Trina Solar Panels: PERC & Half-Cut

Rebor supplies a selection of Trina Solar panels for the European market. Trina Solar is a Tier-1 manufacturer with a broad product portfolio in N-Type i-TOPCon technology. Our range includes three product lines from the Vertex S+ series: monofacial glass-glass panels in Full Black and Black Frame versions, the extra-robust Shield variant for extreme weather conditions, and bifacial transparent glass-glass panels for installations where rear-side yield is relevant. View the current models below for the exact Wp class and datasheet per model.

N-Type i-TOPCon technology: what it is and what it means in practice

i-TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is Trina Solar's N-Type cell architecture. N-Type cells use phosphorus as a dopant instead of boron (P-Type). This eliminates the boron-oxygen pairs responsible for LID (Light Induced Degradation) in P-Type cells — the accelerated degradation in the first year of use. The result is lower first-year degradation and a more favourable temperature coefficient than P-Type PERC panels.

In practice: at higher roof temperatures, an N-Type i-TOPCon panel loses less power than a comparable P-Type panel. Over a 30-year period, this contributes to a higher total energy yield. All current Trina Solar models in our range have a glass-glass construction (dual glass) — both monofacial and bifacial — offering superior mechanical protection, PID resistance and a longer service life compared to glass-backsheet constructions.

The Shield variant uses N-Type i-TOPCon Ultra with reinforced glass (2.5 mm front + 2.0 mm rear) and has been specifically developed for extreme hail, wind and snow loads. The Shield variant is certified to IEC 61730-2 Class A+A fire safety and the VKF HW4 hail test.

i-TOPCon ≠ PERC: The current Trina Solar models in our range are N-Type i-TOPCon — not PERC. PERC is a P-Type technology with higher first-year degradation (LID) and a less favourable temperature coefficient. N-Type i-TOPCon and PERC are fundamentally different cell chemistries.

Three product lines: Vertex S+, Shield and bifacial transparent

The Trina Solar range at Rebor includes three construction and application variants. All three use N-Type i-TOPCon cells and a glass-glass construction — the difference lies in glass thickness, mechanical load capacity, light capture and aesthetics.

Feature Vertex S+ Standard
(NEG9R — Full Black / Black Frame)		 Vertex S+ Shield
(NED9R — Black Frame)		 Bifacial transparent
(NEG9RC / NEG9M4C)
Cell technology N-Type i-TOPCon N-Type i-TOPCon Ultra N-Type i-TOPCon
Light capture Front side (monofacial) Front side (monofacial) Front and rear side (bifacial)
Glass thickness 1.6 + 1.6 mm 2.5 mm front + 2.0 mm rear (reinforced) Refer to datasheet per model
Mechanical load 5,400 Pa snow / 4,000 Pa wind +7,000 Pa front / −5,000 Pa rear Refer to datasheet per model
Fire safety class Refer to datasheet per model IEC 61730-2 Class A+A Refer to datasheet per model
Hail certification Standard IEC hail test VKF HW4 hail test Refer to datasheet per model
Aesthetics Full Black or Black Frame Black Frame Transparent glass-glass — Black Frame or silver frame
Warranty structure 25-year product + 30-year linear performance 25-year product + 30-year linear performance 25-year product + 30-year linear performance
Typical application Residential roof, aesthetics as priority Extreme weather conditions, high snow/wind load, elevated hail risk Carport, flat roof, ground-mounted system, light-coloured surface

Which Trina Solar panel suits your project?
Situation Recommended line Key advantage
Residential roof, fully black appearance required Vertex S+ Full Black (NEG9R) Fully black appearance, N-Type i-TOPCon efficiency, glass-glass durability, lightweight (approx. 21 kg)
Residential or commercial roof, Black Frame, standard weather conditions Vertex S+ Black Frame (NEG9R) Black frame, N-Type i-TOPCon, glass-glass construction, lightweight
Location with extreme snow load, high wind load or elevated hail risk Vertex S+ Shield (NED9R) +7,000/−5,000 Pa load capacity, VKF HW4 hail test, IEC 61730-2 Class A+A — note: approx. 27 kg, verify roof structure
Carport, flat roof or ground-mounted system, bifacial yield required Bifacial transparent glass-glass (NEG9RC / NEG9M4C) Additional rear-side yield with suitable surface, transparent glass-glass construction
Fire safety regulations require highest IEC class Vertex S+ Shield (NED9R) IEC 61730-2 Class A+A — the highest fire safety class in this range

View the current models below for the exact Wp class and datasheet per model, or contact us via our contact page for tailored project advice.

Warranty and power degradation

Trina Solar applies a 30-year linear power warranty structure to all current Vertex S+ models in our range. The low annual degradation is characteristic of the N-Type i-TOPCon cell architecture — significantly lower than P-Type PERC panels.

Warranty structure — all current models:

  • Product warranty: 25 years
  • Power warranty: 30 years linear
  • Low first-year degradation (LID) — characteristic of N-Type i-TOPCon
  • Low annual degradation after year 1 — refer to the datasheet of the current model for the exact value
  • Refer to the product page or datasheet of the current model for exact residual output percentages and degradation curve

Panel-inverter compatibility: operating current and MPPT range

All current Trina Solar models are compatible with modern 1,500 V DC systems. When configuring a string, the open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc) per model determine the number of panels per string and the inverter selection. The exact electrical parameters are in the datasheet of the current model — refer to the product page below.

We supply Trina Solar panels preferably in combination with hybrid inverters from Solis and GoodWe — both brands support 1,500 V DC systems. Current models are equipped with TS4/TS4 Plus or MC4 EVO2 connectors — verify connector compatibility with your inverter and cabling before installation. For a tailored string calculation, refer to our battery calculator or technical support.

Note — Shield variant weight: The Shield variant weighs approx. 27 kg — significantly heavier than the standard Vertex S+ (approx. 21 kg). Always verify that the roof structure, mounting system and on-site handling are suitable for this additional weight before purchase and installation.

Environmental resistance and certifications

All current Trina Solar models are certified to IEC 61215 and IEC 61730. The panels have been tested for salt mist and ammonia resistance, making them suitable for installations in coastal areas and agricultural environments.

The Shield variant offers the highest mechanical protection in this range: certified to IEC 61730-2 Class A+A fire safety, the VKF HW4 hail test and a maximum static load of +7,000 Pa on the front and −5,000 Pa on the rear. The standard Vertex S+ line has been tested to 5,400 Pa snow load and 4,000 Pa wind load. Refer to the datasheet of the current model for the complete certification list.

Diagnostic protocol: power loss in N-Type i-TOPCon glass-glass panels

N-Type i-TOPCon panels are less susceptible to LID and PID than P-Type PERC panels due to their cell architecture. Nevertheless, other causes can lead to unexpected power loss. The following protocol assists with diagnosis.

  1. Check inverter data. Compare the daily yield (kWh) of the relevant string with a reference period. A consistently lower pattern at specific times of day indicates a structural shading source or a fault in that string.
  2. Check the bifacial rear side (bifacial models). Soiling or obstruction of the rear side reduces bifacial yield. Verify that the rear side is free of obstacles and dirt.
  3. Measure the open-circuit voltage (Voc) per string. A significantly lower Voc than the theoretical value may indicate a defective bypass diode or a damaged panel.
  4. Check glass integrity (Shield variant). The Shield variant has reinforced glass — visually inspect for cracks or damage after extreme hailstorms or mechanical impact, even if the panel appears visually intact.
  5. Check the junction box and connectors. Visually inspect for moisture ingress or corrosion. Verify that TS4/MC4 EVO2 connectors are correctly locked and not mixed with other connector types. Maintain at least 100 mm ventilation clearance in accordance with the Trina installation manual.
Note: A single instance of power loss in practice does not constitute evidence of a structural product defect. Power loss is in most cases caused by installation or environmental factors. If in doubt, engage a certified installer for a full system inspection.

Frequently asked questions about Trina Solar panels

What is the advantage of N-Type i-TOPCon over P-Type PERC?

N-Type i-TOPCon cells use phosphorus as a dopant instead of boron (P-Type). This eliminates LID (Light Induced Degradation) — the accelerated degradation in the first year of use that is characteristic of P-Type PERC panels. The first-year degradation of N-Type i-TOPCon is therefore significantly lower. N-Type also has a more favourable temperature coefficient — at higher roof temperatures, an N-Type panel loses less power than a comparable P-Type panel. Over a 30-year period, this contributes to a higher total energy yield.

What is the difference between the standard Vertex S+ and the Shield variant?

The standard Vertex S+ (NEG9R) has a glass-glass construction of 1.6 + 1.6 mm and has been tested to 5,400 Pa snow load and 4,000 Pa wind load. The Shield variant (NED9R) has reinforced glass of 2.5 mm on the front and 2.0 mm on the rear, is certified to +7,000 Pa / −5,000 Pa mechanical load, the VKF HW4 hail test and IEC 61730-2 Class A+A fire safety. The Shield variant weighs approx. 27 kg — approx. 6 kg heavier than the standard variant. Always verify that the roof structure is suitable for this additional weight.

Are Trina Solar panels suitable for coastal areas?

Yes. Trina Solar panels have been tested for salt mist resistance and ammonia resistance, making them suitable for installations in coastal areas and agricultural environments. The glass-glass construction also provides enhanced protection against moisture and corrosion compared to glass-backsheet constructions. Refer to the datasheet of the current model for the specific certifications.

What warranty structure does Trina Solar use?

Trina Solar applies a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power warranty to all current Vertex S+ models in our range. Annual degradation after year 1 is low — characteristic of the N-Type i-TOPCon cell architecture. Refer to the product page or datasheet of the current model for the exact degradation curve and residual output percentages.

Which inverters are compatible with Trina Solar panels?

All current Trina Solar models are compatible with modern 1,500 V DC systems and work with hybrid inverters from Solis and GoodWe. Current models are equipped with TS4/TS4 Plus or MC4 EVO2 connectors — verify connector compatibility with your inverter and cabling before installation. Never mix connectors from different manufacturers or of different types. For an exact string calculation, refer to our battery calculator or technical support.

Where can I find the exact specifications of a Trina Solar model?

The exact specifications per model — including Wp, dimensions, weight, Voc, Isc, Vmpp, Impp, temperature coefficient, warranty period and degradation curve — are available on the individual product page and in the accompanying datasheet. View the current models below and click through to the product page for the complete technical overview.

How do Trina Solar panels compare to other brands in our range?

Trina Solar Vertex S+ panels stand out through the combination of N-Type i-TOPCon technology, glass-glass construction across all lines and the unique Shield variant for extreme weather conditions — a distinguishing feature not offered by all brands in our range. For comparison: JA Solar and DMEGC also supply N-Type glass-glass panels in a comparable efficiency range. Aiko ABC panels achieve the highest module efficiency in our range based on a back-contact architecture. LONGi offers HPBC 2.0 N-Type and bifacial glass-glass variants. Use the battery calculator for a tailored system recommendation.