--- title: "Trina Solar TSM-DE18M(II)-515 515W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Trina Solar TSM-DE18M(II)-515 515W solar panel. Specs: 21.40% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-de18m-ii-515" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Trina Solar TSM-DE18M(II)-515 Efficiency leader, short guarantee 706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Trina Solar - **Model:** TSM-DE18M(II)-515 - **Series:** Vertex (Backsheet Monocrystalline Module) - **Rated power:** 515 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 500-550 W (706 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 515 W | 535 W | Weak - bottom 17% | | | 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 (kg) | 26.3 kg | 28.4 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 23% | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | 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 | ### 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 out for - **25 year performance warranty** - Bottom 23% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs. - **Best for:** Commercial and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Owners who want a long output guarantee. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 515 W - **Efficiency:** 21.40 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 43.40 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 11.87 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 52.30 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 12.49 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.340 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.250 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.040 %/degC - **NOCT:** 43 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 150 ### Physical - **Length:** 2187 mm - **Width:** 1102 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 26.3 kg - **Area:** 2.41 m2 - **Power density:** 213.7 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 84.8 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.55 % - **Output after 30 years:** 423 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 8323 of 14005 | | Power density | 8403 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 8778 of 14005 | | Weight | 4402 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## About this series 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. ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/94694361465bf2e4633446-61dc3179606e.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.4 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, +3.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | Cooler, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.1 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, +3.1 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Trina Solar TSM-DEG18MC.20(II)-480](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-deg18mc-20-ii-480) | 480 W | Heavier, -1.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Trina Solar TSM-DE18M(II)-485](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-de18m-ii-485) | 485 W | -30 W, -1.3 pp | | [Trina Solar TSM-DE18M(II)-490](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-de18m-ii-490) | 490 W | -25 W, -1.1 pp | | [Trina Solar TSM-DEG18MC.20(II)-495](https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-deg18mc-20-ii-495) | 495 W | Heavier, -0.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +135 W, cooler, +3.8 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +130 W, cooler, +3.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | +125 W, cooler, +3.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | +120 W, cooler, +3.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a630-mah72dw) | 630 W | +115 W, cooler, +3.0 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/trina-solar-tsm-de18m-ii-515 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.