A goliath of the solar energy sector, Trina Solar has appeared in PES several times over the years. We’re very happy to welcome the company back to our pages, and particularly happy to catch up with Jing Tian, Director of Global Marketing. Jian talks us through the company’s most pressing priorities and presents an illuminating case study.
PES: Welcome back to PES. It’s been a while since we last spoke, perhaps you could acquaint new readers with the company and how you serve the PV industry?
Jing Tian: Founded in 1997, and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2006, Trina Solar specialises in the manufacture of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and system integration. Not only are we a pioneer of China’s PV manufacturing, but have played an influential part in the global solar industry and a leader in solar modules, solutions and services.
PES: It’s been a critical 12 months for many of the companies we’ve spoken to recently – how has business been for you?
JT: Trina Solar has been very fortunate and have seen positive results despite some headwinds. We remain focused on maintaining profitable growth as opposed to pursuing volume growth alone. By employing this strategy, we increased our gross margin quarter over quarter. Trina continues to see the positive impact of our focus on efficient operations, controlled business expansion and disciplined financial management.
The company is considered a ‘thought leader’ in the industry (recently winning an United Nations Industrial Development Organization prize).
PES: If you could look into your crystal ball, where would you say the industry is going to be in 10 years’ time?
JT: Awareness and adoption for renewable energy is growing and specifically for solar, we see tremendous growth in the coming years. We look forward to the expansion and will continue to develop quality product and service to support this growth.
PES: Similarly, you opened a Latin American office last year – what is your outlook in this region?
JT: The outlook for Latin America is bright with Chile, Brazil and Mexico being the most promising. Chile has excellent insolation, an established net metering policy and a rising energy demand. Brazil has high electricity rates with good support from net metering and tax incentives. The Brazilian market is on target for renewable energy to reach more than 15% of installed capacity. Mexico has the framework in place for the growing distributed generation and utility-scale solar market.
All of these indicators point to exponential growth. We look forward to the expansion and hope to be an integral part of the growth in the region.
PES: The company is known for innovation – are there any recent notable developments that you’d like to share with us?
JT: We continue to invest in R&D and leverage our State Key Laboratory that will advance technological innovations to support the growing solar industry along with enhancing Trina’s high quality product offerings.
Also, as you have mentioned, we were recently awarded with the BlueSky Award 2014 for Global Top Investment Scenarios to Apply New Technologies for Renewable Energy Utilization (“BlueSky Award”) for its high efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells. We are honoured to receive the recognition.
PES: All of the company’s products are now WEEE Directive compliant – what motivated your (considerable) investment in this industry challenge?
JT: We strive to maintain our high product quality while using energy and natural resources responsibly and efficiently. In 2013, the amount of electricity consumption and water consumption per MW (megawatt) module decreased by 63.8% and 53.9% respectively in comparison with that of 2009. Although this is a step in the right direction, we will continue to implement low-carbon development strategy and integrate green-manufacturing concepts through all stages of our company’s operation.
PES: Does the company’s size prevent it from reacting to sales trends with the same agility as smaller companies?
JT: We benefit from having the strong backing of a big company, but at the same time, we are able to strike a balance and remain agile so we continue to be competitive in the industry.
PES: Talking of which, the company has made considerable efforts to establish its brand in the wider marketplace – has this investment paid off?
JT: Over the years, Trina Solar has built a solid brand and we have become one of the most recognised names in the solar industry. Not only are we known by name, but our quality products and service speaks volume.
PES: Finally, what are your thoughts about the coming 12 months? Is 2015 looking as positive for you as 2014?
JT: We believe the industry will continue to grow and we are committed to the Americas market. We will continue to grow and invest in this region.
Community case study
The Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto, CA installed a solar array using Trinasmart technology to overcome numerous hurdles and provide clean energy to the community.
Protecting the environment for future generations by providing clean energy to our communities is a priority. While solar photovoltaic technology allows individuals, businesses and community organisations to produce clean energy on their own, not every rooftop can accommodate it.
The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) is an example of a sustainable, ecologically conscious hub for culture, recreation, education, and community engagement in Palo Alto, CA that wanted to explore solar. “We believe putting solar on the OFJCC is the right thing to do both environmentally and socially,” said Zack Bodner, CEO of the OFJCC. “It will educate our children and the broader community about the benefits of clean energy, hopefully encouraging further adoption of solar in the area!”
Technical challenges
Similar to many buildings, the roof of the JCC and the entire Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life is not 100% perfect for solar, with many obstructions and few flat open areas to lay down a traditional solar array. “While the environmental and social benefit of solar clearly drove the desire to install this system, we needed it to make economic sense as well,” said Mr. Bodner.
In order to maximise the output and project viability, each small open area across multiple roofs would need to be put to use in the most efficient way possible. “This roof, like many commercial rooftops, posed a number of technical challenges from an installation standpoint. Standard panels were not the most effective solution. We needed something smarter,” said Mark Byington, President of Cobalt Power Systems.
Solution
The many challenges presented by this project were overcome with Trinasmart technology powered by Tigo Energy, which improves the project economics and expected generation. By clamping voltage and increasing string length from the traditional 14 modules to 18 modules, the project used 27 fewer strings, three fewer combiner boxes, and 13,500 feet less wire.
This reduced significant material costs while also allowing for a much quicker installation. In addition to balance of systems savings, the system is expected to produce about 3% more power due to panel level optimisation, reducing the impact of module mismatch where one underperforming module can reduce the performance of an entire string.
“With the many benefits of Trinasmart technology that this project highlights, from improved project economics to increased generation on non-ideal rooftops, we see it as the future of commercial solar. We look forward to installing many more such systems,” said Mr. Byington.
Financial challenges and solutions
A hefty down payment for a solar system was also a challenge that needed to be overcome for the project to happen. Normally projects overcome this by financing with tax equity, but this vehicle is normally reserved for larger projects with institutional investors rather than individuals.
THiNKnrg CEO Zach Rubin noted the complexity of the project, “We had to bring together so many parties to make this work, from financiers to technology partners to installers.” Ultimately, Conergy, a leading global solar photovoltaic downstream company closed one of the first leveraged tax equity partnership structures with individual investors who could utilise the investment tax credits making the project economically viable. “Having a bankable partner like Trina Solar brought the right partners to the table and made the project possible from a project economics perspective,” said Zach Rubin.
Results
Completed on February 25, 2014, the installed system covers 12 roofs of the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life, supplying about 20% of their energy needs. A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will provide power at 4 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is half the current utility charge. Overall, the system will save the OFJCC over $1.5 million over the 20 year contract! The solar installation also helped the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life achieve a LEED Silver rating for the entire complex. “With the largest Trinasmart installation in North America to date, Trina Solar is proud to continue to innovate on our high-quality product portfolio and work together with strong partners to make amazing projects like this happen,” said said Trina Solar Director of Global Marketing Jing Tian.
