Details on DNV GL’s assessment of the TrinaPro Smart Solar tracker system

DNV GL, a quality assurance and risk management company, recently finished up a Technology Assessment Report for Trina Solar Co.’s all-in solar module and tracker system, the TrinaPro Smart Solar Solution, which consists of modules manufactured by Trina Solar, trackers manufactured by NClave, a Trina Solar subsidiary, and inverters manufactured by qualified suppliers. These core components are integrated with a smart tracking algorithm and cloud-based operations and maintenance platform.

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The data in the report focused on the potential energy gain of the TrinaPro solution and its smart tracking algorithm, based on independent energy simulations and a review of some field testing. While energy gain varies depending on location and weather conditions, DNV GL estimated the energy gain for the TrinaPro smart tracking algorithm to be 0.6%-1% for a test site in Viana, Spain, 0.4-1.9% energy gain on cloudy days, and the gain even attaining up to 5% under specific scenarios.

“The main advantage of TrinaPro is the system integration for a turn-key solution,” explains MinWah Leung, Project Manager at DNV GL. “Projects are designed with megawatt blocks and TrinaPro allows for integrated project management, installation, components, and monitoring. While TrinaPro’s software controls and cloud-based O&M platform are new, Trina uses existing module, inverter, and tracker products in the industry. DNV GL considers that Trina Solar is capable of supplying a product that does not pose atypical risks.”

DNV GL has developed a detailed and efficient process for evaluating technical documentation and provides investors with the information and opinion they need to gain comfort with an unfamiliar product. The evaluation team has reviewed engineering drawings, structural analyses, test reports, installation procedures, quality plans, operations and maintenance documentation, and performance analyses provided by Trina Solar. DNV GL has also visited the module and tracker manufacturing facilities in China and Spain to evaluate manufacturing and quality processes.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: https://solarbuildermag.com/mounting-solutions-guide/details-on-dnv-gls-assessment-of-the-trinapro-smart-solar-tracker-system/]