Trina Solar has published a white paper on tracker compatibility for its 210 Vertex modules, covering products from 14 leading tracker manufacturers which together account for more than 90% of global shipments. The white paper analyses compatibility, mechanical load assessment and impact on BOS costs, with Trina also releasing an online 2.0 version of a matching tool which incorporates intelligent databases of compatible trackers and inverters.
For the installation stage, tracker length, width and height are key factors to be considered. The static and dynamic load performance of trackers was assessed to evaluate their matching stability with modules. According to the white paper, Trina 210mm Vertex modules have passed IEC 61215 and 61730 mechanical load testing, with compatible trackers also passing wind tunnel testing, confirming product reliability and stability.
Compatibility contributes to lower LCOE and higher energy yield
Trina Solar recommends Vertex 670W, 600W and 550W bifacial dual-glass modules for tracker applications. The paper states that, compared with mono-facial modules installed under a fixed-tilt arrangement, bifacial dual-glass modules combined with a tracker can increase energy yield by between 5% and 30% under different reflectivity conditions. At the same time, compatibility with ultra-high power modules also enhances tracker value in integrated systems, achieving a 1+1>2 effect with reduced costs and increased efficiency under a variety of applications.
The paper cites a Fraunhofer ISE study of CAPEX and LCOE for a solar project located in Spain, with the system applying single-row, portrait mount, single-axis (1P) trackers. Compared with 182mm 585W modules, 210mm 660W and 545W modules could reduce CAPEX by 0.81-1.21 €c/Wp and LCOE by 1.8-2.6%. When compared with 166mm 450W modules, the CAPEX saving could reach 2.39-2.79 €c/Wp and the LCOE reduction 5.3-6.0%.
Similar results were found in another study by DNV, based on a project located in the United States, in which dual-row, portrait mount, single-axis (2P) trackers were applied. These results indicated that, compared with 166mm 450W modules, 210mm Vertex 545W modules could save about 6.06% in BOS, corresponding to a reduction in LCOE of some 3.72%. They also saved 1.2% in BOS when compared with 182mm 535W modules, corresponding to a reduction of 0.5% in LCOE. In terms of tracker and tracker installation costs, Vertex 545W modules enabled savings of around 14% compared with 166mm 450W modules.
In addition to the advantages of higher value, lower LCOE and greater energy yield, the 210mm Vertex modules also benefited from innovative low-voltage and high-string-power design. For a given 1500V system voltage, the single string power of the Vertex modules could be significantly increased by up to 36% compared with traditional modules, reducing the total number used in the project and the cost of associated installation work while also accelerating construction progress.
Nextracker senior product director Eric Kuo commented: “Building on the historical milestone of being the first tracker technology provider to reach 50GW of worldwide shipments, Nextracker continues to lead the industry by staying ahead of future trends and being large format module ready, especially with Trina’s Vertex modules. Through extensive testing and collaboration, Nextracker stands by its certificate of compatibility awarded by Trina Solar, ensuring installation quality, reliability and weather resilience that can be counted on for 35+ years.”
Solar system matching database upgraded
To enhance service to its customers, Trina has updated its intelligent compatible inverter database to include 14 of the world’s mainstream tracker manufacturers and 30 associated models. The 2.0 version of the online matching tool is available via the Trina Solar website.
The website offers five options: module power, tracker type, tracker brand, tracker model and temperature, allowing customers to identify the most compatible trackers via an intelligent search. Going forward, the database will be updated according to the latest developments by module and tracker partners.
With the introduction of standard sizes, integrated delivery solutions and fully compatible mainstream inverters and trackers, an industry ecosystem for 210mm modules is now shaping up to be more complete and mature.