Trinasolar's TOPCon modules outperformed XBC modules with 2% energy yield and RMB 2.5 cents/W BOS cost, according to a simulation test under offshore conditions in Weihai, Shandong Province. This means that TOPCon modules are better choices in marine settings for its higher reliability &energy yield and lower BOS.
Gao Lei, head of global product management at Trinasolar said: “We have developed an excellent system for evaluating module and material performance based on the characteristics of typical marine environments, leading the way in the industry.” Trinasolar's Vertex modules received the first offshore PV certification globally from TÜV Rheinland last May.
High reliability in offshore PV settings, even in challenging conditions
The challenges of marine environments include high temperatures, humidity and salt spray, as well as strong winds, waves and precipitation. PV modules must thus perform well in terms of load, salt spray, PID and DH. A series of rigorous tests has demonstrated that Trinasolar's Vertex modules maintain reliable load performance even under extreme climatic conditions.
The reliability of materials such as module connectors is critical, and Trinasolar's module-related components have undergone industry-leading reliability tests, including high-temperature steaming, high-temperature reverse bias, current aging, temperature cycling, intermittent forward operating life and testing for humidity heat.
The reliability of Trinasolar's products in marine environments has been certificated by renowned organizations: such as Golden Sun Certification for Ultraviolet Induced Degradation (UVID) of Photovoltaic Modules from CGC and the 2PFG 2962 Waterproof Cable certificate in offshore PV, the very first in industry worldwide.
For example, frequent impacts from sea winds may cause junction boxes, cables and connectors to loosen. Trinasolar's Vertex modules exhibited no abnormalities in appearance or power generation performance after more than 200,000 connector shaking tests. To tackle the issue of seawater erosion of junction boxes and connectors caused by waves and strong precipitation, Trinasolar has conducted IPX6, IPX8 and long-term seawater immersion experiments after aging, fully verifying the excellent waterproof performance.
TOPCon modules the ideal product offshore, with lower cost and higher energy yield
Offshore PV application is better suited for long arrays of trackers. However, material and construction costs are much higher than is the case with onshore PV because of longer fixed foundations piles that also have a larger diameter to fight against complex wind conditions, deep water, huge waves and ice floes.
Vertex N 700W+ TOPCon modules are ideally suited for offshore settings, with improved BOS and energy yield. Besides, Trinasolar's Vertex N 625W TOPCon modules, with dimensions of 2384mm x 1134mm, maximize the utilization of containers, greatly reducing the transportation fees.
Optimized solutions tailored to local conditions
Trinasolar has developed customized module product solutions based on various installation methods, water depths and offshore distances, in accordance with the two mainstream structural forms: foundation-fixed and floating.
Moreover, Trinasolar has application cases in both structural forms. Trinasolar's modules powered a 100MW fishery PV project in Guangdong province, China, with solar modules installed on foundation-fixed structures. Its Vertex 670W modules were used in China's first offshore floating photovoltaic demonstration base and were awarded a Certificate of Safe Operation for their efficient and reliable performance.
Trinasolar's modules used in the 100MW fishery-PV project in Haiyan Town, Guangdong province, China
According to IREA, the installed capacity of offshore PV is expected to reach 1000GW by 2050, accounting for 20% of global PV installation. Offshore PV has promising prospects and will result in the application of more development models. Powering Sustainability with Smart Solar and Energy Storage solutions, Trinasolar will make more contributions to the field and the global clean energy transition.