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Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.20-520
Trina Solar Brand review

TSM-NEG18R.20-520

520 Wp TOPCon
ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, no clear weak spot

Rank 4,727 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
520
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
23.40
Strong · top 9%
Density (Wp/m²)
233.8
Strong · top 9%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
23.5
Strong · 3.5 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

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.

Ranking

432 panels in the segment TOPCon 500-550 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 23.40% 22.73% Strong · top 9% 882
Power density 233.8 227.4 Strong · top 9% 909
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,165
Weight per kWp 45.2 52.4 Strong · top 6% 635
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

3 positive · 0 caution
Best for

Commercial, shaded-installations and hot-climate.

Strengths
45.2 kg per kWp

Top 6% of the TOPCon 500-550 W segment, against a median of 52.4. Ranked 635th in the whole database.

23.40% module efficiency

Top 9% of the TOPCon 500-550 W segment, against a median of 22.73%. Ranked 882nd in the whole database.

233.8 watts per square metre

Top 9% of the TOPCon 500-550 W segment, against a median of 227.4. Ranked 909th in the whole database.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 23.4% is 0.7pp above the TOPCon 500-550W median (22.7%)
  • 233.8 W/m² power density - 6.4 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
  • #882 for efficiency, #2165 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 520 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 23.40 % Strong Segment median 22.73%
Vmpp · Impp 34.10 V · 15.25 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 41.20 V · 15.99 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1961×1134×30 mm · 2.22 m² of roof
Weight 23.5 kg Strong Strong · 3.5 kg below median
Cells 108 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.240 · 0.040 %/°C
NOCT 43 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 15 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 87.4 % Equals 454 W guaranteed
Degradation 1.00 → 0.40 % First year, then annual

Datasheet charts

Open datasheet PDF

Measured curves published by Trina Solar in this model's datasheet. A chart carrying a wattage was measured on that variant alone - only the ones that describe 520 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.

Performance Warranty Performance Warranty Whole series

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.290 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Trina Solar TSM-NEG18R.20-520 520 W 23.40% -0.290 23.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg -10 W, cooler, +1.6 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg -25 W, cooler, +1.4 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +40 W, cooler, +1.4 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg -15 W, cooler, +1.3 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +35 W, cooler, +1.2 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg -30 W, cooler, +1.1 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg -20 W, cooler, +1.1 pp
TSM-NEG18R.28-475 475 W 21.40% -0.290 23.5 kg -45 W, -2.0 pp
TSM-NEG18R.28-480 480 W 21.60% -0.290 23.5 kg -40 W, -1.8 pp
TSM-NEG18R.25-485 485 W 21.80% -0.290 23.5 kg -35 W, -1.6 pp
TSM-NEG18RC.27-490 490 W 22.00% -0.290 23.5 kg -30 W, -1.4 pp
LR7-60HVHL-550M 550 W 24.40% -0.260 16.3 kg +30 W, lighter, +1.0 pp
JAT60S40-540/LR 540 W 24.40% -0.260 23.5 kg +20 W, cooler, +1.0 pp
GK-5-60HG-540M 540 W 24.40% -0.260 23.3 kg +20 W, cooler, +1.0 pp
JKM545-54QL6-DV-F1-EU 545 W 24.27% -0.260 27.5 kg Cooler, heavier, +0.9 pp
LR7-60HVH-545M 545 W 24.20% -0.260 25.0 kg +25 W, cooler, +0.8 pp

Found 471 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 508 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 662 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 1471 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
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.
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