Image source: Trina Solar
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar has been delivering residential and commercial photovoltaic solar panels across the globe from their home base in China. Trina offers high-quality solar panels, financial visibility on the Shanghai stock market, and overall long-lasting value. Trina Solar just missed making our list of top solar panel manufacturers for 2024. However, their panels have been seen on the list in previous years, so you don't need to rule them out completely!
Trina offers six different residential solar panel options. We'll break down the specifications of each model, along with what makes Trina Solar panels unique and what you can expect to pay if you decide to install Trina panels.
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Trina Solar offers six monocrystalline solar panels that can be used in residential installations. Their PV modules use half-cut cells or multi-busbar technology and come with a white or black back sheet.
For a breakdown of each mono solar panel, we've listed some of their specifications below.
| Module | Power rating | Maximum efficiency |
| DD06M.05(II) | 310-335 W | 19.9% |
| DE06X.05(II) | 355-380 W | 20.6% |
| DE09.05 | 380-400 W | 20.8% |
| DE09C.07 | 380-405 W | 21.1% |
| DE09C.05 | 380-405 W | 21.1% |
| NE09RC.05 Bifacial | 400-430 W | 21.5% |
Power rating
The power rating refers to the wattage of the solar panel. A typical residential solar panel can range from 370 to 400 W. This wattage amount is important because it is how much power output solar panels can produce under perfect conditions.
Trina Solar panels offer a wide power range of 310 W to 430 W, all of which are pretty standard for residential applications. All of their residential solar panel models will be able to provide ample solar power for your home. We recommend you stick to the panels in the 400 W range for optimal power - if your roof space allows it.
Maximum efficiency
A solar panel's efficiency rating showcases how much of the sun's energy will be absorbed through the panel and turned into electricity. While some brands offer solar panels that have exceeded 22% module efficiency ratings, the average efficiency you can expect is between 19%-21%.
Based on that metric, these panels are well within industry standards with efficiency ratings that fall between 19.9% and 21.5%.
What makes Trina Solar panels unique?
Trina Solar offers solar panels that feature half-cut cells as well as panels that have multi-busbar technology. Half-cut panels increase solar production by essentially cutting the panel in half so that the top portion operates independently from the bottom portion, meaning shade cover on one half will not affect the other.
Their other residential models have utilized multi-busbar technology. This is where multiple ultra-thin busbars are used instead of fewer, thicker busbars. The thinner busbars reduce the amount of shading on your solar cells and allow them to absorb more sunlight, resulting in increased efficiency.
Additionally, Trina Solar continuously tests their solar products for quality and monitors the entire supply chain for performance. Trina Solar also ensures the production of their solar panels is sustainable, relying on third-party verification to measure sustainability metrics. Being a reputable company is important to Trina Solar. A company that cares about its products, as well as its consumers, is far more likely to come to your aid if you experience issues during the lifespan of your solar panels.
For this and many other reasons, Trina Solar panels have earned a rating higher than 4.5 stars from customer reviews on SolarReview's manufacturer page.
What is the Trina Solar warranty?
When purchasing solar panels, it's important to understand their warranty. Trina Solar offers a generous 25-year product and performance warranty available only in the United States. The industry standard for solar panel warranties is a 10 to 15-year product warranty and a 20 to 25-year performance warranty, so it's safe to say that Trina has exceeded expectations for their warranty.
Trina's performance warranty promises their panels to perform at 84.8% of their total power after 25 years. There are other manufacturers on the market today whose panels perform in the 90% range after their warranty period is over, but Trina's are still within the industry standard.
How much do Trina Solar panels cost?
Trina Solar panels average about $2.80 per watt.
However, the total cost of Trina Solar panels will vary based on local installation costs, shipping, and other market factors. As of 2024, the average cost per watt for solar panels is $3.00, so Trina is considered one of the more affordable brands. Guaranteed customer service and other factors may increase costs, but peace of mind is worth it.
Work with a local installer to determine how much a Trina Solar system will cost in your area for your specific roof and energy needs.
Is Trina Solar right for you?
Trina Solar is an excellent choice for home solar panels based on their high-quality craftsmanship, company longevity, and financial health. Trina Solar offers a good warranty and high-performing panels. Out of their residential panels, we recommend choosing models that are between 380 and 400 W. Also, with panels that cost around $2.80 per watt, they are a great value for how well they perform.
Ultimately, the solar installer you decide to work with will have certain solar panel brands that they like working with. So, if Trina Solar is your top choice for emissions-free solar energy, make sure to seek out a solar installer that uses Trina Solar panels.
Key takeaways
- Trina Solar offers affordable, high-quality residential solar panel options ranging from 310-430W.
- Trina Solar panels are highly efficient, between 19.9% - 21.5%, giving you more power per panel.
- You can trust that Trina has your back with a 25-year product and performance warranty.
Heide Pfeiffenberge
Marketing & Communications Manager
Ana is the Marketing & Communications Manager at SolarReviews, working within the solar industry since 2020. With a Master's in Climate and Society and professional experience within marketing, she helps communicate the value of solar to homeowners and build out awareness of the SolarReviews brand.