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Illustration · 132 half-cut cells
Solar panelTrina Solar

Trina Solar TSM-685NEG21C.20

132 half-cut cells, bifacial, glass (dual-glass module). Power classes 635–740 W in the CEC list.

CEC listed · Aug 12, 2024UL 61730BifacialPVEL Top Performer 2024
Power class
  • Power (STC)685 WCEC nameplate
  • Efficiency≈22.2%calculated from area
  • %/°C Pmax−0.300CEC listing test
  • PTC / STC94.6%PTC 648 W (CEC)

Power classes

CEC PV Module List (Oct 7, 2026) · Cali-Graf calculation · 22 models
ModelPmaxVoc, VIsc, AVmp, VImp, AEfficiencyPTCCEC listed
TSM-635NEG21C.20635 W45.6017.8437.7016.84≈20.6%600 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-640NEG21C.20640 W45.8017.8837.9016.88≈20.8%605 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-645NEG21C.20645 W46.0017.9238.1016.92≈20.9%610 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-650NEG21C.20650 W46.2017.9638.3016.96≈21.1%614 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-655NEG21C.20655 W46.4018.0038.6016.99≈21.3%619 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-660NEG21C.20660 W46.6018.0338.8017.02≈21.4%624 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-665NEG21C.20665 W46.8018.0739.0017.06≈21.6%629 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-670NEG21C.20670 W47.0018.1039.2017.09≈21.8%634 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-675NEG21C.20675 W47.2018.1439.4017.12≈21.9%639 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-680NEG21C.20680 W47.4018.1839.6017.16≈22.1%643 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-685NEG21C.20685 W47.7018.2139.8017.19≈22.2%648 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-690NEG21C.20690 W47.9018.2540.1017.23≈22.4%653 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-695NEG21C.20695 W48.3018.2840.3017.25≈22.3%662 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-700NEG21C.20700 W48.6018.3240.5017.29≈22.7%663 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-705NEG21C.20705 W48.8018.3640.7017.33≈22.9%668 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-710NEG21C.20710 W49.0018.4040.9017.36≈23.1%672 WAug 12, 2024
TSM-715NEG21C.20715 W49.2018.4441.1017.40≈23.0%681 WNov 1, 2024
TSM-720NEG21C.20720 W49.4018.4941.3017.44≈23.2%680 WNov 1, 2024
TSM-725NEG21C.20725 W49.6018.5441.5017.47≈23.3%691 WNov 1, 2024
TSM-730NEG21C.20730 W49.9018.5841.7017.51≈23.5%690 WJun 22, 2026
TSM-735NEG21C.20735 W50.1018.6241.9017.55≈23.6%694 WJun 22, 2026
TSM-740NEG21C.20740 W50.3018.6642.1017.58≈23.8%699 WJun 22, 2026
≈ efficiency = Pmax ÷ CEC-listed area 3.08 m².

Build & dimensions

CEC PV Module List (Oct 7, 2026)

Heat & cold behaviour

CEC PV Module List (Oct 7, 2026) · Cali-Graf calculation
CEC listing test
Pmax coefficient γ−0.300 %/°C
Voc coefficient β−0.243 %/°C
Isc coefficient α+0.041 %/°C
Operating cell temperatureNOCT 44.3 °C
Vmp coefficient ≈ γ − α (CEC); used only for the hot-roof voltage estimate.

Away from lab conditions — CEC listing test points

ClassPmax at NOCTVmp × Imp at NOCTPmax at 200 W/m²Low-light efficiency vs STC
635 W469.5 W35.1 V × 13.38 A122.1 W96%
640 W473.1 W35.29 V × 13.41 A123 W96%
645 W476.7 W35.47 V × 13.44 A124 W96%
650 W480.4 W35.66 V × 13.47 A124.9 W96%
655 W485 W35.94 V × 13.49 A126.1 W96%
660 W488.3 W36.13 V × 13.52 A127 W96%
665 W492 W36.31 V × 13.55 A128 W96%
670 W495.4 W36.5 V × 13.57 A128.9 W96%
675 W498.8 W36.68 V × 13.6 A129.7 W96%
680 W502.5 W36.87 V × 13.63 A130.7 W96%
685 W505.9 W37.06 V × 13.65 A131.6 W96%
690 W510.9 W37.34 V × 13.68 A132.9 W96%
695 W529 W38.14 V × 13.87 A136.8 W98%
700 W517.8 W37.71 V × 13.73 A134.7 W96%
705 W521.6 W37.89 V × 13.76 A135.7 W96%
710 W525.1 W38.08 V × 13.79 A136.6 W96%
715 W544.2 W38.89 V × 13.99 A140.7 W98%
720 W537 W39.46 V × 13.61 A137.3 W95%
725 W551.7 W39.27 V × 14.05 A142.7 W98%
730 W544.4 W39.84 V × 13.66 A139.2 W95%
735 W548.3 W40.03 V × 13.7 A140.1 W95%
740 W551.8 W40.22 V × 13.72 A141.1 W95%
Pmax = Vmp × Imp from the CEC listing; low-light efficiency = Pmax at 200 W/m² ÷ (20% of STC Pmax).

Certifications

CEC PV Module List (Oct 7, 2026) · Clean Energy Council (Australia)
UL 61730IEC 61215IEC 61215:2021 / IEC 61730:2016

Independent reliability testing

Kiwa PVEL Scorecard · RETC PV Module Index
2024
PVEL Top Performer
this series
7
Tests passed as Top Performer
DH, HSS, LID+LETID, MSS, PAN, PID, TC
12
PVEL Scorecards
Trina Solar named Top Performer, 2014–2026
2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
RETC Overall Highest Achiever
Trina Solar, manufacturer level

PVEL Top Performer tests

YearProductTests
2024TSM-xxxNEG21C.20DHHSSLID+LETIDMSSPANPIDTC

Tested bill of materials

Details describe the tested sample, not every module of the series.

RETC PV Module Index — Trina Solar

YearRecognition
2023Overall Highest Achiever; High Achievement in Performance (Ptc-to-stc ratio, Module efficiency, LeTID RESISTANCE); High Achievement in Quality (Hail durability test); High Achievement in Reliability (Thermal cycle test, SDML, Pid resistance, Damp heat test)
2024Overall Highest Achiever
2025Overall Highest Achiever
2026Overall Highest Achiever; High achievement in performance; High achievement in reliability; Performance discipline high achiever (Temperature coefficient, Iam, Letid, PAN file); Quality discipline high achiever (BOM verification); Reliability discipline high achiever (Damp heat, Pid, Sdml, Tc)

Inverter compatibility & string sizing

CEC PV Module List (Oct 7, 2026) · Cali-Graf calculation · NLR PVWatts v8 · inverter datasheets · NLR SAM inverter library · CEC Grid Support Inverter List (Oct 7, 2026)
50.4 V
Voc when cold
per panel
33.1 V
Vmp when hot
per panel
11
Max panels / string
max DC 600 V
2
Min panels / string
MPPT from 60 V
Defaults come from NLR TMY weather (coldest hour, hottest modeled cell). Code calculations (NEC 690.7) use the ASHRAE extreme annual minimum, which is usually colder — enter it above. β is the CEC-measured coefficient; NEC 690.7 calculations use the datasheet value.

String inverters most named in SoCal permits

InverterMax DC inputMPPTWindow sourcePanels per string
Tesla 1538000-xx-y600 V60–480 Vdatasheet2–11
Solis (Ginlong) S6-EH1P10K-H-US600 V80–520 Vdatasheet3–11
Solis (Ginlong) Solis-1P7.6K-4G-US600 V100–500 Vdatasheet4–11
Qcells Q.VOLT H7.6SX498 V234–498 VCEC test window8–9

Microinverters (one per panel)

No microinverter in the reference set lists this power class in its recommended module power range.
Voltage check against the microinverter datasheets — confirm the pairing on the manufacturer’s module compatibility list. Rows appear only when the panel’s power is inside the microinverter’s recommended module power range.
SolarEdge and other optimizer-based systems size strings by the optimizer rules — use the manufacturer’s designer. Reference inverters: most named in SoCal permits since Oct 2024.

Expected production in Southern California

NLR PVWatts v8 · Cali-Graf calculation
CitykWh / kW / yrkWh / panel / yrkWh / system / yrSun, kWh/m²/day
Los Angeles1,6761,14811,4816.08
Palmdale1,8351,25712,5706.69
Chula Vista1,6961,16211,6186.11
Huntington Beach1,6431,12511,2555.89
Riverside1,6961,16211,6186.21
Santa Clarita1,7241,18111,8096.28
749Jan750Feb962Mar1,063Apr1,050May1,116Jun1,175Jul1,189Aug1,040Sep917Oct788Nov682DeckWh per month · Los Angeles
Estimate for comparison, not a quote: shading, roof orientation and local losses change real output. Roof mount, 20° tilt, south, 14% system losses.

Compare with similar 685 W panels

CEC PV Module List (Oct 7, 2026) · datasheets · Kiwa PVEL Scorecard
PanelPmaxEfficiencyγ Pmax (CEC)Voc, VIsc, APVEL (product / brand)
Trina Solar TSM-685NEG21C.20685 W≈22.2%−0.30047.718.21product 2024
Canadian Solar CS7N-685TB-AG685 W≈22.1%−0.28547.318.34product 2024
Waaree BiN-03-685685 W≥22.1%−0.30247.718.2brand 5× (2022–2026)
Same fields from the same sources for every row; ≈ efficiency is calculated from the listed area. Comparable series: other brands, same product group, power range covering this class.

About Trina Solar

CEC PV Module List (Oct 7, 2026) · Kiwa PVEL Scorecard · RETC PV Module Index · building permits

Other series by SoCal permits

TSM-xxxDE06X.05(II) · 23TSM-xxxNE09RC.05 · 6TSM-xxxDE09C.07 · 6TSM-xxxNEG19RC.20TSM-xxxNEG9RH.25TSM-xxxNE09RH.05

Questions & answers

How efficient is the Trina Solar TSM-685NEG21C.20?

Calculated from the panel area (3.08 m²): about 22.2% for the 685 W class. 685 W over 3.08 m² equals about 222 W per square meter.

How much energy does one panel produce in Los Angeles or Palmdale?

PVWatts v8 with typical-year weather gives about 1,148 kWh per year per 685 W panel in Los Angeles and about 1,257 kWh in Palmdale (20° roof, facing south, 14% system losses).

How much power does it lose on a hot roof?

With γ = −0.300 %/°C, at a 77 °C cell temperature (hottest modeled hour in Palmdale) output is about 15.5% below the STC rating.

How many panels fit on one string?

With the Tesla 1538000-xx-y (max DC 600 V, MPPT from 60 V, datasheet) in Los Angeles the calculator gives 2–11 panels per string (Voc at 2 °C = 50.4 V, Vmp at 74 °C cell = 33.1 V). Final design must follow the inverter manual and NEC 690.7.

Is it bifacial?

Yes. Rear gain depends on mounting height and ground reflectance.

Has this panel been reliability-tested?

TSM-xxxNEG21C.20 was a PVEL Top Performer in 2024 (DH, HSS, LID+LETID, MSS, PAN, PID, TC).

Sources

  1. California Energy Commission — Solar Equipment Lists, PV Module List, Inverter List (snapshot Oct 7, 2026).
  2. Canadian Solar — datasheet New N-type Bifacial Module TOPBiHiKu7 CS7N-725|730|735|740|745|750TB-AG.
  3. Waaree — datasheet ELITE SERIES BiN-03.
  4. Kiwa PVEL — PV Module Reliability Scorecard, Top Performer lists 2014–2026.
  5. RETC — PV Module Index reports 2023–2026.
  6. NLR (formerly NREL) — System Advisor Model CEC module and inverter libraries (version 2026.7.3).
  7. Clean Energy Council (Australia) — Approved PV modules list (as of Oct 8, 2026).
  8. NLR (formerly NREL) — PVWatts v8, NSRDB PSM v3 typical-year weather for Los Angeles, Palmdale, Chula Vista, Huntington Beach, Riverside, Santa Clarita.
  9. Inverter datasheets — Solis (Ginlong), Tesla (manufacturer documents).
  10. Building permits — Southern California permit portals. Equipment matched from permit descriptions.
  11. Cali-Graf calculations — formulas and inputs are shown next to each calculated value (efficiency from area, temperature-corrected voltages, string sizing, energy estimates).