Fraunhofer ISE study: Vertex 670W’s monofacial modules with fixed-tilt mounting structure demonstrate outstanding value in Germany by reducing LCOE up to 7.4%

Since the launch of the 600W+ series, world-leading design institutes and well-known third-party organizations have evaluated and studied the advantage in levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and value of Vertex modules. Recently, Fraunhofer ISE, the world-leading solar institution, has completed the comparative study of CAPEX and LCOE for a project in Germany using different modules: ultra-high power modules 210mm (G12) from Trina Solar, 182mm (M10) and 166mm (M6) modules.

Founded in 1981, Fraunhofer ISE is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Based in Freiburg, Germany, it is a constituent entity of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the world’s leading applied research organization. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Fraunhofer has more than 20,000 qualified scientists and engineers in 74 institutes and research institutions worldwide.

The study shows that the new generation of 210mm (G12) and 182mm (M10) cell modules perform better than 166mm modules in both CAPEX and LCOE. Furthermore, the study concludes that modules with 210mm cell represented by Trina Solar's Vertex series are a better option to reduce the CAPEX and LCOE of the project than modules with 182mm cell due to lower electrical balance-of-system (BOS) cost, mounting structure and logistic costs.

Among the three Vertex modules analyzed, the 670W module proves to be the best option and allows to obtain the lowest CAPEX and LCOE values. In terms of CAPEX, the Vertex 670W reduces the cost by 7.42% compared to the 455W 166mm (M6) module and by 4.25% compared to the 182mm (M10) 540W module.

Figure 1 - Source: Fraunhofer ISE

Looking at the LCOE, the Vertex modules with 210mm cells are again positioned in the lowest values and the Vertex 670W is the best option with a LCOE value 7.7% lower than that of the 166mm module or 4.1% lower than that of a 182mm 540W module.

Figure 2 - Source: Fraunhofer ISE

If you want more information about the study (such as the plant design or more details about the CAPEX or OPEX calculation) you can download the case study by clicking here.