Representatives of the independent test laboratory RETC, world’s leading independent testing organization UL, and the leading global PV and smart energy total solution provider Trina Solar have met to discuss the outstanding advantages of n-type photovoltaic modules.

In the webinar organized by pv magazine, the representatives talked of the quality, reliability and performance of Trina Solar’s Vertex N modules. These modules have passed numerous extended reliability tests, including thermal cycling (TC), damp heat (DH), light and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID), potential induced degradation (PID) and UV, and compound mechanical tests conducted by authorized third parties.

Reliability and performance of Vertex N modules recognized by RETC

The Thresher Test is a series of rigorous tests under durability vetting protocols. Recently Trina Solar’s Vertex N 700W series and Vertex 580W series modules turned in an excellent performance to pass RETC’s thresher test.

In an address titled “Reliability analysis of the n-type module” Cherif Kedir, president and chief executive of RETC, explained the result of thresher test results of Trina Solar’s Vertex modules. In comprehensive reliability and performance tests, RETC found that the performance of Trina Solar’s modules was outstanding. For reliability, Trina Solar’s modules performed well in DH2000, SDML (static and dynamic mechanical load)/TC50/HF30 (humidity freeze) and TC600 tests. In the DH 2000 test, the degradation rates of Vertex N modules was -0.87% and -0.96%, less than -1%. In performance tests, Trina Solar’s modules scored high in LeTID, module efficiency and PTC (PVUSA test conditions).

High energy yield confirmed in UL PAN file test and simulation

PV modules are typically rated at STC (standard test conditions). However, solar power plants operate in a range of temperatures, irradiance and spectra. To ensure the ROI of a solar power plant, accurately forecasting PV module energy yield is critical.

Jason You, a senior project engineer with UL, analyzed the performance advantages of TOPCon PV modules. In making comparisons with p-type modules, UL’s PAN file test of Trina Solar’s Vertex N modules demonstrated that the latter were superior with regards to Pmax temperature coefficients and low-irradiance efficiency.

With the PAN file results, UL conducted a simulative comparison of a 3.1MW project in three cities: Yinchuan, China, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for high irradiance; and Cologne, Germany, for low irradiance. The tests demonstrated that Vertex N modules energy yield was higher than that of p-type modules, 3.96% higher in Jeddah, 3.18% higher in Cologne and 3.04% higher in Yinchuan.

Golden dimensions Vertex N modules serve customers in many settings

With the newly introduced i-TOPCon Advanced technology, Trina Solar boasts cell efficiency in mass production that can reach 26% and module power that will be up to 700W.

Representatives of Trina Solar gave a presentation on customer value of a full portfolio of Vertex N all-scenario solutions. By integrating what has been called the golden dimensions concept with n-type i-TOPCon Advanced technology, Trina Solar’s Vertex N modules can be applied in numerous settings, including utility-scale solar plants, commercial and industrial and residential rooftops.

Vertex S+ is the perfect choice for residential rooftops because it achieves highest power output of 450W within 2 square meters. With the golden dimension design Vertex N 605W modules maximize the use of container space, with the utilization rate reaching 98.5% in a 40-foot-high cube container, delivering customers lower BOS costs.

To meet the increasing demand for high-power and n-type modules, by the end of the year Trina Solar’s module production capacity is forecast to reach 95GW and its cell production capacity 75GW, with 40GW dedicated to n-type cells. With the leading n-type i-TOPCon technology, golden dimensions concept and all-scenario highly reliable and high-performance Vertex n-type products, Trina Solar will maintain its leading position in the era of n-type technology.