residential PV systems below 9 kW has boosted demand. According to Voltec, its sales have increased fourfold on average since October 2025.