TÜV Rheinland and CPVT have contributed analysis of the excellent power generation performance of Trina’s 600W+ modules in a webinar hosted by PV Tech. Empirical data analysis of ultra-high power PV modules dominated the session, with experts from TÜV Rheinland, CPVT and Trina Solar itself looking at the reasons behind 210 Vertex’s high energy yield.
TÜV Rheinland: larger 210 cell and novel design support higher energy yield
Testing in Germany, where the performance of Vertex was compared with that of other modules, indicated Vertex to be capable of delivering a yield at least 2% higher than the reference modules.
Dr Christos Monokroussos, Global Segment Coordinator for Solar at TÜV Rheinland, said there are several reasons for this.
Firstly, the use of larger 210 cells, enabling more active area for power generation.
Secondly, the use of innovative connection patterns, such as multi-busbar and shingled design, that can be used to reduce series resistance and increase resistance to shadowing.
Thirdly, these module types in general display superior temperature behaviour, which refers to temperature coefficient. TÜV Rheinland found that it is possible to optimize the temperature coefficient performance of a Vertex 600W+ module, which results in higher power generation performance under the same temperature.
Fourth, the modules use broader spectral response, leading to more photons being absorbed. They also use novel passivation technologies that can produce superior low irradiance performance and advanced light trapping schemes, resulting in a higher degree of light being absorbed from oblique angles.
Looking at the development of module technology going forward, Dr Monokroussos explained that the n-type modules Trina Solar is developing are more resistant to light in reducing degradation, and are naturally resistant to LID and LeTID.
CPVT: Consideration of different albedo for Vertex’s higher performance
Dr Yun Min, R&D Department Manager at CPVT (China National Testing Institute for Photovoltaic Products), presented analysis of the power generation capacity of a Vertex module. Data from outdoor testing between April 2021 and February 2022, conducted by CPVT in Yinchuan, China, indicated the energy yield of Vertex to be up to 1.7% higher than that of an M10 540W module.
Albedo of the testing area in Yinchuan was only around 15% because the ground type was sand and rock, Dr Yun continued. When a power plant is installed on a roof, albedo is about 20-25%, and the power generation of a 210 Vertex module would be significantly higher than that of a traditional M10 equivalent, with 210 bifacial modules in particular capable of performing even better.
600W+ module’s systematic advantages behind superior performance
Franck Zhang, head of global product strategy and marketing at Trina Solar, explained that the company had developed the Vertex 600W+ module based on a 210mm silicon wafer and innovative low-voltage and high-string-power design, which leads to a reduced power loss ratio and outstanding low irradiation performance. The 600W+ module has a stable working temperature, demonstrates a stronger anti-shading ability and power loss caused by shadow occlusion under the same shielding area is smaller than is the case with a traditional M10-540W module.
Trina Solar is the first module manufacturer to diversify layout design based on large 210mm wafers and adopt other advanced technologies, paving the way for high-power modules in system integration applications. 600W+ modules, with high power, optimized LCOE and system value, have achieved wide acceptance by both users and third parties worldwide.