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Trina Solar TSM-DE09.05-385
Trina Solar Brand review

TSM-DE09.05-385

385 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Strong in heat, no clear weak spot

Rank 11,290 of 14,005
Compare panels
Power (Wp)
385
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
20.00
Typical · median 19.90%
Density (Wp/m²)
200.3
Typical · median 199.0
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Strong · top 15%
Weight (kg)
21.0
Typical · median 21.4 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

Trina Solar's Vertex S (Backsheet Monocrystalline Module) was designed for rooftops where high energy production matters even with limited space. Its key feature is the platform based on a larger wafer format, along with 1/3-cut cell technology and non-destructive cutting, which help minimize losses and enhance module performance stability. The application of high-density interconnect and multi-busbar supports better current collection and efficiency under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

It is an excellent choice for residential and small commercial installations where you want to pack more power onto the roof, simplify string designs, and maintain compatibility with popular BOS elements. A practical advantage is also better yield predictability on hotter days due to its refined thermal performance. Vertex S stands out from many competitive series by combining a compact format with utility-grade module solutions, without compromising on aesthetics and installation.

Ranking

579 panels in the segment PERC 350-400 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.00% 19.90% Typical 12,214
Power density 200.3 199.0 Typical 12,171
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.350 Strong · top 15% 8,778
Weight per kWp 54.5 55.8 Typical 8,872
Performance warranty 25 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

1 positive · 0 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.

Strengths
-0.340 %/°C temperature coefficient

Top 15% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of -0.350.

Notes from the database
  • At 20.0% efficiency, this panel is 0.6pp above typical PERC 0-400W modules (median: 19.4%)
  • At 200.3 W/m² power density, this panel generates 5.9 W/m² more per unit area than PERC 0-400W median (194.4 W/m²)
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • Ranked #12214 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Nominal power (Pmax) 385 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.00 % Typical Segment median 19.90%
Vmpp · Impp 33.60 V · 11.46 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 40.60 V · 12.07 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1754×1096×30 mm · 1.92 m² of roof
Weight 21.0 kg Typical Typical · median 21.4 kg
Cells 120 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Strong top 15% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.040 %/°C
NOCT 43 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 25 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Typical median 25 yrs · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 316 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.55 % First year, then annual

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
-0.340 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Trina Solar TSM-DE09.05-385 385 W 20.00% -0.340 21.0 kg You are here
GKA210M340W 340 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M360W 360 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/4*4*38) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M400W (1/2*4*20) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg Lighter, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M400W (1/4*4*40) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg Lighter, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/2*4*19) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty
LX-435M/182-108+ GG 435 W 22.81% -0.240 23.6 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.8 pp
JT435SYk(B) 435 W 22.70% -0.240 23.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.7 pp
SPR-MAX3-430-R 430 W 22.70% -0.270 21.2 kg Cooler, +2.7 pp, +15 yr warranty
LX-435M/182-108+ 435 W 22.61% -0.300 21.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.6 pp
TSM-DE09.05-380 380 W 19.80% -0.340 21.0 kg Very close match
TSM-DE09.05-390 390 W 20.30% -0.340 21.0 kg +0.3 pp
TSM-DE09.08-395 395 W 20.50% -0.340 21.0 kg +10 W, +0.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +125 W, cooler, +5.0 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +110 W, cooler, +4.8 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +120 W, cooler, +4.7 pp

Found 53 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 67 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3671 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 4169 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Is the Trina Solar Vertex S (Backsheet Monocrystalline Module) series still available for purchase?
No, this series has been discontinued and Trina Solar has phased it out in favor of newer models, such as Vertex S+. Units rated up to 435 Wp can still be found through distributors clearing remaining stock, but availability is limited and shrinking. The manufacturer's warranty remains valid regardless of discontinuation, as long as the module was purchased from an authorized dealer.
What warranty comes with Trina Solar Vertex S panels?
The series carries a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output warranty, which is standard for Tier 1-class modules. This covers protection against material and manufacturing defects, as well as a guaranteed minimum performance level maintained throughout the system's operating life.
What does 1/3 cut cell technology with non-destructive cutting mean in the Vertex S modules?
Cells in this series are divided into three sections instead of the standard half-cut two-piece design, reducing resistive losses and limiting the impact of microcracks on output. Non-destructive laser cutting minimizes damage to the silicon structure during manufacturing, giving the module greater operational stability and lower power degradation over time compared to traditional full-size cells.
Are Trina Vertex S panels suitable for a small residential roof?
Yes, this series was designed for compact roof areas. At roughly 1762×1134 mm and about 21.8 kg, the module delivers up to 435 Wp, allowing more power to be fitted into limited space compared to older, lower-density designs. This format also simplifies transport and installation on typical single-family home roof structures.
Are Trina Solar Vertex S modules bifacial?
No, this series uses a conventional single-sided construction with a backsheet rather than the glass-glass build typical of bifacial modules. Energy is captured only from the front side of the panel, which simplifies mounting on standard roof structures but rules out the extra yield bifacial modules gain from reflected light.
How do Vertex S panels perform in high summer temperatures?
The module has a power temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C, a solid figure for PERC cells that means a relatively moderate output drop as panel temperature rises above 25°C. This makes energy production more predictable on hot, sunny days, helping with system design and annual yield estimates.
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