At the SNEC PV+ 17th (2024) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition, TaiyangNews Managing Director Michael Schmela engaged with the Head of Branding and Global Marketing at Trina Solar, Yunduan Cao, for an insightful discussion on the future of solar technology and market trends.
Driving Standardization in Solar Technology
Trina Solar has been at the forefront of the solar industry’s shift towards higher efficiency cells and larger wafers. Discussing the company’s leadership in standardizing the 210 mm technology platform, Cao highlighted Trina’s efforts since 2020 to promote this new industry standard. By collaborating with industry leaders and driving standardization agreements, Trina has streamlined module dimensions, reducing wasted investments and simplifying system design for customers. This initiative has been crucial in unlocking the potential of the entire solar ecosystem, fostering innovation, and maximizing value for customers and power stations.
Advancements in Cell Technology
Yunduan Cao elaborated on the advancements in cell technology, noting that n-type cells, particularly TOPCon, are now mainstream. Trina Solar’s early adoption and mass production of TOPCon technology have positioned it at the cutting edge of efficiency improvements. While exploring future breakthroughs like tandem structures, HJT, and IBC technologies, Cao emphasized the company’s focus on practical and cost-efficient solutions. For utility-scale projects, bifacial modules, which generate more electricity from both sides, are proving to be highly effective.
Expanding in Energy Storage
Since entering the energy storage market in 2016, Trina Solar has developed a comprehensive range of solutions, from cells to full system integration. With a production capacity of 12GWh in China for both AC and DC coupled and over 5GWh delivered globally, Trina is positioning itself as a leader in this critical sector. In markets like the UK, Trina’s AC-coupled solutions have made it one of the top 3 energy storage integrators, reflecting its strong brand reputation and product bankability.
Market Outlook and Strategic Positioning
Looking ahead, Cao identified 3 key trends for 2024: the continuous evolution of new technology, the growing market scale, and increased global challenges. Despite these challenges, the potential for solar energy remains vast, with solar currently accounting for just 5% of global electricity production. Trina Solar aims to capitalize on this potential by leading in smart solar and energy storage solutions.
In a rapidly evolving market, Trina Solar’s commitment to innovation and standardization is setting new benchmarks for the industry. As the company continues to push the boundaries of solar and energy storage technologies, it remains focused on delivering sustainable and efficient solutions to meet the growing global demand for renewable energy.
Watch the full interview with Yunduan Cao on the TaiyangNews YouTube Channel.
