--- title: "Trina Solar TSM-NEG18RC.27-490 490W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Trina Solar TSM-NEG18RC.27-490 490W solar panel. Specs: 22.00% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18rc-27-490" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Trina Solar TSM-NEG18RC.27-490 Middle of its segment, modest efficiency 1,089 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Trina Solar - **Model:** TSM-NEG18RC.27-490 - **Series:** Vertex S+ (TSM-NEG18RC.27 490-515W) - **Rated power:** 490 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 450-500 W (1089 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% | 6,517 | | Power density | 220.3 | 225.2 | Weak - bottom 19% | 6,276 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | 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% | 6,517 | | 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 | ### 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:** 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 - **Bifacial:** yes ### 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 | 6517 of 14005 | | Power density | 6276 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 1984 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## About this series 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**. ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/dt-m-0111-g-en-a-datasheet-vertex-s-neg18rc-27-2025-a-604552fba19e.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 | | [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 | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-545M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-545m) | 545 W | +55 W, cooler, +2.2 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-co-ltd-tsm-neg18rc-27-490 Not in this file, on the page: the I-V and temperature curves lifted from the manufacturer's datasheet, a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.