Trinasolar US, a global provider of smart solar products and energy solutions, participated in Wood Mackenzie’s 2025 Solar & Energy Storage Summit—an influential two-day event that brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss shifting policies, supply chain trends, and strategies to advance clean energy deployment and extend module lifecycles.
Billy Christie, Director of the Engineering Center at Trinasolar US, participated in the panel discussion titled “Solar Modules from Cradle to Grave.” Drawing on over a decade of industry experience, he shared how Trinasolar is advancing solar module sustainability through cutting-edge manufacturing processes, enhanced reliability, and strategic decommissioning planning. He also highlighted the company’s collaboration with partners to develop transparent decommissioning strategies, stressing the importance of integrating circularity and materials recovery into the early stages of project development.
Christie noted that Trinasolar is at the forefront of deploying next-generation cell technologies, such as high-efficiency n-type TOPCon modules, at scale. He emphasized that these innovations not only boost energy yield but also contribute to more sustainable manufacturing by lowering carbon emissions, reducing waste through automation, and supporting domestic content requirements. According to Christie, these advancements are essential for minimizing the environmental impact of solar modules while enabling cost-effective, large-scale clean energy deployment.
Billy Christie offered valuable insights during the discussion, highlighting the need to design solar panels with disassembly and end-of-life considerations from the beginning. He explained how regional requirements often drive product innovation, pointing to a broader industry trend that prioritizes durability and long-term reliability. Christie emphasized that the quality of a solar module is closely linked to its end-of-life performance, advocating for design approaches that enhance efficiency, repairability, and recyclability from the start.
With over 27 years of experience, Trina has consistently delivered cutting-edge technological innovation along with strong financial performance. Earlier this year, the company was named to BloombergNEF’s Tier 1 PV module manufacturer list, reinforcing its position as a leader in smart photovoltaic and energy storage solutions.
