--- title: "Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.20-515 515W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.20-515 515W solar panel. Specs: 23.20% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18r-20-515" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.20-515 Light for its output, no clear weak spot 432 panels in the segment TOPCon 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Trina Solar - **Model:** TSM-NEG18R.20-515 - **Series:** Vertex S+ (TSM-NEG18R.20 490-520W) - **Rated power:** 515 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 500-550 W (432 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 515 W | 510 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 23.20% | 22.73% | Strong - top 16% | 1,306 | | Power density | 231.6 | 227.4 | Strong - top 18% | 1,473 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight (kg) | 23.5 kg | 27.0 kg | Strong - top 9% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 23.20% | 22.73% | Strong - top 16% | 1,306 | | Power density | 231.6 | 227.4 | Strong - top 18% | 1,473 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight per kWp | 45.6 | 52.4 | Strong - top 9% | 789 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Strengths - **45.6 kg per kWp** - Top 9% of the TOPCon 500-550 W segment, against a median of 52.4. Ranked 789th in the whole database. - **23.20% module efficiency** - Top 16% of the TOPCon 500-550 W segment, against a median of 22.73%. - **231.6 watts per square metre** - Top 18% of the TOPCon 500-550 W segment, against a median of 227.4. - **Best for:** Commercial, shaded-installations and hot-climate. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 515 W - **Efficiency:** 23.20 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 33.90 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 15.20 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 40.90 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 15.96 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:** 231.6 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:** 450 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 1306 of 14005 | | Power density | 1473 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 789 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## About this series The Trina Solar Vertex S+ TSM-NEG18R.20 490-520W series is designed specifically for achieving higher yield from limited rooftop space and faster return on investment in commercial and industrial installations. Its key advantage lies in combining **n-type i-TOPCon cells** with an optimized module interconnect architecture, resulting in more stable performance over time and reduced sensitivity to typical losses found in older p-type constructions. Instead of the traditional glass-film structure, a **dual-glass construction** has been used, making the module more resistant to loads, humidity, salinity, and temperature fluctuations, while simultaneously being more resilient to micro-cracks during transportation and installation. Furthermore, the precision cutting and dense wiring technology improves performance under partial shading and minimizes resistive losses - effectively aiding on rooftops with obstructions. This is an excellent choice for businesses and investors seeking **higher reliability** and **longer, safe usage** without compromising compatibility with standard inverters and roofing systems. ## Notable figures - At 23.2% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*TOPCon 500-550W\*\* modules - 231.6 W/m² power density - 4.2 W/m² more than \*\*TOPCon 500-550W\*\* median (227.4 W/m²), more power per roof area - At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*TOPCon 500-550W\*\* panels - Weight of 23.5 kg (3.5 kg below \*\*TOPCon 500-550W\*\* median of 27.0 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting - #1306 for efficiency, #2165 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels ## Questions ### How do the n-type TOPCon cells in Trina Vertex S+ TSM-NEG18R.20 panels differ from older p-type cells? N-type i-TOPCon cells offer higher base efficiency and slower degradation over time compared to conventional p-type PERC cells. The power temperature coefficient is -0.29%/°C, so the panel loses less output at high roof temperatures. This results in more stable energy yield over the panel's lifetime, translating into a better return on investment compared to older p-type designs. ### What warranty comes with the Trina Solar Vertex S+ TSM-NEG18R.20 490-520W panels? The manufacturer provides a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power warranty, guaranteeing 87.4% of rated power output after 30 years of operation. Trina Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer, which further increases confidence in long-term servicing and warranty claim fulfillment — an important factor for commercial and industrial investments. ### Are the Vertex S+ TSM-NEG18R.20 panels bifacial? No, this series is monofacial despite using a dual-glass construction. The glass on both sides of the module isn't meant to generate power from reflected light on the rear side; it serves to better protect the cells against moisture, temperature swings, and microcracks. If rear-side energy gain is a priority, consider a bifacial model from the same Vertex family. ### How much does the Vertex S+ TSM-NEG18R.20 panel weigh, and can a roof with limited load capacity support it? The panel measures 1961 x 1134 x 30 mm and weighs about 23.5 kg, heavier than typical glass-backsheet modules due to its dual-glass construction. Before installing on older industrial roofs, it's worth having a structural load assessment done, especially when mounting a large number of modules on a single roof section. ### How do Vertex S+ TSM-NEG18R.20 panels perform under partial shading from chimneys or antennas? Precision cell cutting and dense interconnection within the module reduce resistive losses and limit the impact of partial shading on overall panel output. In practice, this means a smaller generation drop when part of the module is shaded by a chimney, antenna, or neighboring building — a common issue on commercial roofs with irregular geometry. ### What type of installations are the Trina Solar Vertex S+ TSM-NEG18R.20 490-520W panels best suited for? This series is designed for commercial and industrial installations where maximizing energy yield from limited roof space is critical. With power output up to 520 Wp per module, fewer panels are needed to reach a target system capacity, shortening installation time and accelerating ROI while remaining compatible with standard inverters and roof mounting hardware. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/dt-m-0076-g-en-e-datasheet-vertex-s-neg18r-20-2025-a-b0e1476f3432.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, +1.8 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +45 W, cooler, +1.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | -10 W, cooler, +1.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +40 W, cooler, +1.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | -25 W, cooler, +1.3 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | -15 W, cooler, +1.3 pp | | [Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.28-475](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-neg18r-28-475) | 475 W | -40 W, -1.8 pp | | [Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.28-480](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-neg18r-28-480) | 480 W | -35 W, -1.6 pp | | [Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.25-485](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18r-25-485) | 485 W | -30 W, -1.4 pp | | [Trina Solar TSM-NEG18RC.27-490](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18rc-27-490) | 490 W | -25 W, -1.2 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVHL-550M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvhl-550m) | 550 W | +35 W, lighter, +1.2 pp | | [JA Solar JAT60S40-540/LR](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-jat60s40-540-lr) | 540 W | +25 W, cooler, +1.2 pp | | [Gokin GK-5-60HG-540M](https://comparepv.com/panel/gokin-gk-5-60hg-540m) | 540 W | +25 W, cooler, +1.2 pp | | [Jinko Solar JKM545-54QL6-DV-F1-EU](https://comparepv.com/panel/jinko-solar-jkm545-54ql6-dv-f1-eu) | 545 W | +30 W, heavier, +1.1 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-545M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-545m) | 545 W | +30 W, cooler, +1.0 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18r-20-515 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.