Trina Solar (TSL) is a China based vertically integrated company right from the production of ingots to modules. The company was founded in 1997, with 12 offices worldwide. Trina Solar has partnerships with leading installers, distributors, utilities and developers in all major PV markets and is listed on the NYSE. Trina Solar is one of the lowest cost Chinese solar panel manufacturers globally.

SunPower (SPWR) is a US company which makes the most efficient solar panels using its monocrystalline solar cell technology. The company is a solar system integrator and developer as well, building some of the largest solar farms in the US. The company was bought by the French Oil Giant Total. Sunpower operates in all the main segments of the market and has reputation for selling some of the highest quality solar panels in the country. SunPower solar modules deliver 21.5% efficiency, which is very high and means that the customers get more electricity and lower electricity bills.

Distinguishing Features between Trina Solar and SunPower Solar Modules

Classification of Solar Modules and Available Models

SunPower Solar panels are used for residential purposes primarily. They are classified into: i) SunPower X Series – X21-335 and X21-345, ii) SunPower E Series – SPR 327, iii) SunPower Signature Black Solar Panels and iv) SunPower AC Solar Panels – E 19/240. All SunPower Solar panels come in a monocrystalline make.

Trina Solar modules are classified for convenience into: Business Need – Commercial, Residential & Utility. Trina Solar offers i) PA05: 60 cell Universal (residential, commercial and utility) ii) PD05: 60 cell Dual Glass (residential, commercial and utility)  iii) PA14: 72 cell Utility, iv) PD14: 72 cell Utility.

Cell Type

SunPower Solar panels come in a monocrystalline make with 72 and 96 cell arrangements. While for Trina Solar the cell type is 125×125 mm in monocrystalline modules and 156×156 mm in multicrystalline modules.

Wattage

The available wattage for SunPower Solar modules are 240 W, 320 W, 327 W, 335 W and 345 W. The solar modules’ wattage for Trina Solar range between 240 W – 305 W.

Power Performance

SunPower has ~0-+5% power tolerance, while Trina Solar modules have a power output ~0-+3%.

Frame

Anodized aluminium alloy frame is common for both the companies’ solar panels.

Weight

Trina Solar modules weigh 15.6 kg for monocrystalline panels and 19.5 kg and 28 kg for multicrystalline modules and SunPower modules weight range is between 17 kg to 18 kg.

Load Resistance

The solar panels from both can withstand upto 5400 pa wind speed and snow load.

Warranty

Trina Solar come with a 10 years product warranty & 25 years linear power warranty. SunPower solar modules come with 25 years limited power and product warranty.

Standards & Certification

Trina Solar Modules are manufactured according to international Quality and environment Management System Standards ISO9001, ISO14001. SunPower ACPV module are listed to UL 1741.

You can read more technical details about the solar modules here: SunPower and Trina Solar.