Trina Solar’s Vertex 210 mm 545W mono-facial modules can cut the balance of system (BOS) cost by up to 6.3% and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by 5.8% compared with the 182 mm 535W mono-facial modules, a report said.

 

The Vertex 210mm 600W mono-facial module performs just as well in reducing BOS and LCOE (5.6%) compared with the 182mm 585W module, said the internationally authoritative third-party organization DNV GL report.

 

DNV GL conducted the third round of assessment of the BOS cost and LCOE of Trina Solar’s 210mm Vertex modules in Aomori prefecture, Japan.

 

Where the assessment took place

In Aomori prefecture on the island of Honshu, with coordinates and conditions as follows:

At the site, with the 166mm 450W mono-facial module as the benchmark, DNV GL compared the BOS cost and LCOE of the Vertex 210mm 545W mono-facial module and the 182mm 535W mono-facial module, as well as the Vertex 210mm 600W mono-facial module and the 182mm 585W mono-facial module with landscape-fixed tilts. In this assessment, the capacity of the AC side was 10 MW with the same DC/AC ratio, and adopting the four-row landscape-fixed tilts commonly used in Japan and with mainstream string inverters. 

 

In order to objectively compare the impact of different types of modules on the BOS cost and LCOE, the project as a whole used similar meteorological data and design input conditions. The five comparisons were all based on local costs to be consistent, comprehensive and objective when comparing local construction cost, on-grid tariffs, operational and maintenance costs, and land costs.

 

Assessment results

Vertex’s innovative low-voltage design connects more 1,500V modules so that significant BOS cost savings and LCOE reduction are achieved on the fixed tilt by greatly reducing the number of module strings by connecting 8-9 more modules in a single string than is the case with 182mm modules. First, it can cut material and labour costs involving DC cables and racking system, and thus reduce initial investment. Second, the ultra-high power can reduce the numbers of modules in the setup and speed up construction, further reducing total investment costs. Finally, with superior power generation, Vertex is able to maximize value for customers by ensuring minimum LCOE.

 

As the PV industry embraces grid parity, the Vertex series has a prominent edge in LCOE as a result of Trina Solar's continued push to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This assessment followed two rounds of assessment of Trina Solar Vertex modules by DNV GL, in January and December.  -TradeArabia News Service