Trina Solar In Tie-Up for Supplying 1.5 GW Modules for Oceania

Trina Solar, the world’s leading PV and smart energy total solutions provider, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with leading wholesale distributor, Marubeni Australia, to supply 1.5GW of Vertex N solar modules to the Oceania region over a five-year period.

Vertex is Trina Solar’s flagship product range that uses larger-size, 210mm-long, solar cells commonly referred to as 210 Technology. Trina Solar is the first mover of 210mm product technology, leading the PV industry to the 600W+/700W+ era.

Under the agreement, Trina Solar will supply Vertex modules that incorporate marketing-leading n-type i-TOPCon cell technology. For residential and commercial projects, the modules include the Vertex S+ NEG9R.28 and NEG9RC.27, lightweight panels with 1.6+1.6mm ultra-thin dual glass design which provide higher reliability and safety. For larger commercial and industrial projects, the modules include the Vertex NEG19RC.20 and NEG18R.28 which features higher power output.

These modules incorporate market-leading technologies: multi-busbar (MBB) for greater light absorption and high-density packing to maximize the surface area. Non-destructive cutting technology is used so the cells have ultra-smooth edges. It has been proven that such cells improve the module’s overall mechanical performance to better withstand external forces being applied to the module.

Edison Zhou, Head of Trina Solar of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, says, “Trina Solar is committed to empower industries around the world in their journey to achieve a net-zero future. The Oceanic region has great potential to harness the power of solar energy on its numerous off-grid islands. We thank Marubeni Australia for choosing Trina Solar as its partner. This MoU signifies a long-term strategic partnership for both parties to jointly help the region ramp up its solar capacity.”

Hiroyuki Shimada, General Manager of Marubeni Australia, says, “Marubeni Australia has a long-standing relationship with Trina Solar for well over 10 years. The MoU signifies the continued strong relationship and aspirations to further grow the Australasia and Pacific module distribution business and solar project opportunities.” He adds, “Marubeni Australia continues to utilise the Japanese trading house’s financial strengths, resulting in the development of comprehensive solutions for our customers.”

The agreement was signed by Shimada and Trina Solar’s Zhou.

This move is in line with Oceania’s Energy Transformation Roadmap to 2050 which has set a solar energy target of 27 GW by 2030 and 109 GW by 2050. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, apart from Australia and New Zealand, most Pacific nations remain highly dependent on petroleum. Oil makes up about 80 percent of the Pacific’s total energy supply, whereas renewable energy accounts for only 17 percent.