Trina Solar’s Powerful 440W Vertex S+ Lands In Australia

Rooftop solar panels keep getting more powerful and Trina’s Vertex S+ range continues to push the envelope.

In 2022, the Trina Solar Vertex S+ followed on from the Vertex S that became available here in Australia in 2021. The major differences between the two product families:

• The S has P-type cells and the S+ N-type. (Learn more about P-type and N-type panels here).
• The S has a backsheet and the S+ is double-glass.

It was less than a year ago when the most powerful Vertex S+ solar panels available here were 425W. The NEG9R.28 440W that has just landed in Australia is a significant step up.

“Our deep understanding of the Australian market informed us that, besides power and efficiency, our customers look for modules that are capable of withstanding the diverse range of Australian climates,” said Edison Zhou, Country Manager, Trina Solar Australia. “We’re confident that our Australian customers will find the new NEG9R.28 an excellent module option.”

Of course he would say that. But Trina’s claimed understanding of the local market isn’t an idle boast as the company has had a presence here since at least 2010; so you’d think they have learned a thing or two over that time. But these bigger solar panels – both in terms of power and size – are essentially heavy kites, so spare a thought for installers dealing with the larger panels of today.

Vertex S+ NEG9R.28 440W Specifications

• Peak power watts: 440
• Cells: 144
• Temperature Coefficient of PMAX: 0.30%/°C
• Module dimensions: 1762×1134×30 mm
• Frame: Anodised aluminium alloy, black
• Module efficiency: 22%
• Weight: 21.1kg
• Warranty: 25 years product warranty and 30 years performance warranty¹
• Full spec sheet here

We have a 10kW solar system with 415W Vertex S+ panels. They haven’t been on the roof for a full year yet; but so far, so good – so far as I can tell. A couple of pigeons took a liking to them too, but with persistence they moved on to easier poopings. My efforts in discouraging the flying rats also helped cement my status as the neighbourhood nutter. This is a good thing.

Yet I digress. Looking at the specs of my 415W Vertex S+, which are a different series (NEG9.28 – up to 425W), the 415W are a little smaller: 1770×1096 mm. But the 400W NEG9R.28 is surprisingly around 400 grams lighter than the NEG9.28.

Trina Solar has enjoyed significant success in Australia, both among installers and Australians living under their panels. At the time of writing, the company had averaged a 4.8- star rating overall from 1,657 Trina solar panel reviews here on SolarQuotes (4.9 stars over the last 12 months).

In the 2023 SolarQuotes Installers’ Choice Awards, Trina scored bronze in the best solar panels category (an impressive result for a “budget” brand), gold in the best value panels category, and bronze for best after-sales support. The company is currently listed on SQ’s recommended solar panel brands chart.

Trivia: Trina claims that by using a dual-glass design with the Vertex S+ instead of a plastic backsheet, as well as providing improved durability this effectively lowers carbon emissions in production by 11%.