Trina Solar announced that its latest n-type solar modules, Vertex N NEG21C.20 and Vertex N NEG19RC.20, have received the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.
These modules will be exhibited at the Renewable Energy India (REI) tradeshow being held in New Delhi (4-6 October).
Gaurav Mathur, Director of Trina Solar India, says: “The launch of our latest high performance Vertex N modules into India, following the BIS certification, is in line with India’s target of having 500GW of renewable energy by 2030.”
The latest Vertex N NEG21C.20 offers 700W+ maximum power output and up to 22.5 percent module efficiency to deliver high customer value, reliability, energy yield, at lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and balance of system (BOS) cost. Meanwhile, the Vertex N NEG19RC.20 delivers power output of 610W and efficiency of up to 22.6 percent. Both these modules use larger-size solar cells, 210*210mm and 210*182mm respectively, that generate more power than earlier generation, smaller-size cells.
A notable feature of these modules is the cutting-edge i-TOPCon technology or tunnel oxide passivated contact cell technology that enhances energy conversion efficiency. The ultra-thin tunnelling oxide layer contains unabsorbed light, increasing the cells’ efficiency, allowing the module to harvest more energy per unit area.
The n-type modules also optimise bifacial power generation performance (bifaciality factor 80%±5%), and are highly compatible with TrinaTracker’s smart trackers, performing well in extreme weather conditions and challenging terrains – characteristic of India.
These modules incorporate other market-leading technologies: multi-busbar (MBB) for greater light absorption and high-density packing to maximize the surface area. Non destructive cutting technology is used so the cells have ultra-smooth edges. It has been proven that such cells improve the module’s overall mechanical performance to better withstand external forces being applied to the module.
Mathur says: “The launch of our new n-type modules in India demonstrates our commitment to offer state-of-the-art smart energy solutions to India.” A key trend in the global solar industry is that solar modules based on n-type solar cell technology is replacing p-type solar cell technology. “India is Trina Solar’s second largest market in Asia Pacific, after China, so serving the needs and expectations of this market is a top priority for us. Our n-type modules are ideal for solar commercial, industrial, and utility-scale projects in India, as the country mobilizes to meet the ambitious renewable energy target,” adds Mathur.
Trina Solar is at the forefront of commercializing n-type technology, ramping up production and making it a mainstream product. By the end of the year, Trina Solar’s n-type wafer capacity is forecast to reach 50GW, module capacity 95GW and cell production capacity 75GW, including 40GW of n-type cells.
The company also announced on the eve of REI that it has just surpassed 9GW of cumulative shipments to India since 2010, the year Trina Solar started here.
Renewable Energy India (REI) 2023
At REI, Trina Solar will be exhibiting its proven p-type technology modules, especially the Vertex DEG21C.20, Vertex DE21 and Vertex DE19R. These bi-facial dual-glass modules are based on the latest 210 technology and has power output up to 665W and efficiency up to 21.4%. The high power and high efficiency of the module means developers need fewer modules to achieve the total power output earmarked for the project. Fewer modules, in turn, means less land, trenching, cabling, wiring, etc. required for the project, delivering a lower balance of system (BOS) cost and lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
Trina Solar will also be exhibiting its first-generation Vanguard 1P tracker. This tracker is a 1-in-portrait tracker designed to be fully compatible with the ultra-high power modules ranging from 400W to 700W+ – typically installed in utility projects. This tracker incorporates several innovations that enriches the tracker’s application scenarios. Mechanical features, such as Trina Speed Clamp, TrinaTracker patented Spherical Bearing, and dual-damper system, act to reduce the installation time and cost while improving the terrain adaptability and performance of the tracker.
Additional features, such as the ‘Super Track’ algorithm and ‘Trina Smart Cloud’, improves the tracker’s performance to minimise row to row shading and maximize the module’s bifacial power boost. The trackers are compatible with ultra-high-power bi-facial modules, contributing to higher energy output and better financial returns for investors.
TrinaTracker has also applied its rigorous Vendor Qualification process to approve multiple local Indian suppliers for direct supply of the main structural items of the tracker for improved cost competitiveness and compressed delivery timescales, and is growing its local resources in India in readiness for the execution of our first large scale tracker project in this important market.
“Traditionally, India has been a fixed tilt market. But trackers are gaining popularity – especially in southern and western India, which get maximum sunlight through the year. Our trackers allow the bi-facial modules to capture more sunlight throughout the day”, says Mathur.
Trina Solar will also be exhibiting its vertically integrated Elementa Battery Energy Storage system at REI. Trina Storage has developed a proprietary LFP cell stack and invested in one of the industry’s largest in-house cell production capacities in the market with a dedicated focus on utility power plant segment This vertical integration provides superior long term cell cycling as well as providing superior assurance to our clients around long term allocation and pricing, and enables flexible and agile supply strategies from individual cells and racks up to fully integrated, liquid cooled 4MWh+ enclosure solutions.
Mathur adds, “Offering the solar industry’s only fully integrated solutions – including modules, trackers, and energy storage systems – is important for our customers in India, especially when the country is working towards achieving its 500GW target of renewable energy by 2030. We look forward to meeting our customers and industry partners at REI and also having the opportunity to meet new potential customers.”
Visit Trina Solar at Booth 10.116.
Indian Energy Market
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) India is the third largest market in Asia for solar with 50GW of installed solar energy capacity as of the end of 2021 after China and Japan with 307GW and 74GW respectively. India is one of the fastest growing markets for solar, according to a JMK Research report. It says in the 12 months ending 31 March, about 9.8GW of utility-scale solar and another 2.2GW of rooftop solar was added, with most in Rajasthan (5.1GW), Maharashtra (1.1GW) and Gujrat (1.1GW).
The overall market size is forecast to increase by US$273.82 billion with about 14.2GW of new utility-scale projects and 2.8GW of rooftop or onsite solar projects to be commissioned in the 12 months ending 31 March 2024.
