With the launch of its 670W+ ultra-high-power modules in March 2021, Trina 
Solar led the industry into the 600W+ era and unleashed the full value of 210mm 
technology, bringing with it a sharp boost in PV efficiency and a decrease in 
LCOE. Cumulative global shipments of Trina Solar's 210mm modules now exceed 
16GW.

So how do we improve upon this already impressive PV performance and make it 
better? Speaking at the start of 2022, Trina Solar Chairman Jifan Gao revealed 
his original ideas behind the development of 210mm module technology, as well 
as its future direction.

The following are selected excerpts from his conference speech. 

Great achievements: 210mm advanced technology is the future, 600W+ era is here

More than two years in the making, and with the joint engagement and efforts of 
companies throughout the industry and our global customers, 210mm technology 
has become the benchmark for large-size products, which represents a major 
opportunity for the whole industry. It is thanks to the hard work and huge 
contributions made at every section in the solar industry that we have been 
able to achieve this level.

Trina Solar's 210mm module is now our most mainstream product, with cumulative 
shipments exceeding 16GW, and it unquestionably ranks first among all the 
large-size module brands. This is not only a milestone for Trina Solar, but 
also a major achievement on the part of all members of the 600W+ Photovoltaic 
Open Innovation Ecological Alliance.

We are now seeing the smooth-flowing supply of raw materials, the 210mm module 
taking the lead in achieving standardization of modules, the comprehensive 
adaptation of inverters and trackers throughout the 600W+ supply chain, vast 
improvements in the safety and efficiency of power station systems, and 
significant reduction in LCOE. Further, production capacity in the supply chain 
continues to expand upon 210mm technology and membership of 600W+ Alliance has 
now rocketed to 95 companies, all motivated by their acceptance of and 
confidence in the technology. Two years on, 210mm modules are now the 
confirmed, clear-cut direction forward for the PV industry.

Gratitude: A fertile ecosystem gave rise to 210mm technology

New breakthrough solutions and major advances in 210mm modules and technology 
have launched the 600W+ high-power era. This owes to the huge contributions 
made at every stage in the supply chain as well as joint, industry-wide efforts 
to break new ground. Thanks are due to the 600W+ Alliance for their tireless 
explorations. From semiconductors to cells, modules, inverters, trackers and 
glass, different parts of the supply chain have combined to effect vast change 
in the PV industry. That 210mm technology has been able to lead the way in 
making large-size modules the industry standard.

Trina Solar itself has also scored successive wins in specific areas such as 
load performance, container shipment, storage, transportation, and 
installation. Take the wind load resistance of 210mm modules, for example. 
Results from a study by a leading global wind-tunnel company showed that the 
210mm module, with its lean structural design, not only compares favorably with 
any other product, it actually outperforms them. 

This point demonstrates the importance of having an open approach in company 
innovation and industry progress. Now, as we enter the 600W+ era, 210mm 
technology and products are ready to grow significantly and unleash even more 
power.

Benefiting others: The motive behind the 210mm module

In this world, there is only one business model that can bring true success: 
benefiting others. This motive drives every decision and every step that Trina 
Solar takes. Driven by a desire to benefit others, there were two fundamental 
reasons why Trina Solar opted for 210mm technology:

1. To slow down depreciation and embrace the future

From 125mm to 156mm and from 158.75mm to 166mm cells and modules, each time the 
industry surges forward, it also brought in a raft of new equipment 
depreciation. But, the industry wants grid parity and reduced production costs. 
So how can we minimize the need for successive new product line iterations in 
the future, and maximize the value of new industry production capacity over a 
given period? This problem is one that I and Trina Solar have long pondered.

When we produced the 210mm module, we were not aiming to replace any particular 
product but rather to think about which size would be the future direction of 
the PV industry. We wanted to see the present from the vantage point of the 
future, to identify the size that ultimately would prevail over a given 
timeframe. The 210mm module was conceived by embracing the future direction of 
growth and then formulating a "platform" technology based on its inherent 
properties and various contributing factors. This would help all companies to 
achieve sustained growth, and therefore make for a better industry.

After nearly two years of hard work, it is clear that 210mm technology has 
earned the confidence of the industry. According to estimates by PVinfoLink, 
over 50% of production capacity is now compatible with the 210mm size. The 
decision by cell and module manufacturers to use 210mm technology as the base 
on which to expand production capacity prevents their production capacity from 
soon becoming obsolete. This means longer production lifecycles across the 
board.

2. To drive industrial development through technological innovation

The PV industry boasts impressive innovative capabilities. When the 600W+ was 
founded, everyone responded positively to the proposal and was keen to be 
involved despite the magnitude of the challenge. A new atmosphere developed 
between up- and downstream players. They built a culture of joint innovation, 
shared benefits and growth together. Through the combined efforts of the whole 
industry, the speed at which the 210mm technology developed far outstripped our 
original expectations. 

All companies strive for better growth. But Trina Solar has recognized that 
when you benefit others, you benefit yourself. We will continue to grow only if 
we benefit our customers and the wider industry ecosystem.

The future: Follow the right track with innovation and sustainability

From the foundations already laid, we must stick to the right way while always 
seeking  new horizons. Trina Solar holds fast to its core values while 
constantly pushing the boundaries of its product solutions. The future is just 
the beginning; the technology has many roads yet to travel and there are many 
tasks yet to accomplish. Trina Solar will continue to uphold its mission of 
"Solar energy for all." We hope to work with you all, steadily but surely, to 
make PV even better yet.

Source: Trina Solar Co., Ltd