Trina Solar debuts 670 W TOPCon module for utility scale PV

Chinese PV module manufacturer Trina Solar has introduced its Vertex NG TSM-NEG19RC.20 TOPCon solar module series at the Smarter E trade show in Munich, Germany, this week.

“Our new bifacial dual-glass module series will be available in two variants aimed at covering the majority of utility-scale project requirements,” Adele Zhao, Head of Product Solutions & Marketing, Europe, at Trina Solar, told pv magazine. “The TSM-NEG19RC.20Q is a standard-format module designed for flexibility, particularly in projects with complex terrain or space constraints. Alongside it, Trina Solar is also launching a larger-format flagship version, the NEG21C, which is optimized for maximum power output and reduced system costs.”

“The 19R version offers flexibility for more challenging site layouts, while the 21-format delivers higher power and helps reduce balance-of-system costs such as cabling and mounting structures,” Zhao added. “Both versions are expected to enter mass production in the coming quarter, with availability beginning as early as next month.

The Vertex N G3 series is based on n-type i-TOPCon Ultra cell technology. The company describes the “Ultra” designation as the next evolution of its platform, incorporating further improvements to cell efficiency. “We improved passivation on both the front and rear sides, as well as at the cell edges, which enhances efficiency and improves both front- and rear-side performance,” Zhao stated, noting that bifaciality has increased to around 85%, supported by these cell and module-level optimizations. “The combination of improved passivation and bifacial performance contributes to higher overall energy yield while maintaining the same physical module footprint.”

In addition to cell-level upgrades, Trina Solar has introduced design changes at the module level, including optimized cut-cell configuration and an increased number of cells per module without changing overall dimensions. This allows for higher power density and improved land-use efficiency, which the company says is increasingly critical for utility-scale projects. Trina Solar also highlighted compatibility with its new Vanguard 1P tracker system, stating that the modules are designed for seamless integration into its tracker portfolio and are fully prepared for deployment in utility-scale projects.

The new module series is available in six power classes ranging from 645 W to 670 W and with efficiency ranging from 23.9% and 24.8%. Open-circuit voltage ranges from 49.56 V to 50.70 V, while short-circuit current varies between 16.27 A and 16.48 A. A low-voltage design enables higher string power, which the company says can help reduce balance-of-system (BOS) costs and lower the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by 1% to 5%.

Structurally, the module features a dual-glass design combining 2.0 mm anti-reflective coated, heat-strengthened front glass with a 2.0 mm heat-strengthened rear glass layer. It is framed in anodized aluminum alloy and equipped with an IP68-rated junction box. Each module measures 2,382 mm × 1,134 mm × 30 mm and weighs 33.0 kg, and incorporates 264 cells produced using non-destructive cutting techniques intended to reduce micro-crack formation and improve mechanical reliability.

The modules operate across a temperature range of -40 C to 70 C and feature a temperature coefficient of -0.26%/ C. The company also claims that, thanks to their bifacial architecture, they achieve a bifaciality factor of around 85%, enabling rear-side energy gains of approximately 10% to 20%, depending on ground albedo conditions. Under a 10% rear-side gain scenario, the 670 W variant can purportedly reach up to around 737 W of effective output.

In terms of reliability, the modules are certified for a maximum system voltage of 1,500 V DC and a 35 A series fuse rating. They are designed to withstand a range of environmental stresses, including salt mist, ammonia, sand, potential-induced degradation (PID), light-induced degradation (LID), and light- and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID).

Trina Solar backs the Vertex NG series with a 12-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power warranty. The performance guarantee includes no more than 1% degradation in the first year, followed by an annual degradation rate of 0.35%, resulting in a guaranteed output of 88.85% of nominal power after 30 years.