Trinasolar Supplies 1.3 MW Vertex N Modules for Drake Plastics’ Texas Solar Project

Trinasolar has supplied its Vertex N photovoltaic (PV) modules for a 1.3 MW rooftop and carport solar project at Drake Plastics Ltd. Co.’s new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas. The commercial and industrial (C&I) solar installation was completed in late 2025 and was engineered and installed by Spear Commercial & Industrial (Spear).

The project comprises 324 Vertex N PV modules (NEG19RC.20) installed across the facility’s rooftop and a custom-designed carport. As part of the project design, Drake Plastics and Spear arranged the modules on the carport to spell out “DRAKE” in large letters, turning the solar installation into a visible branding feature for aircraft approaching Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Solar System Targets 30% Energy Offset

The new solar system generates daytime output equivalent to around 120% of Drake Plastics’ afternoon electricity consumption, coinciding with the company’s highest power loads and periods of peak grid demand.

The installation has achieved Drake’s target of offsetting approximately 30% of its overall energy consumption. The project is expected to deliver an internal rate of return (IRR) of nearly 20%, with a payback period of less than four years.

The system is also estimated to avoid approximately 719 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to taking around 137 cars off the road each year.

Vertex N Modules Selected for High-Efficiency Performance

Spear selected Trinasolar’s Vertex N modules based on their N-type TOPCon cell technology and high-efficiency performance. According to the companies, the technology helped reduce the number of modules required to meet the facility’s energy targets, providing greater flexibility within the constrained rooftop and carport footprint.

The modules’ low temperature coefficient is also expected to support consistent energy generation in the hot Gulf Coast climate, while the reduced module count can help lower balance-of-system (BOS) costs and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).

Mark Rangel, Executive Vice President of Spear, said the Vertex N modules enabled the project to maximise solar generation within the available space while delivering an attractive return and short payback period for Drake Plastics.

Steve Quance, President of Drake Plastics, said the installation supports the company’s environmental objectives while helping reduce energy costs. He added that the direct power offset aligns with the company’s focus on reducing waste and improving operational efficiency.

Project Commissioned in Six Months

The project progressed from contract signing to commissioning in approximately six months. Trinasolar and Spear said their long-standing partnership contributed to the project’s execution.

The companies have collaborated for around a decade, with their partnership covering approximately 20 MW of installed solar capacity annually.