Investing in a solar module option from a company with consistent manufacturing volume prowess spanning decades and a reputation for financial strength is often considered a wise starting point. However, certain projects require specific product qualifications where manufacturer viability is only a portion of the consideration. From 2022, the expansive range of Trina solar panels available to investors enjoy an exciting progression for those seeking a solar module option a little more evolved than most.
Manufacturer:
Trina Group.
Series:
Vertex, Vertex S, Vertex S plus, TallMax/Honey M.
Editors choice:
Vertex S plus (2022).
TLDR:
A notch above, 2022/23’s variances of Trina Solar panels align in verticle order with a new elite Vertex solar module option for the discerning investor eager for long-term performance and yield security by one of the world’s most recognised module manufacturing brands.
One of the most extensive product suites by any manufacturer can be simplified into four primary module offerings when assessing the Trina Solar range. The Vertex S plus featuring in-demand n-type (negatively charged) mono cell technology is undoubtedly the flagship Trina solar panel, a calibre above competing n-type modules by alternative manufacturers. The Trina Vertex S+ must be considered for many residential project types, possessing some exceptionally appealing qualities.
Compared to all Trina solar panels in the 2022/23 lineup, the Vertex S+ will be the highest cost per watt. Therefore, the Vertex S will appeal to those seeking advanced technology and improved power density while reducing the capital required. Variances provide three unique residential styling options in a modern p-type (positively charged) module design.
Capitalising on superior power density and improved affordability, Vertex range Trina Solar panels are the industry and utility-scale module of choice. Essentially a larger by dimension Vertex S solar module design, Trina Vertex panels are built to improve Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) and reduce capital expenditure when constructing large-scale solar projects. Eight unique Vertex modules provide a specific option for varied project designs.
Finally, the Honey (residential)/ TallMax and DuoMax (industry) Trina Solar panels have proven to be popular module designs for many years. However, with the current trend within the Trina range adopting the Vertex design, could this be the final year of production for the stalwarts of the Trina product suite?
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1. Honey M & TallMAx: 74/100
With the current evolution and expedited advancement of solar module designs, it’s hard to view a place for the Honey M (residential) and TallMax (industry) from 2023. A previous staple of the Trina Solar range, the Honey M and TallMax endured time as a well-rounded option for many. As of 2022, the traditional split-cell format appears to be falling out of favour by big-name manufacturers such as Trina as completion towards improved power density increases to win favour over various project types.
At the right price, the Honey M and TallMax M continue to serve a purpose for those with limited investment potential and an abundance of surface area, seeking to take advantage of the sun’s energy with a superior product guarantee by one of the world’s most recognised brands in module manufacturing.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
2. Vertex: 76/100
Vertex series solar panels by Trina are big. Not just big on power output but more significant than most in overall dimensions. Given that the power density/ efficiency is similar across the range, any improved power output between modules is directly proportional to increased panel size (larger surface area increases photon absorption potential = increased power output). Possessing identical alternative characteristics between models, the four Vertex modules listed are effectively the same module when analysed on a W/m2 basis.
Further expanding the Vertex range is a series of bifacial modules—an almost replica of the monofacial counterparts with a few differentiating factors attributing to the design. Namely bifacial enhancement and glass-glass encapsulation improving power density (subjectively) and reducing annual degradation (marginally).
However, this alternative bifacial design within the Vertex range could be more advantageous in certain project design instances, harnessing the albedo effect (reflective light) that occurs in many cases where the Vertex is likely to be installed. Should the subjective nature of bifacial qualities prevail, the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) of a plant incorporating the Vertex Bifacial module shall be further improved. An important consideration for developers and investors alike.
Trina Vertex bifacial detailed module scoring consideration within the Trina Vertex Report.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: Trina Vertex.
3. Vertex S: 77/100
Trina Solar’s new mainstream residential/ light industry module presents itself in the form of the Vertex S. A reduced dimension variant of the previous Vertex series, with slightly improved features explicitly catered to a fickle market segment with an abundance of choice. Enhanced are the Durability characteristics of Positive and Negative loading to be 2-3 times greater than the base IEC standard. Residentially targetted modules by many manufacturers are beginning to adopt improved product warranties, and the Trina Vertex S follows suit. In selected competitive high volume markets, the product warranty period improves to 15-years.
As far as mainstream products are concerned, the Vertex S will tick the box for many with a level of concern about capital investment costs yet desire improved module technology away from more conventional designs. When the pursuit of innovation and high volume combine, the Trina Vertex S is derived.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: Trina Vertex S.
4. Vertex S PLUS: 85/100
Editors Choice 2022. Desire something better than average? Perhaps you’re the astute investor with long term investment goals? Either way, your way of thinking envokes demand for something beyond the mainstream, and Trina has listened.
Impeccably designed, Trina’s Vertex S plus offers an interesting edge over alternative N-Type TOPCon modules about to take the global market by storm in 2023 in the quest for improved power density. Without being a bifacial solar module, Trina has opted to secure the Vertex S plus critical cell structure within glass-glass encapsulation. Glass-glass encapsulation (alternative to glass-laminate/EVA) is viewed as one of the most stable environments for photovoltaic cells, further enhancing the life expectancy and reduced performance degradation provided by negatively charged (n-type) monocrystalline cells. More impressive is the ability to negate the additional weight often accompanying glass-glass modules.
An outstanding module design built to compete with the very best could prove to be one of the most influential. The Vertex S plus will be one of only a few elite solar modules unveiled in 2022.
Model: Manufacturers model name. Output: Standard Test Conditions (STC) peak wattage range. Application: Manufacturers recommended application – Residential or Industry. Density: Maximum Power density per square meter at NOCT of the highest output module.
Report: Trina Vertex S plus.
Overall: 78/100
Possessing an improved, more diverse product suite from 2022, it’s difficult not to see Trina Solar panels appealing to more investors seeking reliably consistent energy yields. The technology for the cost, manufacturer reputation, and superior product availability will be palatable for many project decision-makers.
Delving deeper into more granular insights, from Very Good to Elite overall product specifications, proves the diversity of the Trina Solar range and its appeal to many in 2022. Although, what will ultimately define the success of the Trina solar module range? It appears to be a breakaway from conventional half-cell designs popular in the previous decade. Comprised of third-cut 210mm wafers, this not so secret weapon may have caught many off guard, yet provides distinct appeal to those seeking options considered more technologically innovative while cost-wise remaining competitive with the mainstream.
Trina must see the long-term competitive advantages of the Vertex design potential beyond what is available today, as significant module design alterations require substantial investment from a manufacturer’s standpoint. Of the four primary module categories, three are Vertex derivatives, and with such, an improvement in overall specifications is evident. This Vertex alignment offers a distinguishable difference from competing brand modules combining; innovation, design flexibility, cost-competitiveness and resounding brand strength—all appealing attributes for a large demographic of global energy investors.
*Denotes the Trina Solar range Solar Analytica Editors Choice.
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Additional References not contained within the body content of this post, view the individual product reports for centralised; testing certifications, warranty information and other document assets relevant to the specific product.
- Trina Honey & TallMax.
- Trina Vertex.
- Trina Vertex S.
- Trina Vertex S plus.
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