Verified by a series of rigorous tests including non-uniform snow-load test, extreme DML test and extreme wind tunnel test, Trina Solar’s Vertex modules continue show outstanding performance and excellent mechanical load reliability by passing another -40°C extreme low-temperature mechanical load test, demonstrating excellent ability to withstand extreme cold conditions.
Test site (Image: Trina Solar)
Trina Solar’s modules are used worldwide in various conditions including extreme cold, from Heilongjiang in China to the countries within the Arctic Circle such as Sweden and Norway, where the average winter temperature is as low as -40°C. Therefore, it is critical that Vertex modules must maintain reliability and high power generation efficiency under low-temperature conditions.
Extreme low temperatures pose a major challenge to materials. The coefficient of thermal expansion varies among different materials, making it difficult to connect parts of modules. For organic materials such as EVA, backsheet and junction boxes, the low temperature will cause degrading to the shock resistance of materials and affect the ability to withstand mechanical load of module cells.
The temperature of testing environment (Image: Trina Solar)
Trina Solar, together with the third-party organization CGC (China General Certification), according to the testing requirement of IEC TS 62782, conducted the mechanical reliability test on the Vertex 670W module under extreme low-temperature condition. The static mechanical load test of 5400Pa on the front side and 2400Pa on the back side is conducted under extreme low-temperate at -40°C and crossbeam screw installation conditions. The mechanical strength, resistant ability of materials and connection of trackers under extreme low temperature are simulated to test the reliability and performance of PV modules.
No variation in electroluminescence (EL) (Image: Trina Solar)
The results show that the modules maintain good appearance without cracks, maintain insulation, and pass wet leakage testing with power attenuation of only 0.11%. These results confirm that even under extreme low temperatures, Trina Solar’s 670W Vertex modules are safe and reliable.
The 670W Vertex was launched in March, 2021. With 210mm silicon wafers, Vertex modules achieve maximum power of 670W with an efficiency of 21.6% and single string power of over 40%, with potential to significantly reduce LCOE and BOS costs for solar projects.
Vertex modules in extreme cold weather (Image: Trina Solar)
Based on its R&D and manufacturing experience over the past twenty-four years, Trina Solar has established a solid foundation in technology and forged products with high efficiency and high reliability, placing it firmly among the best-performing module manufacturers in the world. Under strong winds, snowstorms or extreme cold, Trina Solar’s Vertex modules exhibit perfect performance. Trina Solar also offers customized services including product design and installation design for different application scenarios to provide various total solutions for customers.