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Trina Solar TSM-DE18M(II)-490
Trina Solar Brand review

TSM-DE18M(II)-490

490 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Strong in heat, modest efficiency

Rank 10,615 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
490
Strong · top 15%
Efficiency (%)
20.30
Weak · bottom 9%
Density (Wp/m²)
203.3
Weak · bottom 9%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Strong · top 19%
Weight (kg)
26.3
Typical · median 24.5 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

Trina Solar's Vertex Backsheet Monocrystalline Module series is designed to deliver high efficiency while simultaneously minimizing construction and cabling costs. Central to this is the platform featuring 210 mm silicon wafers, along with technologies that genuinely boost performance-such as multi-busbar, non-destructive cell cutting, and high-density interconnect. These features enhance module performance under partial shading and minimize losses from micro-cracks.

In practice, the Vertex backsheet module helps solve the frequent problem investors face: how to increase power and yield without complicating the design. Its optimized low-voltage architecture enables longer strings and higher string power, simplifying the design and potentially reducing BOS costs.

This is an excellent solution for PV farms, large industrial roofs, and projects where fast installation, repeatability, and high long-term reliability are key-without needing to resort to heavier dual-glass structures.

Ranking

449 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.30% 20.82% Weak · bottom 9% 11,769
Power density 203.3 208.5 Weak · bottom 9% 11,712
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.350 Strong · top 19% 8,778
Weight per kWp 53.7 53.1 Typical 7,693
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 · 2 caution
Best for

Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

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

Strengths
-0.340 %/°C temperature coefficient

Top 19% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of -0.350.

Watch-outs
20.30% module efficiency

Bottom 9% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 20.82%. Ranked 11,769th in the whole database.

203.3 watts per square metre

Bottom 9% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 208.5. Ranked 11,712th in the whole database.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 20.3% is 0.5pp below the PERC 450-500W median (20.8%)
  • At 203.3 W/m², this panel generates 5.2 W/m² less per unit area than PERC 450-500W median (208.5 W/m²)
  • At -0.34%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 450-500W panels
  • Weight of 26.3 kg is 1.8 kg above PERC 450-500W median (24.5 kg) - verify structural support
  • #11769 for efficiency, #8778 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 20.30 % Weak Segment median 20.82%
Vmpp · Impp 42.40 V · 11.56 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 51.30 V · 12.14 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2187×1102×35 mm · 2.41 m² of roof
Weight 26.3 kg Typical Typical · median 24.5 kg
Cells 150 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Strong top 19% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.040 %/°C
NOCT 43 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Typical median 25 yrs · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 402 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-DE18M(II)-490 490 W 20.30% -0.340 26.3 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +4.7 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +4.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.2 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +4.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg Cooler, +4.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
TSM-DEG18MC.20(II)-480 480 W 19.90% -0.340 30.1 kg Heavier, -0.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
TSM-DE18M(II)-485 485 W 20.10% -0.340 26.3 kg Very close match
TSM-DEG18MC.20(II)-495 495 W 20.50% -0.340 30.1 kg Heavier, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +160 W, cooler, +4.9 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +155 W, cooler, +4.7 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +150 W, cooler, +4.5 pp
AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw 635 W 24.60% -0.260 27.0 kg +145 W, cooler, +4.3 pp
AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw 630 W 24.40% -0.260 32.5 kg +140 W, cooler, +4.1 pp

Found 41 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 49 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 119 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 3244 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
What is the maximum power output of the Trina Solar Vertex Backsheet Monocrystalline Module panels?
The series offers modules with up to 510 Wp, built on monocrystalline PERC cells cut from 210 mm silicon wafers. High yield is achieved through multi-busbar technology and non-destructive cell cutting, which reduce microcracks and power loss. As a result, a single panel generates more energy from the same roof or ground area than older designs based on smaller wafers.
How many years of warranty does the 510 W Vertex Backsheet panel come with?
Trina Solar provides a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year power output warranty, which is standard for premium-class modules. The power warranty guarantees the panel still delivers a specified percentage of its initial output after 25 years. This is a key parameter when calculating installation profitability, as it directly affects the projected LCOE of the project.
Is the Vertex Backsheet Monocrystalline Module a bifacial panel?
No, this version is monofacial - the rear backsheet, instead of glass, means the panel cannot capture light reflected from the ground. This is a deliberate trade-off: the construction is lighter and cheaper to install than dual-glass bifacial modules, at the cost of missing the extra yield from the rear side. If maximizing yield over a highly reflective surface is a priority, a bifacial Vertex variant is worth considering.
Is this series suitable for large industrial roofs and utility-scale PV farms?
Yes, this is one of the series' main applications. The low-voltage architecture allows for longer strings and higher power per string, simplifying the electrical design and lowering BoS costs for cabling and mounting structures. Combined with a high unit power of 510 Wp and a lightweight backsheet construction, this reduces the number of panels needed and speeds up installation on large surfaces.
Is Trina Solar a Tier 1 manufacturer, and does that matter when choosing panels?
Yes, Trina Solar is a Chinese manufacturer with Tier 1 status, meaning financial stability, in-house factories, and a documented track record of large-scale deliveries. This matters for project financing - banks and leasing companies are more willing to fund installations using Tier 1 panels, as it minimizes the risk of warranty issues should the manufacturer face financial trouble.
How do Vertex Backsheet panels perform in cold winter temperatures?
The PERC cells used in this series have a favorable power temperature coefficient, so the panel loses less efficiency in cold conditions than in extreme heat - in practice, PV modules often perform even better on cold, sunny winter days than during very hot summer days. However, proper snow clearing is important, as partial shading from snow cover reduces yield far more than the temperature drop itself.
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