At the 210mm Five-Year Ecological Innovation Conference, Dr. Zhang Yingbin, Head of Strategy, Product, and Marketing at Trinasolar, highlighted the transformative impact of 210mm solar modules on the industry. These modules, based on 210mm square or rectangular wafers, have redefined efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and industry standards.
The Rise of 210mm Technology
Trinasolar introduced the first 210mm module in February 2020, leveraging Zhonghuan Semiconductor’s wafer technology. By Q1 2023, global shipments of 210mm modules exceeded 120 GW, with Trinasolar alone surpassing 100 GW by November 2023. By the end of 2024, global shipments are projected to reach 380 GW, with Trinasolar contributing over 170 GW—solidifying its leadership.
Market Shift and Adoption
According to TrendForce, large-format wafers (210mm and 210R) will represent 39% of global capacity by 2024, increasing to 58.4% in 2025. Smaller wafer sizes like 166mm have nearly disappeared, while 182mm wafers are also seeing a sharp decline.
Key Drivers of Success: Efficiency and Cost Reduction
Dr. Zhang outlined the “Four Keys to Low LCOE”:
✅ High power
✅ High efficiency
✅ High reliability
✅ High energy yield
A Fraunhofer ISE study found that 210mm modules reduced Balance of System (BOS) costs by 2.7–3.7 eurocents/W in Spain and Germany, leading to a 6-7.6% reduction in Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) compared to 166mm modules. Compared to 182mm modules, LCOE reduction ranged from 1.9% to 4.1%.
Trinasolar’s 210R rectangular modules (2384mm x 1134mm) achieved a 98.5% container utilization rate, further lowering transportation costs.
Power Leap: From 500W to 700W in Five Years
The 210mm module accelerated power output growth, achieving a breakthrough from 500W to 700W+ in just five years.
📌 2020: Trinasolar launched the first 210 PERC-based module exceeding 500W.
📌 2020 Mid-Year: The Vertex 600W+ era began.
📌 August 2023: Trinasolar mass-produced 700W+ modules with i-TOPCon technology.
Building an Industry Ecosystem
Unlike smaller wafer upgrades, 210mm required a full industry shift, leading Trinasolar to launch the “600W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecosystem Alliance” with 39 partners, including Tongwei, TCL Zhonghuan, and Aiko Solar. In December 2023, the alliance evolved into the “700W+ Innovation Ecosystem”, driving further breakthroughs.
Trinasolar also advanced 210mm industrialization, addressing challenges in wafer cutting, non-destructive cell design, low-voltage modules, MBB technology, and high-density packaging.
Continuous Innovation & Record-Breaking Efficiency
In November 2024, Trinasolar set a world record efficiency of 26.58% with its i-TOPCon Ultra cells. Future improvements in bifacial passivated contacts, ultra-fine grid lines, and light trapping could push efficiency beyond 27%, with tandem perovskite-TOPCon cells potentially exceeding 30%.
Setting Industry Standards
Trinasolar has standardized module sizes, optimizing supply chains and reducing costs. CEO Gao Jifan emphasized the company’s vision:
📢 “True success comes from collaboration. We are committed to fostering an ecosystem that delivers greater value to the entire industry.”
With five years of innovation, Trinasolar continues to lead the 210mm module revolution, shaping the future of solar energy.
