Solar panel array at sunset with mountains in background

How Solar Works

Purple leaves with sun shining through and blue sky in background

Solar science illuminated

Solar energy is a renewable or ‘green’ energy powered entirely by the sun. But how do solar PV panels turn sunlight into electricity?

Two solar panels against white background

Types of solar panels

Since each solar installation must address numerous space and shading limitations, no one-size-fits-all solar solution exists. Trina solar provides a range of different solar panels and solutions to cater to the various needs of residential, commercial and large-scale utility projects.

There are two main types of PV solar panels used in solar systems: monocrystalline and multicrystalline.

Graphic showing sunlight hitting solar panels on the roof of a home

1. Solar PV panels capture sunlight, causing electrons in the panel’s silicon cells to release energy that becomes direct current (DC) electricity.

Nera Kritis

In Thiva, Trinasolar is powering Greece’s largest ever industrial rooftop solar installation. The project from Aenaos Energy and Nera Kritis is expected to generate 3,640,000 kWh of clean energy annually.
 
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Graphic showing sunlight hitting solar panels on the roof of a home and inverter converting to AC power

2. An inverter converts the DC into alternating current (AC) electricity, making it useable for homes and businesses.

Alimentos Congelados Barcos

In Spain, Trinasolar and Alba Renova partnered to install Navarra’s largest rooftop solar system for Barcos, a leading frozen food company that has been future-thinking since 1903.
 
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Graphic showing sunlight hitting solar panels on the roof of a home and battery storing energy for use in home and sending to power line

3. Excess electricity can be stored in a battery or fed back into the power grid.                                                                          

Project Blue

Project Blue represents a milestone in the history of energy production in Albania. The privately owned ground-mounted PV plant is powered by Trinasolar’s Vertex modules and Vanguard 1P trackers.
 
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Graphic showing sunlight hitting solar panels on the roof of a home and power line providing additional power to home

4. Additional electricity can be pulled from the grid if you need more power than your solar panels can generate.

MSC MedRepair

Powered by Trinasolar, the rooftop of a waterfront warehouse has become a model for smart energy solutions that benefit businesses, investors, building owners and the community.
 
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