--- title: "Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.20-490 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.20-490 solar panel. Specs: 22.00% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18r-20-490-1" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18r-20-490-1.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.20-490 Middle of its segment, modest efficiency 1,096 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Trina Solar - **Model:** TSM-NEG18R.20-490 - **Series:** Vertex S+ - **Rated power:** 490 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 450-500 W (1096 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 490 W | 465 W | Strong - top 12% | | | Module efficiency | 22.00% | 22.52% | Weak - bottom 18% | 6,580 | | Power density | 220.3 | 225.2 | Weak - bottom 19% | 6,339 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight (kg) | 23.5 kg | 24.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 22.00% | 22.52% | Weak - bottom 18% | 6,580 | | Power density | 220.3 | 225.2 | Weak - bottom 19% | 6,339 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight per kWp | 48.0 | 52.2 | Typical | 1,986 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Watch out for - **22.00% module efficiency** - Bottom 18% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 22.52%. - **220.3 watts per square metre** - Bottom 19% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 225.2. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial, shaded-installations and hot-climate. - **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 490 W - **Efficiency:** 22.00 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 32.90 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 14.91 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 39.60 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 15.80 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.240 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.040 %/degC - **NOCT:** 43 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 108 ### Physical - **Length:** 1961 mm - **Width:** 1134 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 23.5 kg - **Area:** 2.22 m2 - **Power density:** 220.3 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 15 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 87.4 % - **First-year degradation:** 1.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.40 % - **Output after 30 years:** 428 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 6580 of 14129 | | Power density | 6339 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 2220 of 14129 | | Weight | 1986 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## About this series The Trina Solar Vertex S+ series are modules designed for rooftops, where yield, durability, and aesthetics are key factors. The key differentiator is the combination of **n-type i-TOPCon cell technology** with the **dual-glass construction**, which uses a second glass sheet instead of a traditional backsheet. This provides better protection against moisture and material aging, performing exceptionally well in more demanding environmental conditions. In practice, this means more stable performance over time and lower risk of degradation compared to older solutions. The Vertex S+ addresses a common challenge for investors: achieving high yield from limited rooftop space without compromising on appearance. Available variants (including the version with enhanced black finish) offer **modern, cohesive aesthetics** for premium homes, while simultaneously maintaining installer-friendly parameters - **compatibility with popular inverters and optimizers**, along with a format that simplifies installation. This is an excellent choice for residential and small commercial installations where long-term quality and predictable energy yield are essential. ## Notable figures - Module efficiency of 22.0% is 0.5pp below average for \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* panels (median: 22.5%) - At 220.3 W/m², this panel generates 4.8 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median (225.2 W/m²) - Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median - #6580 for efficiency, #2220 for temperature performance out of 14129 panels ## Questions ### What is n-type i-TOPCon cell technology in Trina Solar Vertex S+ panels and how does it differ from standard p-type cells? i-TOPCon is an n-type cell technology that reduces light-induced degradation (LID) and temperature-related losses compared to more common p-type cells. In practice this means higher initial efficiency, a slower power decline over time, and better performance on hot rooftops in summer. For homeowners, this translates into higher real-world energy yield across the panel's 30-year service life. ### How many Trina Solar Vertex S+ 510 Wp panels are needed for a 6 kW residential system? With a unit power of 510 Wp, a roughly 6 kW system requires about 11-12 panels, covering approximately 22-24 m² of roof space. That's a real space saving compared to older, less efficient modules, where the same output often required several extra panels. The exact number depends on roof pitch, orientation, and local solar irradiance. ### What warranty comes with Trina Solar Vertex S+ panels and what does it cover? The manufacturer provides a 25-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, plus a 30-year linear power output warranty. This means that even after 30 years, the module should still deliver a guaranteed, high percentage of its original power. As a Tier 1 manufacturer with a long track record, Trina Solar adds extra confidence that these warranty claims will actually be honored. ### How does the dual-glass construction in Vertex S+ differ from a standard backsheet panel, and is it worth the cost? Instead of a polymer backsheet, the panel uses a second glass layer on the back side, offering better protection against moisture, microcracks, and material aging, especially in harsher climates. Purchase cost is only slightly higher than a backsheet version, but it translates into greater durability and lower failure risk over decades of operation, supporting the 30-year power warranty. ### Are Trina Solar Vertex S+ panels bifacial, generating extra energy from the rear side? No, this Vertex S+ configuration is a monofacial module despite its dual-glass construction. The second glass layer serves a protective function rather than capturing reflected light for extra generation. This is a deliberate design choice by the manufacturer, balancing aesthetics and universal compatibility with sloped roof installations, where bifacial gains would be minimal anyway. ### Is Trina Solar a reliable, trustworthy manufacturer for residential solar panels? Yes, Trina Solar is a China-based manufacturer classified as Tier 1, meaning it has a solid financial standing, in-house production lines, and a long track record of module deliveries worldwide. This status matters practically when filing warranty claims years later - Tier 1 status lowers the risk that the manufacturer disappears from the market and leaves the warranty unenforceable. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/dt-m-0076-d-datasheet-vertex-s-neg18r-20-en-2024-c-14745cea3416.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +20 W, cooler, +3.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +15 W, cooler, +2.7 pp | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | +15 W, cooler, +2.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +10 W, cooler, +2.5 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.5 pp | | [Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.28-475](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-neg18r-28-475) | 475 W | -15 W, -0.6 pp | | [Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.28-480](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-neg18r-28-480) | 480 W | -10 W, -0.4 pp | | [Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.25-485](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18r-25-485) | 485 W | Very close match | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +70 W, cooler, +2.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +65 W, cooler, +2.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVHL-550M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvhl-550m) | 550 W | +60 W, lighter, +2.4 pp | | [JA Solar JAT60S40-540/LR](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-jat60s40-540-lr) | 540 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.4 pp | | [Gokin GK-5-60HG-540M](https://comparepv.com/panel/gokin-gk-5-60hg-540m) | 540 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.4 pp | | [Jinko Solar JKM545-54QL6-DV-F1-EU](https://comparepv.com/panel/jinko-solar-jkm545-54ql6-dv-f1-eu) | 545 W | +55 W, heavier, +2.3 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18r-20-490-1 Not in this file, on the page: the I-V and temperature curves lifted from the manufacturer's datasheet, a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.