Trinasolar, Madrid Varsity Partner To Research On Solar Technologies

Helena Li and Ignacio Anton Hernandez at signing ceremony.

Smart photovoltaic and energy storage solutions company Trinasolar has announced the signing of a long-term collaboration agreement with the Solar Energy Institute of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (IES-UPM). The signing ceremony took place on the IES-UPM campus and was attended by Helena Li, Executive President of Trinasolar, and Ignacio Antón Hernández, Director of IES-UPM. This partnership seeks to combine the knowledge of Trinasolar and IES-UPM to advance research in photovoltaic sciences and technologies.

“The collaboration will focus on innovating in areas such as the efficiency of solar panels, the strength and robustness of solar trackers, and the improvement of solar energy management. With 27 years of experience in solar energy, Trinasolar believes that research and development (R+D) is fundamental to the progress of the sector. In 2023, the company spent $768 million on R+D, up 19.7% from 2022, and its R+D teams work closely with research institutes and universities around the world,” the companyb said in a statement.

The R+D team of TrinaTracker, Trinasolar’s smart solar tracker division, is based in Spain, and its manufacturing plant in Viana (Navarra) received carbon footprint certification from Bureau Veritas in June 2024.

IES-UPM, founded in 1979, is the oldest active institution in the world in photovoltaic research. The institution is a pioneer in solar energy research, dedicated to studying the fundamentals and practical applications of photovoltaics, especially in exploring new strategies to optimize the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic plants, based on scientific data and practical experience.

“The signing of this agreement with IES-UPM is a major step forward for Trinasolar’s work with universities in Europe, and plays a crucial role in Trina’s global collaboration with innovative partners,” said Helena Li. “This partnership will allow our R+D team to work closely with European academic talent, maintain our core competence, and deliver more localized energy solutions to the European market.”

In addition to the joint research project, Trinasolar will establish a state-of-the-art training center at IES-UPM, which will offer the latest solar products and systems. The center will be equipped with solar technologies, including solar modules, trackers, and possibly energy storage systems in the future. This initiative is Trinasolar’s first in collaboration with a university in Spain, with the aim of supporting the development of solar energy in the region.

“We greatly appreciate this collaboration with Trinasolar for the long-term joint research program,” said Ignacio Antón Hernández. “Trinasolar is a world-renowned solar company whose achievements in technological R+D and project expertise can provide us with strong research support. This agreement will not only benefit our students by providing them with access to the latest technologies, but will also contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.”

This collaboration reflects the determination of Trinasolar and IES-UPM to lead research and development in solar technologies, strengthening the link between industry and academia in Spain, and promoting a sustainable future through innovation in solar energy.