The present energy landscape is shifting towards sustainability, with renewable energy playing an increasingly vital role. By 2025, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects renewable energy to account for 35% of the world's electricity generation. In this transformation, solar energy’s prominence is on the rise, and the global renewable power capacity is now expected to grow by 2,400GW over the 2022-2027 period, highlighting the global need for renewable energy sources like solar energy.

Solar energy is also becoming an even stronger player in the renewable energy landscape. In 2023, it was upgraded to be “on track” with the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario trajectory because of its significant growth in the previous year; energy generated by solar grew by 26% in 2022, surpassing wind to be the fastest growing type of renewable energy.

Solar power's growing role is underpinned by a mixture of rising fuel costs, ambitious policies favouring solar, and rapid technological innovations that make solar a more economically viable option for households, businesses, and utilities. Staying updated with the latest advancements and pioneering new trends in the industry not only ensure competitive pricing, but can also ensure higher customer value and tailored solutions for diverse energy needs.

This blog aims to highlight the latest technologies incorporated in solar modules (also known as solar panels) today, and emerging technologies in solar energy.

Latest Solar Module Technologies

The solar industry is now moving into the era of PV 7.0, where mass-produced modules can achieve a power output exceeding 700W+ – almost 1.5 times higher than in 2019, only five years ago. This tremendous jump in power output is attributable to the significant technological advancements by leading module manufacturers like Trina Solar.
 

210mm Large-Format Wafers, Cells and Modules

In 2019, the photovoltaic industry entered a new stage with the introduction of large-format silicon wafers, cells, and modules. Two main sizes, 182mm and 210mm, emerged. Since then, 210mm-based solar modules have become the mainstream industry choice – by the end of 2022, 210mm-based solar cells and modules accounted for more than half of cell and module production capacity, according to global market intelligence provider TrendForce.

One of the first 210mm-based modules to be introduced to the market is Trina Solar’s Vertex modules, which incorporate 210mm-based solar cells. The 210 Vertex modules are an incredibly popular choice with customers in the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide, propelling Trina Solar to become the largest 210mm module manufacturer in the world.

Dual-Glass (or Double-Glass) Technology

Glass is a perfect and symmetrical sealant that ensures zero moisture penetration and minimal stress on the solar cells. By replacing the plastic backsheet with a second layer of glass, the solar module can provide higher reliability and perfect protection over decades, all while reducing the module’s environmental footprint with reduced use of plastics.

The best example to illustrate this is Trina Solar’s Vertex S+ modules, the first rooftop modules on the market to feature a robust dual-glass structure. The Vertex S+ replaces the plastic backsheet with a second layer of glass, ensuring outstanding resistance to environmental erosion and the highest possible fire safety.

With the gradual decline of the cost of glass, dual-glass modules are steadily becoming a more economically viable option for customers. According to TrendForce’s report in the first quarter of 2023, the global market share of dual-glass modules has increased to 47%.

Emerging Technologies and Energy Efficiency Improvements

In the constantly evolving landscape of solar module technology, new breakthroughs are paving the way for unprecedented power output, efficiency, energy yield and reliability. Trina Solar has been at the forefront of this transformation with its relentless pursuit of innovation, aimed to set new standards for the industry by bringing current products to greater heights while simultaneously laying a solid foundation for future products.

1. Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contacts (TOPCon) Technology

TOPCon (tunnel oxide passivated contacts) is the rising star of the solar industry. As TOPCon technology matures, it is becoming a stronger competitor of PERC (passivated emitter and rear cell) technology, the dominant technology for cells in the industry today because TOPCon offers higher efficiency, lower degradation, and a better temperature coefficient.

TOPCon only became competitive in late 2022, but Trina Solar’s investment in TOPCon technology began as early as 2015. The company’s consistent efforts culminated in multiple achievements in TOPCon research and production, the most recent being the mass production of 720W+ series modules with 22.5% efficiency in August 2023. This makes Trina Solar the first module manufacturer to mass produce TOPCon modules with power exceeding 700W.

2. Heterojunction (HJT) Technology

Heterojunction (HJT) cells subvert the traditional cell structure by combining wafer-based PV technology with thin-film technology. This once-dormant technology is re-emerging in the industry to offer a glimpse into the future of solar energy, offering a power and efficiency advantage over the mainstream PERC.

Determined to seek even greater efficiencies and breakthroughs, Trina Solar is constantly expanding its technical expertise in HJT. The company achieved an actual efficiency of 24.6% of HJT cells in mass production and was also awarded a TÜV certification for our HJT products in 2021, cementing our role as a key player in the evolution of solar energy technology. More recently, Trina Solar also debuted its HJT PV modules with a maximum power output of 730W+ and efficiency of 23.5% in May 2023.

Advanced robotics technology at work in a solar panel manufacturing facility, enhancing efficiency and precision in the assembly of solar cells.

3. 210mm n-type i-TOPCon Cells

The i-TOPCon cells and 210mm module technology developed by Trina Solar have improved module efficiency to as high as 22.4%, with power reaching 605W and 695W in particular for C&I PV applications and utility settings. These n-type cells are used to produce Trina Solar’s newest generation of Vertex N modules. These modules are revolutionising the industry with their ultra-high reliability, ultra-low degradation, and empirically proven long-term performance.

These i-TOPCon cells are able to leverage high power, efficiency, energy yield, and reliability for low Levelised Cost of Electricity in the n-type era. Additionally, Trina Solar is also committed to advancing the 210mm product technology platform with a high degree of compatibility to make solar energy more accessible and cost-effective for a wide range of applications.

Partnering with Trina Solar - A Strategic Move

Aligning with Trina Solar is more than a business decision; it's a strategic move that places any collaborator at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution. Trina Solar's portfolio is replete with cutting-edge technologies and integrated solutions that set us apart in the solar industry. Our commitment to innovation extends not only to our state-of-the-art solar modules, but also to other products and solutions in our portfolio, including our market-leading trackers and energy storage solutions that address diverse challenges and energy needs. By offering tailored solutions that resonate with the unique needs of different markets, Trina Solar ensures that partners are not just keeping pace with the industry but leading it.

In a rapidly evolving energy landscape, where sustainability and cost-effectiveness are paramount, aligning with a reliable solar module manufacturer is an investment in the future. It's a partnership that nurtures growth, stimulates innovation, and empowers collaborators to shape the next chapter of renewable energy.

Contact us today or browse our residential solar panels and commercial solar panels to embark on a journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more enlightened energy era.