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Trina Solar TSM-NEG18RC.27-490
Trina Solar Brand review

TSM-NEG18RC.27-490

490 Wp TOPCon Bifacial 80%
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, modest efficiency

Rank 7,493 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
490
Strong · top 12%
Efficiency (%)
22.00
Weak · bottom 18%
Density (Wp/m²)
220.3
Weak · bottom 19%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
23.5
Typical · median 24.0 kg
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The Trina Solar Vertex S+ (TSM-NEG18RC.27 490-515W) series was designed for maximum yield per square meter of roof - without complicating the installation project. The key difference is the use of n-type i-TOPCon cells, which handle performance degradation over time better and operate more stably under varying weather conditions, translating to a more predictable energy yield over years. The dual-glass construction enhances resistance to moisture, high temperatures, and microcracks, while simultaneously improving module safety in demanding locations.

The Clear Black version allows for a modern, more cohesive visual effect on the roof, which is important for representative buildings and locations where aesthetics matter. A key advantage is bifaciality, enabling the module to utilize light coming from the back, increasing yield in favorable mounting setups. This series is a practical choice for C&I installations and demanding flat roofs - where longevity, compatibility with standard inverters, and a long operational lifespan are key, backed by an extended warranty.

Ranking

1,089 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 22.00% 22.52% Weak · bottom 18% 6,517
Power density 220.3 225.2 Weak · bottom 19% 6,276
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,165
Weight per kWp 48.0 52.2 Typical 1,984
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

0 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Commercial, shaded-installations and hot-climate.

Not ideal for

Tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
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.

Notes from the database
  • At 22.0% efficiency, this panel is 0.5pp below the TOPCon 450-500W median of 22.5%
  • Power density of 220.3 W/m² is 4.8 W/m² below TOPCon 450-500W median (225.2 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the TOPCon 450-500W median
  • 80% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-12% on reflective surfaces
  • #6517 for efficiency, #2165 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 490 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 22.00 % Weak Segment median 22.52%
Vmpp · Impp 32.90 V · 14.91 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 39.60 V · 15.80 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 Typical Typical · median 24.0 kg
Cells 108 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 80 % Rear output as a share of front
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 428 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 490 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
-
With bifacial gain
-

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
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Trina Solar TSM-NEG18RC.27-490 490 W 22.00% -0.290 23.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +20 W, cooler, +3.0 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.8 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +15 W, cooler, +2.7 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +10 W, cooler, +2.5 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.5 pp
TSM-NEG18R.28-475 475 W 21.40% -0.290 23.5 kg -15 W, -0.6 pp
TSM-NEG18R.28-480 480 W 21.60% -0.290 23.5 kg -10 W, -0.4 pp
TSM-NEG18R.25-485 485 W 21.80% -0.290 23.5 kg Very close match
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +70 W, cooler, +2.8 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +65 W, cooler, +2.6 pp
LR7-60HVHL-550M 550 W 24.40% -0.260 16.3 kg +60 W, lighter, +2.4 pp
JAT60S40-540/LR 540 W 24.40% -0.260 23.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.4 pp
GK-5-60HG-540M 540 W 24.40% -0.260 23.3 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.4 pp
JKM545-54QL6-DV-F1-EU 545 W 24.27% -0.260 27.5 kg +55 W, heavier, +2.3 pp
LR7-60HVH-545M 545 W 24.20% -0.260 25.0 kg +55 W, cooler, +2.2 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
Are Trina Vertex S+ TSM-NEG18RC.27 panels suitable for flat-roof C&I installations?
Yes, the series was designed for large commercial and industrial (C&I) installations and flat roofs. The dual-glass construction improves resistance to microcracks and moisture, while the standard 1961x1134 mm footprint fits typical mounting systems and string inverters. With up to 515 Wp per module, fewer panels are needed to reach the target system capacity, lowering racking and labor costs.
How do the n-type TOPCon cells in the Vertex S+ differ from older PERC cells?
TOPCon (n-type) cells degrade more slowly over time and are less prone to LID/LeTID effects than conventional p-type PERC cells. In practice this means more stable energy output throughout the module's lifetime, backed by a 30-year power warranty guaranteeing at least 87.4% of rated power in the final year. TOPCon cells also perform better at higher operating temperatures.
What warranty comes with Trina Solar Vertex S+ TSM-NEG18RC.27 panels?
The manufacturer provides a 15-year product warranty plus a 30-year power output warranty, guaranteeing at least 87.4% of nominal power after 30 years. This is an extended term compared to earlier Trina Solar series, making it an attractive choice for investors planning long-term returns, such as in commercial installations.
What does bifacial technology in the Vertex S+ modules do, and when does it pay off?
Bifacial modules have active front and rear sides, allowing them to capture additional light reflected from the ground - a light-colored roof, gravel, or snow. The TSM-NEG18RC.27 has a bifaciality factor of around 80%. The biggest energy gain comes from ground-mounted arrays or flat-roof installations with proper clearance beneath the module, rather than standard flush-mounted pitched-roof setups.
Does the Clear Black version affect the Vertex S+ panel's efficiency or power output?
No, Clear Black is an aesthetic variant with a black frame and darker backsheet that doesn't change the module's electrical parameters - power, efficiency, and warranties remain identical to the standard version. It's a popular choice for prestige buildings where a uniform, sleek look from street level matters.
What are the dimensions and weight of the TSM-NEG18RC.27, and does it require two-person installation?
The module measures approximately 1961x1134x30 mm and weighs 23.5 kg. Due to its large format and dual-glass construction, the manufacturer and installers recommend two-person handling, especially on roofs with limited access. This size is typical for commercial installations, where maximizing power density on available roof space while staying compatible with standard racking systems is a priority.
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