SolarTown, 12/22/2010
Review of Trina Solar 230W Solar Panel
The Trina Solar 230 watt solar panel is a polycrystalline solar panel with one of the best price to energy output ratio. The Trina 230 watt solar panel is one of the more popular brands available here at SolarTown because of the PE (Price to Energy Output) additionally Trina is a globally recognized brand for manufacturing and producing high quality PV, PV hardware and equipment.
Appearance - This Trina 230W solar panel is a polycrystalline solar module, 60 polycrystalline cells per module, blue colored and constructed with a silver anodized aluminum frame.
Efficiency - The efficiency rating for the Trina 230w solar panel is 14.1%, which is about average for the other leading solar panels that we carry at SolarTown. The average efficiency for solar panels with name plated power output of 230 watts is 14.0%.
Electrical Data - STC generated value for the Trina 230W solar panel is 230 watt and the PTC rating is valued at 205.2 watt with a power tolerance of 0% to +3%. PTC/STC rating is 89.12%, which is about average for the other panels that we carry at SolarTown. The Average PTC/STC for all solar panels for 230W class is 89.2%. The Trina 230w solar module PTC/STC value is the same. These are the other electrical characteristics of the Trina Solar 230W solar panel:
Additionally, the Trina 230 watt solar panels are compatible with Enphase Micro Inverters. To ensure module compatibility with micro-inverter; check the energy parameters of the micro-inverter then select the module that will work within those parameters (can also been done with module to inverter).
The power tolerance is 0/+3% of max power, 0/+6.6 Wp. Temperature coefficient is -0.45% of max power, -0.35% of open circuit voltage, +0.05% of short circuit current per Celsius.
Qualification - This panel is independently certified by international certification body (TUV, UL1703, ICIM, VDE) Manufactured Qualification on ISO9001, ISO14001
Warranty - Trina Solar 230 watt solar modules come with a 5 year warranty, 90% output for 10 years and 80% for 25 years. This is generally a standard warranty given these days.
Glass - High Transmission, Low Iron, Tempered Glass 0.12in Tempered glass offers additional protection for solar cells tempering external shock and reducing reflection of incidental rays to the glass, modules incorporating Tempered glass will have extended life and energy output. Reflection will also decrease module efficiency therefore limiting the amount of reflection will improve overall efficiency. Some modules will use substandard glass exposing the module to greater external shock compromising the module integrity. Trina uses high quality tempered glass for maximum structural integrity while also minimizing reflection.
Frame - Strong framed module, passing mechanical 5400Pa for maximum load test, Anodized Aluminum, 8 Draining Holes in Frame.
Weight & dimensions - Trina solar 230 watt panel measures 39.05 x 64.96 x 1.81 inches, and 17.6 square feet and 43 pounds, which is slightly larger and heavier than similar panels.
Junction Box/Connector Type - 12AGW, connected UL Certified withMC4 type connectors. Trina also manufactures modules with.Tyco connectors.
Cost & Value - This is where the Trina 230W shines. Compared to other solar panels, the Trina $/PTC and $/STC is one of the best in the class.
Opinion/recommendation - The Trina Solar 230W panel is about average in terms of most characteristics, no better or worse, but where it shines is how much output you will be getting for the dollar spent. The Trina is a very good module when comparing price and energy output.
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