Updated 2 months ago

Are Trina Solar panels your best option? Probably

Written by Ana Almerini , Edited by Gianna Cappuccio

Find out what solar panels cost in your area

Founded in 1997, Trina Solar has been delivering residential and commercial photovoltaic solar panels across the globe from its home base in China. Their high-quality solar panels, financial visibility on the Shanghai stock market, and overall long-lasting value make Trina a popular home solar panel option.

Trina only offers two residential solar panel options. We’ll review them both, along with what makes Trina Solar panels unique and what you can expect to pay if you decide to install Trina panels.

What residential solar modules does Trina Solar have?

Trina Solar offers two types of monocrystalline residential solar panels: the DE06X.05(II) and the DD06M.05 modules. Both of the PV modules use half-cut cells and come with either a white or black backsheet, enhancing their visual appeal. Half-cut solar panels are more efficient than their traditional counterparts

For a breakdown of each mono solar panel, we’ll walk you through the datasheet specifics.

Module

Power rating

Maximum efficiency

Positive power tolerance

Half-cut DE06X.05(II)

355-380 W

20.6%

0/+5 W

Half-cut DD06M.05

310-335 W

19.9%

0~+5 W

Power rating

The power rating refers to the wattage of the solar panel. For reference, a typical residential solar panel can range from 275W to 400W. This wattage amount is important because it is how much power output solar panels can produce under perfect conditions.

Trina Solar panels offer a competitive range of 310W-380W, options that really can’t steer you wrong. Either of the residential solar panels will be able to provide ample solar power for your home.

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 with 22% module efficiency ratings, the average efficiency that you can expect is between 15%-20%.
Based on that metric, Trina solar panels are a great option, with high-efficiency ratings of 19.9% and 20.6%, respectively.

Positive power tolerance

Solar panels are tested under predetermined industry lab settings called Standard Test Conditions (STC) so panels can be fairly tested and compared. The power tolerance is how much energy generation can fluctuate above or below the power tolerance rating under STC. In the case of these solar panels, it is between 310W and 380W.

The positive power rating for Trina solar panels is listed at 0~+5, meaning that the panels will not produce less than their power rating but they might produce as much as 5W more than their highest rated wattage. The most important thing to know is that they will not operate at less than the wattage they are rated for under STC.

What makes Trina Solar panels unique?

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. Both of Trina’s residential panels are half-cell panels, making either one a great choice for your home. For this and many other reasons, Trina solar panels have earned a rating higher than 4.5 on our top manufacturer list.

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.

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. Trina offers a 25-year product and performance warranty, which is not typical in the solar industry, making it an excellent purchase for years to come. 80% performance after 25 years is to be expected, many solar panels warranty their panels to perform at a slightly higher rate, around 82%, but 80% is still rated as high-performing.

How much do Trina Solar panels cost?

The cost of Trina Solar panels varies based on local installation costs, shipping, and other market factors. As of April 2024, the average cost per watt for solar panels is $3.00. As a highly reputable brand, you can expect Trina Solar panels to be around that average or higher. Guaranteed customer service may increase costs, but it’s 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.

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Are Trina Solar panels 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 great warranty and high-performing panels. Either residential solar panel option from Trina is a great choice.

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 two high-quality residential solar panel options ranging from 310-380W.

  • Trina Solar panels are highly efficient, between 19.9% - 20.6%, giving you more power per panel.

  • You can trust that Trina has your back with a 25-year product and performance warranty.

Written by Ana Almerini 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 in marketing, she helps communicate the value of solar to homeowners and build awareness of the SolarReviews brand. On weekends you can find her at the Jersey shore, reading a book from the ever-increasing stack on her side table, or eating food someone else cooked....

Learn more about Ana Almerini