Trina Solar (TSL) is one of the foremost solar panel companies and is also a low cost manufacturer of solar modules in China. 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 a fully vertically integrated company, right from the production of ingots to modules into both mono and multicrystalline technologies.

Canadian Solar (CSIQ) is a vertically integrated company, providing ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products. Headquartered in Canada, the company has factories in China and Ontario with wide customer base covering over 50 countries. Canadian Solar also offers customized PV products and OEM service around the world. The company sells panels at quite cheap prices.

Distinguishing Features between Canadian Solar and Trina Solar Modules

Types of Modules and Available Models

Canadian Solar modules are both monocrystalline and multicrystalline. The Canadian Solar Modules can be broadly classified into: i) Standard Modules – CS5, CS6, all black CS5A, ii) NewEdge Modules – CS6P-PX and All Black CS5A-MX, iii) e-Modules iv) Quartech Modules – CS6P-P, CS6X-P and iv) BIPV Modules. These modules can be used for both residential and commercial roof-top systems.

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 

In Trina Solar the cell type are 125×125 mm in monocrystalline modules and 156×156 mm in multicrystalline modules. Canadian Solar modules come with the standard 125 x 125 mm and 156 x 156 mm cell arrangement. 

Wattage

Canadian Solar modules have wattage between 140 W – 300 W. The solar modules’ wattage for Trina Solar range between 240 W – 305 W.

Frame

Anodized aluminium alloy frame is used for both Trina Solar and Canadian Solar modules. The BIPV modules of Canadian Solar have no frame.

Weight

Canadian Solar panels have weight in the range of 15.5 kg – 27 kg and for Trina Solar modules it is 15.6kg for monocrystalline panels and 19.5 kg and 28 kg for multicrystalline modules.

Load Resistance

Both come with load resistance of ~5400pa.

Warranty

Canadian Solar Panels come with 10 years product warranty (materials and workmanship) and 25  years linear module power output warranty. Trina Solar come with a 10 years product warranty & 25 years linear power warranty.

Standards & Certification

Trina Solar Modules are manufactured according to international Quality and environment Management System Standards ISO9001, ISO14001. Canadian Solar panels come with the top ranked PVUSA (PTC) rating in California for higher energy production.

For other technical details, you can look into the respective websites of Canadian Solar and Trina Solar.

Read more Solar Panel comparisons here.