PR94189

CHANGZHOU, China, Jan. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

With the launch of its 670W+ ultra-high-power modules in March 2021, Trina

Solar led the industry into the 600W+ era and unleashed the full value of 210mm

technology, bringing with it a sharp boost in PV efficiency and a decrease in

LCOE. Cumulative global shipments of Trina Solar's 210mm modules now exceed

16GW.

So how do we improve upon this already impressive PV performance and make it

better? Speaking at the start of 2022, Trina Solar Chairman Jifan Gao revealed

his original ideas behind the development of 210mm module technology, as well

as its future direction.

The following are selected excerpts from his conference speech.

Great achievements: 210mm advanced technology is the future, 600W+ era is here

More than two years in the making, and with the joint engagement and efforts of

companies throughout the industry and our global customers, 210mm technology

has become the benchmark for large-size products, which represents a major

opportunity for the whole industry. It is thanks to the hard work and huge

contributions made at every section in the solar industry that we have been

able to achieve this level.

Trina Solar's 210mm module is now our most mainstream product, with cumulative

shipments exceeding 16GW, and it unquestionably ranks first among all the

large-size module brands. This is not only a milestone for Trina Solar, but

also a major achievement on the part of all members of the 600W+ Photovoltaic

Open Innovation Ecological Alliance.

We are now seeing the smooth-flowing supply of raw materials, the 210mm module

taking the lead in achieving standardization of modules, the comprehensive

adaptation of inverters and trackers throughout the 600W+ supply chain, vast

improvements in the safety and efficiency of power station systems, and

significant reduction in LCOE. Further, production capacity in the supply chain

continues to expand upon 210mm technology and membership of 600W+ Alliance has

now rocketed to 95 companies, all motivated by their acceptance of and

confidence in the technology. Two years on, 210mm modules are now the

confirmed, clear-cut direction forward for the PV industry.

Gratitude: A fertile ecosystem gave rise to 210mm technology

New breakthrough solutions and major advances in 210mm modules and technology

have launched the 600W+ high-power era. This owes to the huge contributions

made at every stage in the supply chain as well as joint, industry-wide efforts

to break new ground. Thanks are due to the 600W+ Alliance for their tireless

explorations. From semiconductors to cells, modules, inverters, trackers and

glass, different parts of the supply chain have combined to effect vast change

in the PV industry. That 210mm technology has been able to lead the way in

making large-size modules the industry standard.

Trina Solar itself has also scored successive wins in specific areas such as

load performance, container shipment, storage, transportation, and

installation. Take the wind load resistance of 210mm modules, for example.

Results from a study by a leading global wind-tunnel company showed that the

210mm module, with its lean structural design, not only compares favorably with

any other product, it actually outperforms them.

This point demonstrates the importance of having an open approach in company

innovation and industry progress. Now, as we enter the 600W+ era, 210mm

technology and products are ready to grow significantly and unleash even more

power.

Benefiting others: The motive behind the 210mm module

In this world, there is only one business model that can bring true success:

benefiting others. This motive drives every decision and every step that Trina

Solar takes. Driven by a desire to benefit others, there were two fundamental

reasons why Trina Solar opted for 210mm technology:

1. To slow down depreciation and embrace the future

From 125mm to 156mm and from 158.75mm to 166mm cells and modules, each time the

industry surges forward, it also brought in a raft of new equipment

depreciation. But, the industry wants grid parity and reduced production costs.

So how can we minimize the need for successive new product line iterations in

the future, and maximize the value of new industry production capacity over a

given period? This problem is one that I and Trina Solar have long pondered.

When we produced the 210mm module, we were not aiming to replace any particular

product but rather to think about which size would be the future direction of

the PV industry. We wanted to see the present from the vantage point of the

future, to identify the size that ultimately would prevail over a given

timeframe. The 210mm module was conceived by embracing the future direction of

growth and then formulating a "platform" technology based on its inherent

properties and various contributing factors. This would help all companies to

achieve sustained growth, and therefore make for a better industry.

After nearly two years of hard work, it is clear that 210mm technology has

earned the confidence of the industry. According to estimates by PVinfoLink,

over 50% of production capacity is now compatible with the 210mm size. The

decision by cell and module manufacturers to use 210mm technology as the base

on which to expand production capacity prevents their production capacity from

soon becoming obsolete. This means longer production lifecycles across the

board.

2. To drive industrial development through technological innovation

The PV industry boasts impressive innovative capabilities. When the 600W+ was

founded, everyone responded positively to the proposal and was keen to be

involved despite the magnitude of the challenge. A new atmosphere developed

between up- and downstream players. They built a culture of joint innovation,

shared benefits and growth together. Through the combined efforts of the whole

industry, the speed at which the 210mm technology developed far outstripped our

original expectations.

All companies strive for better growth. But Trina Solar has recognized that

when you benefit others, you benefit yourself. We will continue to grow only if

we benefit our customers and the wider industry ecosystem.

The future: Follow the right track with innovation and sustainability

From the foundations already laid, we must stick to the right way while always

seeking  new horizons. Trina Solar holds fast to its core values while

constantly pushing the boundaries of its product solutions. The future is just

the beginning; the technology has many roads yet to travel and there are many

tasks yet to accomplish. Trina Solar will continue to uphold its mission of

"Solar energy for all." We hope to work with you all, steadily but surely, to

make PV even better yet.

Source: Trina Solar Co., Ltd