Trina review

Trina - Solar Panel Reviews

4.9

Based on 157 ratings

Finn's Trina Panels Review & Verdict

Finn Peacock has been a Chartered Electrical Engineer since 1998, and is ex-CSIRO

Trina Solar are a stalwart of the Australian solar scene. The giant Chinese manufacturer's Australian entity has consistently supplied and supported installers since the early days. They have a track record of doing the right thing if Australians need warranty support on their solar panels - which is reassuring.

Their panels are not too expensive and are well made in high-tech factories. The Trina solar panels' temperature performance and warranted degradation aren't quite up there with the premium panels - but you can't have everything: Trina's panels are about 30% cheaper than the top-end brands. They are consistently voted as Australia's best value solar panels in our annual installer survey and I happily recommend them.

Trina Panels: Pros & Cons

  • Trina are long-established in the Australian market.
  • Trina have advised that orphaned customers can lodge panel warranty claims through their online portal available here..
  • DE09R.08 and DE09R.B5 Vertex S models are available as 144 cell-10.5amp ratings, making them easier to configure on complex roofs where other high current panels simply won't work in short or paralleled strings.
  • Trina are also one of the few to offer dual glass panels, which are fundamentally more durable.
  • The warranty offered is a bit ordinary when you look at the documents.
  • Some of the shonks in solar will offer Trina in the hope that a good panel reputation will rub off on a dubious quality install

About Trina

Trina Solar is one of the largest manufacturers of solar panels in the world. As at early 2023, cumulative shipments of Trina Solar panels had exceeded 120GW.

Trina Solar is a Chinese company, with 23 offices worldwide - including one in Sydney. It employs 20,000 staff globally, most of whom are in China. The firm is based in Changzhou, which, as every schoolchild knows, is just a one hour train ride from Shanghai. Well, maybe not every schoolchild knows that, but I'm sure all the schoolchildren in China who know it would add up to a hell of a lot.

In addition to Chinese manufacturing capacity, Trina has a factory in Thailand and another in Vietnam.

Trina Solar Is A Tier 1 Manufacturer

The company has scored 100% in the Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) Bankability Survey for seven consecutive years. So, financially it seems a a pretty solid firm. But what about the quality of its products?

Trina is a well respected name in solar panel manufacturing. It produces quality solar panels and offers a 15 - 25 year product warranty depending on the module. 25 year product warranties were once the exclusive realm of of high-end (most expensive) panel manufacturers, so to see a "budget" (but good quality) player join that club was really impressive and a sign of things to come.

Trina Striving For Sustainable Solar Panel Manufacturing

Solar manufacturing is a resource-intensive business. Trina says it was able to reduce both its electricity and water consumption by over 60 percent from 2015 to 2020. But the efforts didn't stop there. 

Power consumption per unit of product output decreased 42.4% in 2021 compared to 2020. As for water and also compared with 2020, consumption per unit decreased 46.2% in 2021. Compared with 2020, greenhouse gas emissions per unit produced decreased 32.2% in 2021. These results aren't just good for the planet, but also the company's bottom line.

Trina is member of PV Cycle, ensuring products are recycled at the end of their life in countries where PV Cycle operates - which doesn't appear to include Australia at this point. 

Trina Solar Vertex S And S+ Panels

Trina's recent Vertex family of modules was originally geared towards utility-scale applications. But in late 2020, the company unveiled the Vertex-S designed for rooftop solar installations that offered up to 405W capacity. Then in March 2022, the firm announced Australia would be first in line for the even more powerful 425W Trina Solar Vertex S+ panel; which is also suitable for residential and commercial rooftops. That has since been topped by a 440W panel.

In addition to the boost in power, the new Vertex S+  panels are accompanied by an even better product warranty - 25 years; although Trina also boosted warranty on some of its Vertex S panels to 25 years in August 2022. The Vertex S+ also offers a 30 year performance warranty, with first-year degradation at 1% and annual degradation thereafter at 0.4%.

Something else differentiating the two product lines is the Vertex S has a conventional backsheet and P-type cells, while the Vertex S+ boasts dual glass and N-type cells.

To see further specifications on various Trina modules, check out SQ's solar panel comparison table

Salt Mist Corrosion Resistance

All Trina Solar panels state on their datasheets they are corrosion resistant.  Certifications for corrosion resistance can be found on Trina’s download page.

Trina Has An Energy Storage System

Trina has produced a home battery storage system called TrinaBESS Powercube, which is available in Australia.

Warranty Procedure For Orphaned Trina Customers

If you have purchased Trina solar panels from an installer who has since gone out of business, the responsibility for warranty claims shifts to Trina. Their customer service line in Australia is 1300 874 627, and Trina have advised that orphaned customers can lodge panel warranty claims through their online portal available here. The company will arrange for an installer in their network to replace the panels under warranty, with labor costs being covered by their warranty.

Trina Solar Panels Are A Good Choice

I have no problems recommending Trina solar panels as they offer a cost effective combination of price and reliability. While there are panels out there I consider likely to be more reliable, you will have to pay a premium for them. On the plus side, when there have been issues in the past, Trina Solar has so far proven to be quick in rectifying them under warranty.

Trina is a popular brand with Australian installers, taking out first place in SQ’s Installers Choice Awards for the best solar panels in 2023 (budget category); a ranking the company also achieved in 2022 and 2021. In the 2023 awards, Trina ranked third for the best after-sales support.

The company's products are also popular with solar owners - see what some of them think in the reviews and ratings below (and if you're an owner, add your Trina solar panels review).

Trina has 10 solar panels in our database

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Type of solar panel 
Wattage 
Panel Efficiency 
Approx. Cost/Watt 
Model number
Series
Wattage
Panel efficiency (%)
Approx Cost per Watt AUD Retail incl GST
Approx cost per panel AUD Retail incl GST
Panel technology
Country of manufacture
TSM-415DE09R.08
Solar Vertex S
415 W
20.8%
$0.36
$150
Monocrystalline
China
TSM-420DE09R.08
Solar Vertex S
420 W
21.0%
$0.36
$150
Monocrystalline
China
TSM-425DE09R.08
Solar Vertex S
425 W
21.3%
$0.36
$150
Monocrystalline
China
TSM-430DE09R.08
Solar Vertex S
430 W
21.5%
$0.36
$150
Monocrystalline
China
TSM-435DE09R.08
Solar Vertex S
435 W
21.8%
$0.36
$150
Monocrystalline
China
TSM-400NEG9.28
Solar Vertex S+ (400-415W)
400 W
20.6%
$0.40
$165
Monocrystalline
China
TSM-405NEG9.28
Solar Vertex S+ (400-415W)
405 W
20.9%
$0.40
$165
Monocrystalline
China
TSM-410NEG9.28
Solar Vertex S+ (400-415W)
410 W
21.1%
$0.40
$165
Monocrystalline
China
TSM-415NEG9.28
Solar Vertex S+ (400-415W)
415 W
21.4%
$0.40
$165
Monocrystalline
China
TSM-440NEG9R.28
Solar Vertex S+
440 W
22.0%
$0.30
$133
Monocrystalline
China

 

Trina Reviews (157)

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  • 5 star 138
  • 4 star 17
  • 3 star 2
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 0

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I was recomended the Trina Panel the first time I installed in 2023, and have never had an issue with them. They are a top range panel with great output so I added an additional 8kW to the system on this upgrade.

Inverter Brand

SolarEdge

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

15kW

Installed By

Ok. After rwo years in operation, I can now leave a review on my Trina panels.

I got 16 Trina Vertex S 405W panels to replace my old 2009 Panasonic HIT 210W panels two years ago.

I monitor PV generation closely and these panels have performed to spec.in spite of Sydney's high rainfall.

One observation the Panasonics performed slightly better in low light conditions but the Trinas started sooner - lower starting voltage.

I will be moving to Queensland in about three months time and my new place will be fitted with 20 Trina Vertex S 425W panels. My recommendation.

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

13.2 Kw of panels.
I have 20 Trina Vertex S+ 440w panels facing north east and 10 facing south west. 22 degree pitch.

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

$15,000 to $20,000

System Size

13kW

Installed By

My panels are all black. They look much nicer than the old school system they replaced. They seem to be working well.

Reliability? Too early to tell.

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

18.48kW system consisting of 42 x Trina Solar Vertex S+ TSM-440NEG9R.28 (440W) panels.

Inverter Brand

SolarEdge

System Cost

$15,000 to $20,000

System Size

15kW

Installed By

At this stage, early spring, we are producing quite a lot of power. On cloudy days the production drops by 60% but we are still producing.

What it will do in the heat of summer we are not sure, time will tell but we are aware of the heat factor and panel performance.

Our total panel size with the new (8.1 kWh) and existing (2.1 kWh) is slightly over 10kwh and early spring shows a production of a little over 50 kWh on a clear sunny day. Our panels face East, North and West. We start producing as soon as the run rises to when it sets. Longer days of sunlight in summer will be interesting to observe and should produce more power than we have so far.

Inverter Brand

Fronius

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

8kW

Installed By

We decided to go with the Panels with individual inverters as it gave us a bit more flexibility to split the system and have a few panels run the shed and the balance run the house without having to have more than 1 inverter.

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

6kW

Installed By

4x440w Vertex S +/1.76kW
Existing 19x260w, 7 year old, Trina Honey panels still working fine.

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

1.5kW

Installed By

The solar panel install is almost flawless. There's no visible conduit, and the panels are tightly packed to fit as many on the roof as possible.

The panels on the second roof face could have been better positioned to allow for more panels to be installed in the future - e.g. once a battery is connected to the inverter. But this decision was made without my input.

Inverter Brand

SolarEdge

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

13kW

Installed By

With a 30-year warranty on the panels, I am expecting them to outlive me.

Inverter Brand

Fronius

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Sonnen (Other)

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

9kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Fronius

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

SolarEdge

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

13kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Goodwe

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

13kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

iStore

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

6kW

Installed By

They have been placed at the optimum angle and they preform better after a good rain storm - obviously self cleaning.

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

13kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

7kW

Installed By

Black panels attached to black rails look very smart.

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Goodwe

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Fronius

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

13kW

Installed By

Very early days

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

7kW

Installed By

The Tigo optimisers I was advised to install don't seem to be functioning well :(

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

13kW

Installed By

Very well placed for optimal results

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

7kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

9kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Goodwe

System Cost

$2,000 to $4,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

$15,000 to $20,000

System Size

8kW

Installed By

Early days - we will continue to monitor performance.

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

9kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

SolarEdge

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

8kW

Installed By

Appear to be going ok

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

Panels are good, arise layout incompetent

Inverter Brand

Fronius

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

8kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Fronius

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

13kW

Installed By

Seem good so far. Price included tilting system and optimisers for 16 panels.

Inverter Brand

SolarEdge

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

8kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

7kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

$12,500 to $15,000

System Size

9kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Sungrow

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

8kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Fronius

System Cost

$10,000 to $12,500

System Size

9kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Solis

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

9kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Solis

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

8kW

Installed By

Look great on my roof

Inverter Brand

Goodwe

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

8kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

13kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Enphase

System Cost

More than $20,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Goodwe

System Cost

$6,000 to $8,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Fronius

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

10kW

Installed By

An incentive was offered by Solar Power Nation for this review. Learn more here.

1 array has stopped working, I am currently waiting for over 4 months for the resolution for the installer.

Inverter Brand

Fronius

System Cost

$4,000 to $6,000

System Size

5kW

Installed By

Inverter Brand

Goodwe

System Cost

$8,000 to $10,000

System Size

6.6kW

Installed By

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