On March 20, at the 10th China Energy Development and Innovation Conference, Trina Solar launched a groundbreaking product solution specifically designed for the Shage Desert large-scale solar base. This solution is fully aligned with the market demand for electricity, rethinking the design and investment return logic of photovoltaic power plants. It focuses on achieving the lowest possible cost per kilowatt-hour (LCOE), high reliability against wind and sand, and efficient operation and maintenance products. These factors form the three pillars that underpin the maximization of returns from electricity market transactions, helping to achieve both the “incremental” and “qualitative” growth goals of solar power generation.
Dr. Zhang Yingbin, the global head of products, strategy, and marketing at Trina Solar, stated that the product solution, which includes the i-TOPCon Ultra modules and Trina’s tracking system, fully meets the photovoltaic application needs in large base scenarios. By leveraging high overall efficiency, the advantage of low irradiation energy generation, and optimized tracking support algorithms, it can enhance the power generation per watt and the total energy output over the system’s lifecycle. Additionally, it achieves a lower LCOE through higher energy production during peak price periods and reduced Balance of System (BOS) costs. Compared to the BC product combined with industry-standard 1P tracking systems, Trina’s large base solution can increase system value by ¥0.126/W and reduce LCOE by 4.37%, generating an annual profit of up to ¥2.396 million for a 100 MW power station, providing customers with greater returns.
The Shage Desert region, with its abundant solar resources, has become the preferred choice for large-scale ground-mounted solar projects. According to plans from the National Energy Administration and the National Development and Reform Commission, it is anticipated that by 2030, the total scale of wind and solar bases will reach 455 GW, indicating significant potential for development in large base scenarios. The Shage Desert area benefits from high surface reflectivity, which is advantageous for bifacial module power generation, but it also faces harsh climatic challenges, including strong winds and sandstorms, as well as high temperature variations.
Dr. Zhang Yingbin explained that after thoroughly studying the characteristics of large bases, Trina Solar has developed this Shage Desert large base solution to meet the demands for extremely low costs per kilowatt-hour, high reliability against wind and sand, and efficient operation and maintenance products. Furthermore, this solution is based on the logic of market-oriented electricity transactions. Under the ongoing reforms in the pricing of renewable energy, the market requires more competitive costs per kilowatt-hour to maximize profits.
Data from the Shandong Electricity Trading Center indicates that the peak output period for photovoltaic power stations coincides with the lowest electricity prices. Therefore, increasing photovoltaic output during high-price periods can improve investment returns and enhance overall profitability. Dr. Zhang emphasized that achieving a more competitive LCOE hinges on reducing initial system investments while simultaneously enhancing the overall energy generation and output during high-price periods. The Trina Solar large base solution reduces BOS costs and initial investments through the more efficient i-TOPCon Ultra modules, higher power density per unit area, and improved string power. By leveraging the advantages of low irradiation energy generation and high overall efficiency through optimized tracking support algorithms, it maximizes energy output during high-price periods, ultimately resulting in lower costs per kilowatt-hour. A 4.37% reduction in LCOE is achievable with the i-TOPCon Ultra modules and Trina’s 1P tracking as the superior choice for large bases.
The Trina Solar large base product solution, featuring the i-TOPCon Ultra modules with high bifacial rates and excellent low irradiation performance, combined with the intelligent algorithms of Trina’s 1P tracking systems, presents significant advantages in BOS cost, energy generation, and LCOE, making it an optimal choice for the Shage Desert large base scenario. It is well-known that TOPCon modules offer high bifacial rates and low irradiation performance. When combined with fixed support systems, they already present a higher overall value compared to TBC modules, increasing generation by 1.98%, enhancing overall value by ¥0.0263/W, and reducing LCOE by 1.24%. Upon upgrading to the i-TOPCon Ultra technology, Trina’s premium N-type modules exhibit a bifacial rate that is 10-15% higher than TBC modules. In the Shage Desert project area of Golmud, Qinghai, where surface reflectivity ranges from 25-30%, the i-TOPCon Ultra modules can increase energy production by 2.53% compared to TBC under fixed support systems, enhancing overall value by ¥0.0524/W and reducing LCOE by 2.27%. If considering a TBC premium of ¥0.05/W, the advantages of the i-TOPCon Ultra modules would be further magnified: the overall value compared to TBC would increase to ¥0.1024/W, and the LCOE advantage would expand to 4.08%. When viewed in the context of tracking systems, the overall value exceeds that of fixed support systems.
According to calculations, the Trina Solar i-TOPCon Ultra modules combined with Trina’s 1P tracking systems generate 4.71% more energy than TBC modules with industry-standard 1P tracking systems, increasing overall system value by ¥0.126/W and reducing LCOE by 4.37%, making it the preferred choice for projects pursuing the lowest possible cost per kilowatt-hour. Similarly, factoring in a TBC premium of ¥0.05/W, the i-TOPCon Ultra with Trina’s 1P tracking systems increases overall value to ¥0.176/W compared to TBC with industry-standard 1P tracking, with LCOE advantages expanding to 5.98%.
As the integration of renewable energy into market transactions deepens, the Trina Solar large base product solution benefits from the superior low irradiation performance of the i-TOPCon Ultra modules, which can yield 5%-10% more energy in the early morning and late evening compared to BC modules. Additionally, the Trina 1P tracking systems can dynamically adjust angles based on intelligent algorithms during these higher price periods, enhancing energy generation by 10%, thereby elevating the weighted price per kilowatt-hour by at least ¥0.011. This solution can increase annual revenues for a 100 MW power station by ¥2.396 million, improving the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) by 0.97%. Notably, due to the high bifacial rates, excellent low irradiation performance, and the high energy yield advantages of the Trina 1P tracking SuperTrack system, this product solution not only provides significant benefits for the Shage Desert large base scenario but is also applicable to all bifacial generation scenarios globally, wherever there are differences in electricity pricing.
According to InfoLink’s projections, it is expected that the global share of bifacial scenarios will reach 86%-88% from 2025 to 2028, significantly expanding the global application scope of Trina Solar’s product solutions. In the context of large base scenarios in desert areas, where winds exceeding level 8 often accompany dust storms, ensuring the reliability of photovoltaic products is essential. To guarantee product and system reliability, Trina Solar’s TOPCon modules and tracking supports have been reinforced and incorporate multiple patented technologies to minimize failure rates. The large base solution also includes assembly installation robots and tracked cleaning robots introduced by Trina, which not only greatly enhance installation efficiency but also autonomously perceive environmental data for cleaning, potentially increasing energy generation by 5-10%. Furthermore, the solution offers intelligent operation and maintenance throughout the lifecycle, ensuring photovoltaic modules consistently maintain optimal energy generation conditions. Additionally, for the Shage Desert large base, Trina Solar can provide a high-protection design for energy storage systems, ensuring customer profitability even in harsh environments.
Trina Solar is the only company in the industry that offers a comprehensive solution encompassing modules, supports, and energy storage. Its TOPCon modules, supports, and energy storage systems have already been implemented in the Shage Desert large base scenario, receiving high recognition from global customers. Looking ahead, Trina Solar will continue to uphold its spirit of innovation and deepen its commitment to photovoltaic technology breakthroughs, consistently contributing to global energy transformation and sustainable development through comprehensive solutions.
