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Trina Solar Brand review

TSM-DE18M(II)-515

515 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Efficiency leader, short guarantee

Rank 9,122 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
515
Weak · bottom 17%
Efficiency (%)
21.40
Strong · top 2%
Density (Wp/m²)
213.7
Strong · top 2%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Strong · top 23%
Weight (kg)
26.3
Typical · median 28.4 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 23%

Trina Solar Vertex (Backsheet Monocrystalline Module) series are modules engineered for maximum energy yield from the same surface area - thanks to the 210 mm Wafer Platform and solutions such as n-type i-TOPCon Cells and 1/3-Cut Design. In practice, this translates to more stable performance over time, lower losses due to typical degradation mechanisms, and better energy production in real-world conditions, especially when heat resistance and variable sunlight are key factors.

Against many competitive panels, these modules stand out due to their high cell density and module stress-reducing technology, which helps minimize micro-cracks and the risk of hotspots. This makes them an excellent choice for investors aiming to reduce the overall cost of the installation - the modules are designed with compatibility with popular components and a more efficient installation in mind.

The Vertex backsheet version is ideal for C&I, rooftop, and ground-mounted installations, where high performance, reliability, and predictable long-term yield are the priority.

Ranking

706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.40% 20.90% Strong · top 2% 8,323
Power density 213.7 209.0 Strong · top 2% 8,403
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.350 Strong · top 23% 8,778
Weight per kWp 51.1 53.0 Typical 4,402
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 23% 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

3 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Commercial and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Owners who want a long output guarantee.

Strengths
21.40% module efficiency

Top 2% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 20.90%. Ranked 8,323rd in the whole database.

213.7 watts per square metre

Top 2% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 209.0. Ranked 8,403rd in the whole database.

-0.340 %/°C temperature coefficient

Top 23% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of -0.350.

Watch-outs
25 year performance warranty

Bottom 23% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs.

Notes from the database
  • At 21.4% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 500-550W modules
  • Power density of 213.7 W/m² packs 4.7 W/m² more into the same footprint vs PERC 500-550W median (209.0 W/m²)
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C matches the PERC 500-550W median
  • Weight of 26.3 kg (2.1 kg below PERC 500-550W median of 28.4 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting
  • In the top 59% for efficiency among all PERC panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 515 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.40 % Strong Segment median 20.90%
Vmpp · Impp 43.40 V · 11.87 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 52.30 V · 12.49 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 28.4 kg
Cells 150 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Strong top 23% 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 Weak bottom 23% · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 423 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)-515 515 W 21.40% -0.340 26.3 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.4 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.1 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.1 pp, +5 yr warranty
TSM-DEG18MC.20(II)-480 480 W 19.90% -0.340 30.1 kg Heavier, -1.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
TSM-DE18M(II)-485 485 W 20.10% -0.340 26.3 kg -30 W, -1.3 pp
TSM-DE18M(II)-490 490 W 20.30% -0.340 26.3 kg -25 W, -1.1 pp
TSM-DEG18MC.20(II)-495 495 W 20.50% -0.340 30.1 kg Heavier, -0.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +135 W, cooler, +3.8 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +130 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +125 W, cooler, +3.4 pp
AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw 635 W 24.60% -0.260 27.0 kg +120 W, cooler, +3.2 pp
AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw 630 W 24.40% -0.260 32.5 kg +115 W, cooler, +3.0 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) series?
Modules in this series reach a maximum power of up to 515 Wp, thanks to the 210 mm wafer platform and high cell packing density. This higher wattage per panel reduces the number of modules needed to reach a target system size, lowering mounting structure and installation labor costs compared to smaller-format panels.
What warranty comes with the Trina Solar Vertex (Backsheet Monocrystalline) series?
Trina Solar backs the Vertex Backsheet series with a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output warranty. This means the manufacturer guarantees a minimum energy yield level over a quarter century, which is standard practice among reputable Tier 1 manufacturers and an important factor when calculating return on investment.
Are Trina Solar Vertex Backsheet panels bifacial?
No, the Vertex Backsheet series consists of monofacial modules - energy is harvested only from the front side of the panel. If you want extra yield from reflected light off the ground, consider the dual-glass/bifacial variant of the same platform; the backsheet version, however, is typically lighter and cheaper per Wp.
What cell technology does the Vertex Backsheet series use, and what does that mean in practice?
The series uses monocrystalline PERC cells built on 210 mm wafers in a 1/3-cut configuration that reduces resistive losses and mechanical stress within the module. PERC technology increases energy conversion efficiency compared to older standard cells, and the smaller cell segments improve resistance to partial shading and microcracks over the panel's lifetime.
Is the Trina Solar Vertex Backsheet suitable for a sloped residential roof installation?
Yes, although the Vertex Backsheet series is primarily designed for C&I, large commercial rooftop, and ground-mount installations, the modules can also be used on sloped residential roofs, provided the mounting structure and inverter are sized for the panel's high 515 Wp output as well as its dimensions and weight.
Is Trina Solar a reliable, safe manufacturer to choose panels from?
Yes, Trina Solar is a global manufacturer classified as Tier 1, indicating financial stability, decades of manufacturing experience, and easier project financing (bankability) for installations using its modules. The company is headquartered in China and is one of the largest solar panel manufacturers worldwide, which translates into real-world access to warranty service and replacement parts.
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