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Our solar experts delve into the Trina Solar Vertex S+ 505W solar panel’s specs, pros and cons, costs and how it compares to other top solar panels.
The Trina Solar Vertex S+ 505W is a high output monocrystalline solar panel designed for residential or commercial rooftop installations. It is built with highly-efficient N-type TOPcon cell technology, and has a dual-glass build for extra durability.
Read on to find out why our solar experts think this panel is one of the best solar panels on the market.
| Panel efficiency | 22.7% |
| Power output (W) | 505W |
| Degradation in first year | 1% |
| Degradation rate per year after first year | 0.40% |
| Product warranty | 15 years |
| Performance warranty | 30 years |
| Weight (kg) | 23.5 kg |
| Size (sq m) | 2.2sqm |
Vertex S+ solar panels uses a dual-glass (glass-glass) construction, making them sturdier and more weather resistant than standard glass-backsheet modules. Dual glass improves resistance to micro-cracks, humidity, and environmental stress, so the Trina Solar Vertex S+ 505W is a great panel for those whose property experiences harsh weather conditions.
This panel’s high wattage and efficiency mean it generates more energy per square metre than many older or lower-rated modules. The n-type TOPCon cells help reduce light-induced degradation and preserve the panel’s power output over time.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the Trina Solar Vertex S+ 505W with other top solar panels on the market.
| Solar panel brand | Efficiency | Power output | Product warranty | Performance warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trina Solar Vertex S+ | 22.70% | 505W | 15 years | 30 years |
| Project Solar Evolution Max | 25.50% | 500W | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| REC Alpha Pure RX Series | 22.60% | 470W | 20 years | 25 years |
| Aiko Neostar 3P54 | 23.50% | 470W | 25 years | 30 years |
| Perlight 515W Double Glass PLK Transparent | 23.17% | 515W | 30 years | 30 years |
| JA Solar JAM60S4 LR | 22.70% | 530W | 12 years | 25 years |
| Jinko Tiger Neo 54HL4R-B 445W | 22.27% | 445W | 25 years | 30 years |
| Suntech Ultra V Pro Mini | 23.00% | 460W | 15 years | 30 years |
We know solar panel costs are a big consideration for most households; and despite having one of the highest outputs of the solar panels included in our best solar panels roundup, the Trina Vertex 505W is also one of the most affordable. Depending on the retailer, it should come in at under £100 per panel, but note that this does not include any installation or labour costs.
While Trina solar panels are relatively low maintenance, it’s worth giving them a clean a couple of times a year, or perhaps after a big weather event which may have left debris on them. To do so, do not use any harsh brushes – a gentle hose down should do the trick, but if not, wiping them down gently with the soft side of a sponge should also work.
The Trina Solar Vertex S+ solar panel’s 15-year product warranty is quite short compared to the likes of Project Solar, REC or AIKO. That said, the 30-year performance warranty is in line with industry standards and guarantees that the solar panel will keep generating the amount of energy it’s supposed to throughout its lifetime.
Thanks to its high power output, durable construction and affordable price, we think the Trina Solar Vertex S+ 505W is one of the best solar panels on the market. In fact, our solar experts awarded it 4 stars out of 5, the second highest grade behind the Project Solar Evolution Max 500W.
The Vertex is slightly let down by its short product warranty and its average efficiency rating, but overall, it’s hard to beat in terms of durability and output.
Yes, they are. After carefully reviewing dozens of solar panels, our solar experts have ranked the Trina Solar Vertex S+ 505W in second position, naming it the best budget solar panel on the UK market right now.
Yes, Trina Solar was founded in 1997 in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. Since 2022, the company has international headquarters in Shanghai.
When we review solar panels, our final score is based on the following:
For more information, read our article on how we review solar panels.
* The Federation of Master Builders survey of 2,004 UK solar panel owners, June 2024.