Research and Development

Research & Development

Low cost without a compromise on quality and reliability is what we strive to achieve at this State Key Laboratory as our show of commitment to the photovoltaics industry.  Our aim is to foster and excel in introducing PV modules and new products that meet the market demand.

Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Materials Research Center

The group’s main aim is to develop and promote high efficiency crystalline silicon growth technologies suitable for mass production and was the first to introduce the Direct Wafers technology. The group is also responsible for the diamond wire cutting technology used for multicrystalline silicon wafers, the cleaning technology of recyclable silicon materials, and the recycling technology of abandoned solar modules.

Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Research Center

Crystalline silicon solar cell research center is responsible for the research of crystalline silicon solar cell structures ready for commercialisation which involves theoretical simulation and characterization of high-efficiency solar cell structures. It is also responsible for the development of key solar cell processes such as light-trapping, multi-layer passivation and metallization, as well the research of reliability and degradation mechanisms. Significant technical breakthroughs have been achieved on IBC, HIT and PERC solar cells in recent years that broke several world records, thanks to the group’s dedicated efforts.

The group also works close with the manufacturing line to transfer the latest technical achievements to the mass production line. For example, the laboratory PERC research achievements were transferred to the manufacturing line in 2016, which is now producing a stable average cell efficiency of 21% and a stable solar module output power of 300Wp.

PV Module & New Product Research Center

PV module & new product research center focuses on the structural design of high-efficiency & high-reliability PV modules, new materials’ development and feasibility assessment, as well as technology transfer to mass production line. Other responsibilities also include developing PV module technologies and installation structures, optimizing PV module manufacturing processes as well as an in-depth study on PV modules’ reliability and degradation mechanisms. In particular, the group’s latest achievement was the establishment of indoor module reliability tests that emulate the real-world cyclic climate conditions.

PV System Research Center

PV system research center focuses on developing and optimizing smart PV modules & systems, and PV system tests. In particular, the group focuses on developing differentiated PV system components that promote low LCOE. The group routinely maintains the PV system testing laboratory which assesses system components’ engineering and operation in both indoor and outdoor settings, and provides consultation to Trinasolar’s sales group on system design and component selection.

The latest achievements include “internet-plus” applications, a 1500V PV station, smart PV system for households and participation in PV system standards.

Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Materials Research Center

The group’s main aim is to develop and promote high efficiency crystalline silicon growth technologies suitable for mass production and was the first to introduce the Direct Wafers technology. The group is also responsible for the diamond wire cutting technology used for multicrystalline silicon wafers, the cleaning technology of recyclable silicon materials, and the recycling technology of abandoned solar modules.

Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Research Center

Crystalline silicon solar cell research center is responsible for the research of crystalline silicon solar cell structures ready for commercialisation which involves theoretical simulation and characterization of high-efficiency solar cell structures. It is also responsible for the development of key solar cell processes such as light-trapping, multi-layer passivation and metallization, as well the research of reliability and degradation mechanisms. Significant technical breakthroughs have been achieved on IBC, HIT and PERC solar cells in recent years that broke several world records, thanks to the group’s dedicated efforts.

The group also works close with the manufacturing line to transfer the latest technical achievements to the mass production line. For example, the laboratory PERC research achievements were transferred to the manufacturing line in 2016, which is now producing a stable average cell efficiency of 21% and a stable solar module output power of 300Wp.

PV Module & New Product Research Center

PV module & new product research center focuses on the structural design of high-efficiency & high-reliability PV modules, new materials’ development and feasibility assessment, as well as technology transfer to mass production line. Other responsibilities also include developing PV module technologies and installation structures, optimizing PV module manufacturing processes as well as an in-depth study on PV modules’ reliability and degradation mechanisms. In particular, the group’s latest achievement was the establishment of indoor module reliability tests that emulate the real-world cyclic climate conditions.

PV System Research Center

PV system research center focuses on developing and optimizing smart PV modules & systems, and PV system tests. In particular, the group focuses on developing differentiated PV system components that promote low LCOE. The group routinely maintains the PV system testing laboratory which assesses system components’ engineering and operation in both indoor and outdoor settings, and provides consultation to Trinasolar’s sales group on system design and component selection.

The latest achievements include “internet-plus” applications, a 1500V PV station, smart PV system for households and participation in PV system standards.

“The laboratory uses technological innovation to support the evolving industry as well as to accelerate Trina Solar’s R&D, technology transfer and new product development and to enhance the Company’s high-quality product offerings.”

 

– Jifan Gao, Trina Solar Chairman and CEO

Equipment Research Center

Equipment research center focuses on developing new laboratory equipment and procuring them locally, as well as promotion of R&D equipment for industrialisation. The group is also responsible for equipment management and routine maintenance of the golden line, the pilot line, the solar cell laboratory and the testing center, as well as equipment upgrades.

Golden Line & Pilot Line

The golden line and pilot line are responsible for successful technology transfer from laboratory to the mass production line. It ensures that the processing techniques of the latest technology are suitable for mass production, and that these techniques can produce a consistent and stable throughput. Since its inception in 2013, the conventional solar cell efficiency at Trina Solar went from 17.5% to 18.7%. An implementation of numerous high-efficiency solar cell and module technologies is underway to further enhance the product efficiency; 21% or higher cell efficiency is obtainable with PERC or IBC technology, and a gain of 3Wp or higher module output power is feasible with the multi-busbar technology. IBC production line with 30MW per year throughput has been successfully completed as a part of the 863 state key project objectives. In recent times, technology transfer of leading PV technologies such as N/P bifacial solar cell, MCCE black silicon, and directly grown silicon wafers have taken place.

Equipment Research Center

Equipment research center focuses on developing new laboratory equipment and procuring them locally, as well as promotion of R&D equipment for industrialisation. The group is also responsible for equipment management and routine maintenance of the golden line, the pilot line, the solar cell laboratory and the testing center, as well as equipment upgrades.

Golden Line & Pilot Line

The golden line and pilot line are responsible for successful technology transfer from laboratory to the mass production line. It ensures that the processing techniques of the latest technology are suitable for mass production, and that these techniques can produce a consistent and stable throughput. Since its inception in 2013, the conventional solar cell efficiency at Trina Solar went from 17.5% to 18.7%. An implementation of numerous high-efficiency solar cell and module technologies is underway to further enhance the product efficiency; 21% or higher cell efficiency is obtainable with PERC or IBC technology, and a gain of 3Wp or higher module output power is feasible with the multi-busbar technology. IBC production line with 30MW per year throughput has been successfully completed as a part of the 863 state key project objectives. In recent times, technology transfer of leading PV technologies such as N/P bifacial solar cell, MCCE black silicon, and directly grown silicon wafers have taken place.

Testing Laboratory

The testing center consists of PV module reliability testing laboratory, physics and chemistry laboratory, and comprehensive management center. The center provides testing services in compliance with the latest photovoltaic testing standards, such as IEC and UL, to internal and external clients. Test categories include module reliability, PV materials’ thermal analysis, and physical & chemical properties, totaling 175 items. In 2016, the group established and reviewed in-house testing standards.