Trina Solar published its White Paper on Tracker Compatibility for Trina Solar 210 Vertex Modules, covering 14 world-leading tracker manufacturers that account for more than 90% of the global shipments, that match its 210mm Vertex 550W-670W modules. It includes top brands such as Arctech Solar, ARRAY Nextracker, PV Hardware and TrinaTracker. The white paper analyses the compatibility, mechanical load assessment and impact on BOS costs. In addition, Trina Solar released the solar system matching database, an online matching tool 2.0, which incorporates intelligent databases of compatible trackers and inverters.

Fourteen mainstream tracker firms worldwide approve compatibility

In February, eight of the world's leading tracker brands announced their trackers’ compatibility with the 210mm modules, indicating a high regard and support for the 210mm modules.

According to the paper, 14 world-leading global tracker brands have introduced compatible trackers with the 210mm modules, including Arctech Solar, Nextracker, ARRAY, TrinaTracker etc. These 14 suppliers have shipped more than 90% of the worldwide tracker shipments.

Compatible tracker brands

In installation, the tracker length, width and height are key factors to be considered. The static and dynamic load performance of trackers are assessed to study the matching stability between the modules and trackers. According to the white paper, Trina Solar 210mm Vertex modules have passed the IEC 61215/IEC 61730 mechanical load test. Compatible trackers have also passed the wind tunnel test, confirming the product reliability and stability.

Compatibility contributes to lower LCOE and higher energy yield

Trina Solar recommends 210mm Vertex 670W, 600W and 550W bifacial dual-glass modules for tracker applications. The white paper says that compared with mono-facial modules with fixed-tilt installation, bifacial dual-glass modules with tracker can increase energy yield by about 5% to 30% under different reflectivity conditions. At the same time, the compatibility with ultra-high power modules also enhances tracker value in the integrated systems, achieving 1+1>2 effect with reduced costs and increased efficiency in various application systems.

The paper also cites Fraunhofer ISE's study of CAPEX and LCOE for a solar project located in Spain. The system applies single-row, portrait mount, single-axis (1P) trackers. Compared with 182mm 585W modules, the 210mm 660W and 545W modules could reduce the CAPEX by 0.81-1.21 €c/Wp and LCOE by 1.8-2.6%. Compared with 166mm 450W modules, the CAPEX saving could reach 2.39-2.79 €c/Wp and the LCOE reduction could reach 5.3-6.0%.

Fraunhofer ISE’s calculation results

Similar results were found from another study by DNV about a project located in the United States, in which dual-row, portrait mount, single-axis (2P) trackers were applied. The results show that, compared with 166mm 450W modules, the 210mm Vertex 545W modules could save about 6.06% in BOS, corresponding to a reduction in LCOE of about 3.72%. It also saved about 1.2% in BOS when compared with 182mm 535W modules, corresponding to a reduction of 0.5% in LCOE. In terms of tracker and tracker installation costs, the 210mm Vertex 545W modules enabled savings of about 14% compared to the 166mm 450W modules.

In addition to the advantages of higher value, lower LCOE and greater energy yield, the 210mm Vertex series modules are also benefitted from innovative low-voltage and high-string-power design. For a given 1500V system voltage, the single string power of 210mm Vertex modules could be significantly increased by up to 36% compared with traditional modules, which reduces the total number of modules used in the project, reduces the installation work, and speeds up the construction progress.

The excellent characteristics of the Vertex modules provide excellent matching with various trackers, and promote collaboration between global tracker manufacturers and Trina Solar.

From Nextracker senior product director Eric Kuo: “Building on the historical milestone of being the first tracker technology provider to reach 50 GW shipped worldwide, Nextracker continues to lead the industry by staying ahead of future module trends and being large format module ready, especially with Trina’s Vertex modules. Through extensive testing and collaboration, Nextracker stands by its certificate of compatibility awarded by Trina Solar ensuring the same installation quality, reliability and weather resiliency that can be counted on for 35+ years.”

Solar system matching database upgraded

To provide better service to customers, Trina Solar has updated its intelligent compatible inverter database to include 14 mainstream tracker manufacturers in the world with about 30 models. The Online matching tool 2.0 is available. (website: pvd.trinasolar.com)

The Online matching tool 2.0

The website offers five options: module power, tracker type, tracker brand, tracker model and temperature, allowing customers to identify the most compatible trackers through an intelligent search. In the future, the database will be updated according to the latest developments of module and tracker partners. Please feel free to contact Trina Solar to tell us about additional tracker manufactures or product information.

With the introduction of standard sizes, integrated delivery solutions and fully compatible mainstream inverters and trackers, an industry ecosystem for 210mm modules with seamless links is shaping up to be more complete and mature.

• Links

• Click to download the Vertex Series Tracker Compatibility White Paper.
• The Online matching tool 2.0: pvd.trinasolar.com
• For trackers not included in the database, please contact Trina Solar at vertexvalue@trinasolar.com