Trina Solar introduces new PERC solar module efficiency and launches new high performance solar modules

16. August 2021

In the last few weeks, we have introduced you to different novel solar modules and new record efficiencies from various well-known PV module manufacturers such as Jinko Solar and Longi Solar. But one we have not even mentioned within our review. The Chinese PV module manufacturer Trina Solar has also achieved a new efficiency for a PERC solar module this year, as well as placing new high-performance solar modules on the market. In this article we would like to introduce the new products to you and analyze them together with you.

Trina Solar achieves 23.03% efficiency for 210mm PERC solar module

In July 2021, the Chinese PV module manufacturer announced to have achieved 23.03% efficiency for a PERC module. The following facts distinguish this module:

66 PERC cells
Cell size 210mm x 210mm
Efficiency 23.03

Within the following picture you get a first impression about the optics of this solar module.

Source: Emiliano Bellini, 02/07/2021, https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/07/02/trina-solar-achieves-23-03-efficiency-for-210-mm-perc-solar-module/

According to Yifeng Chen, head of Trina’s research and development center for high-efficiency cells and modules, the PERC solar module is the first large-area commercial p-type module with an opening efficiency of more than 23%. This new record efficiency contributes to improved module efficiency. Such improvement is expected to help customers in particular, for example, to save land, labor and cables.

New high-efficiency solar modules from Trina impress the PV market

In addition to increasing the opening efficiency of the PERC solar module, the Chinese manufacturer also launched two other new high-performance modules. Among them, the 670-watt module of the Vertex series, which was designed for large-scale projects, catches our eye in particular. Within this series, we find further modules with outputs of 600W, 550W and 500W on the Trina homepage. However, we want to take a closer look at the high-performance 670-Watt module. We have summarized the following facts for you:

Power range	635W-670W
Cell size	210mm large silicon wafer
Modulwirkungsgrad	21,6%
Monocrystalline	132 cells
Positive power tolerance	0/+5W

Fact Book

In addition to these technical features, the Vertex module has several innovative design features that enable this high output power of up to 670W. A particularly good annealing coefficient and very good low light performance are key factors here for higher output. In addition, the module is equipped with full-square monocells and minimized cell spacing. This innovative design has a particularly low voltage and higher module string power, which improves system efficiency and lowers balance-of-system costs. Trina states that a total of 28 Vertex modules can be interconnected. Here, a single module string can achieve a power increase of up to 34%. On a particularly positive note, this power increase helps reduce BOS costs and also enables a significant reduction in the cost of electricity (LCOE). According to Trina Solar, this novel technology achieves an innovative technological breakthrough and ushers in a new era of 600W+. Also tested and confirmed is the compatibility of this Vertex module with popular inverters and trackers. The following picture gives you an insight into the appearance of this module:

Source: Emiliano Bellini, Jun. 14, 2021, https://www.pv-magazine.de/produkte/trina-solar-neues-670-watt-modul/

In addition to this very exciting solar module, Trina announced in July 2021 that it has developed a new 510-watt solar module for commercial rooftop photovoltaic systems in Europe. This module also comes with a 210mm wafer and an efficiency of 21.2 percent. Equipped with multi-busbar technology, which is said to result in better utilization of light for power generation, low series resistance and improved current collection, this module is intended as a complement to the “Vertex S” solar module, according to Trina. The black frame is said to ensure both mechanical and system reliability. Intensive performance and quality testing here led to the conclusion that the modules were able to exceed requirements in both industry-standard hail tests and for snow and wind loads. Also tested and confirmed is the compatibility of this Vertex module with common inverters and trackers. Again, we give you a little insight into the look of this solar module in the following image:

Source: Sandra Enkhardt, 02.07.2021, https://www.pv-magazine.de/2021/07/02/trina-solar-neues-510-watt-solarmodul-fuer-gewerbliche-photovoltaik-dachanlagen-in-europa/

Conclusion

The solar industry is growing steadily and as we have seen, Trina Solar is also playing a significant role here. Along with products from other numerous photovoltaic manufacturers, the new modules and also the increased efficiency of the PERC solar module from Trina Solar can definitely keep up. A high-performance solar module that brings with it an output of 670 watts continues a trend in the PV market that seems unstoppable. We are very excited to see what new innovations and improvements in the field of photovoltaics will come our way in the following months.