Low-carbon development has become a global trend. IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) predicts that photovoltaic capacity will reach a total of more than 14.000 GW by 2050, in a scenario of a 1,5°C increase in the global average temperature.
The main advantage of solar energy over conventional energy sources is its ability to reduce LCOE. According to BNEF (BloombergNEF), the LCOE solar energy has declined by 84% in the last 10 years.
A Trina Solar, amid this scenario, stated that it has been adopting a user-centered approach, defending the LCOE-oriented principle of reducing it in photovoltaic plants with high power, efficiency, reliability and energy yield.
Second Franck Zhang, Head of Product Strategy and Marketing at Trina, the Vertex 600W+ module is a product that meets the four essential items that enable low LCOE.
Almost all major solar companies have developed 600W+ products, as demonstrated at recent events such as Intersolar South America and Intersolar Europe, where around 30 companies displayed more than 40 600W+ modules.
In a recent interview, Zhang spoke of details about 600W+, the importance of principle focused on LCOE, new technology trends, response strategies and Trina's strategic positioning and planning.
Trina Solar is the first solar company to develop the LCOE-oriented principle from a systemic perspective. What is the strategic significance of this principle for the company?
The principle behind LCOE is a result of our real-world experience. The development of the solar industry proves that what we call the four keys are essential to reducing LCOE.
By introducing the LCOE-oriented principle, we hope to boost R&D (Research and Development) and the commercialization of products that meet the LCOE-oriented principle, for the sustainable and high-quality development of the photovoltaic industry.
What are the advantages of 600W+ modules in power yield from a full life cycle perspective? Could you tell us about some empirical test data on this?
The power yield advantage of the 600W+ modules comes from the excellent low irradiation performance. We consider the irradiance range lower than 1.000W/m2 as low irradiance, as the STC is measured in an irradiance range of 1.000W/m2.
Globally, we select outdoor test sites at high, mid, and low latitudes. The results show that the energy yield of the 600W+ modules is higher than that of the reference panels, with an increase of 1,4 – 2,24% at 800W/m2 and around 0,8% below 800-1.000W/m2 .
If the irradiation range is above 1.000W/m2, there is no obvious difference in power yield between the 600W+ modules and the reference modules.
As is the case in standard regions of the world, the irradiance range is less than 1.000 W/m2 for about 90% to 99% of the time, and 600W+ modules have an energy yield advantage in most areas.
A comprehensive analysis shows that 600W+ modules have a 1,5% to 1,8% gain in power yield over regular 500W+ panels.
Could you talk about what efforts and new attempts Trina Solar has made to meet the LCOE-oriented principle?
In terms of module reliability, we perform static mechanical load testing and five rigorous tests to verify the mechanical performance of 600W+ modules under extreme conditions.
In this case, the panels are expected to remain in service reliably for 25 or even 30 years, which guarantees continuous energy generation and a reduction in LCOE.
In terms of energy yield, we carry out empirical tests at different latitudes, covering different irradiation ranges and climates around the world.
In terms of ecosystem, as the initiator of the 600W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance, we have implemented the concept of open innovation and collaborative development, connecting the main R&D, manufacturing and application links, overcoming numerous challenges in the industry and accelerating the industrialization of modules. 600W+.
We have around 100 partners with 600W+. The LCOE-driven principle will not only drive Trina Solar to develop products and technologies, but also facilitate the development of industry partners.
What cell technology does Trina Solar use in 600W+ products? You mentioned several times that 210 is a “technology platform”. How to understand this concept?
We are using PERC technology and the module power can reach 660W-670W. With the mass production of N-type TOPCon panels, the power can increase to 680W-690W. Combined with HJT, in the future it can reach 700W+.
We call it the 210 technology platform because it is compatible with most cutting-edge cell technologies, including HJT. Almost 90% of HJT companies choose our 210 technology platform. We believe it will also be compatible with perovskite and other tandem solar cells in the future.
Trina Solar has shipped more than 30 GW of 210 modules globally; the industry as a whole shipped more than 50 GW through June. Total 210 panel shipments are expected to reach 80 GW by the end of this year.
When do you expect 600W+ modules to become a mainstream product on the market?
According to third-party forecasts, the market share of 600W+ modules will exceed 50% in the second half of 2024 or 2025.
In China, products over 600 W are used in all aspects, both in centralized and distributed projects. In foreign markets, 600W+ modules are used in almost all centralized generation projects.
Trina Solar has supplied panels of more than 600 W to several electrical power plants of at least 1 GW, with a presence throughout Latin America, Europe and other locations, including deserts and fish farming sites, in commercial and industrial markets, helping many industries to achieve low carbon targets.
Many companies have 700W+ modules using HJT technology. How does Trina Solar view competition with new technology products and what is Trina's strategy?
Trina Solar is ready for a large supply capacity in terms of TOPCon and PERC technologies. With the 210 technology platform we are not in competition with HJT, but rather in a complementary relationship.
We are also working on new technologies. The industrialization schedule will be determined by the company's strategy, market demand and future investment plans.
Some manufacturers make modules with power above 700 W. Do you think the output power will increase more and more? Or is there an “ideal solution”?
As technology advances, module power will continue to increase, which is an inevitable trend. We believe that 600W+ will be an important phase. 700W+ modules could become mainstream in three years.
The 210 technology platform supports a variety of leading cell technologies. Most companies can adapt it to reduce iteration costs and open new avenues for industry development.
Trina Solar has N-type products, which are also created on the 210 technology platform. The mass production power will reach 680W-690W, which is more competitive.
