Trinasolar’s Zaheer Khan on bringing next-generation solar to Africa’s industrial future
As Africa’s energy conversation shifts from adding capacity to powering an industrialised future, Trinasolar used the Africa Energy Forum to launch its latest module generation. Zaheer Khan, Head of Sales for Southern Africa, spoke to ENN about what the G3 range means for the continent, why the market is moving towards integrated solar and storage, and where the biggest opportunities lie over the next five years. The following interview is shared with thanks to Trinasolar.
Interviewee: Mr. Zaheer Khan | Head of Sales, Southern Africa | Trinasolar
Media Outlet: AEF Daily Newspaper and ENN Newsletter Interview
1. Trinasolar is using AEF 2026 to launch its new Vertex N G3 and Vertex S+ G3 modules in Africa. Why is this launch a significant milestone for the company and for the African solar market?
The launch of Vertex N G3 and Vertex S+ G3 at Africa Energy Forum is an important milestone because it brings Trinasolar’s latest generation of n-type i-TOPCon Ultra technology directly to one of the world’s most dynamic solar markets.
For Trinasolar, this launch reflects our commitment to higher-efficiency, scenario-based solutions that serve the full range of applications, from utility-scale projects to C&I and residential systems. The Vertex N G3 flagship module delivers up to 760W output and 24.5% efficiency, engineered for utility-scale projects with superior energy yield, lower LCOE and exceptional durability in Africa’s most demanding environments. Also, within the Vertex N G3 range, a configuration optimized for 1P tracker systems delivers up to 670W and 24.8% efficiency, maximizing string power and reducing system costs for large-scale deployments.
The Vertex S+ G3 brings up to 485W output and 24.3% efficiency in a design suited for C&I and residential rooftops. Together, they extend the G3 generation’s performance gains across every segment of the market, backed by long-term reliability and a 30-year power guarantee.
For Africa, the significance is practical. Solar projects across the continent must deliver more power, stronger reliability, and better economics under challenging conditions such as high temperatures, dust, humidity, coastal environments, and remote locations. These modules are designed to help developers increase energy yield, reduce LCOE, and improve long-term project returns. That is exactly what the African market needs as solar scales from early adoption to industrial-grade deployment.
2. Africa’s energy priorities are increasingly centred on industrial growth, mining, and large-scale power demand. How do next-generation solar technologies help meet these evolving requirements?
Africa’s energy demand is changing. The conversation is no longer only about adding capacity; it is about delivering the energy infrastructure of an industrialized future, with reliable and competitive power capable of supporting heavy industry, mines, data centers, ports, and fast-growing cities. These sectors need energy systems that can support continuous operations, long-term planning, and lower exposure to fuel price volatility.
Next-generation solar technologies play a major role in meeting these requirements by generating more power from the same project footprint and improving performance across the full system lifecycle. Higher module efficiency allows developers to maximise output from available land, which is especially important for large industrial and utility-scale projects. At the same time, lower temperature coefficients, stronger bifacial performance, and reduced degradation are critical in Africa’s climate, where high heat, dust, and harsh operating conditions can directly affect long-term project economics.
For industrial users, it is not only about peak power. It is about predictable performance over decades. That is where advanced module technology, combined with storage and tracking, becomes especially important. Solar can provide highly competitive generation, storage can extend its value beyond daylight hours and support grid stability, while trackers help increase yield and optimise land use.
Bankability is equally critical. Industrial and mining projects require energy partners that can support large-scale deployment with proven technology, global manufacturing capability, and long-term product performance. Trinasolar has achieved a 100% bankability rating in BNEF’s annual survey eight times, reflecting sustained confidence from global financial institutions in our technology, supply chain, and long-term reliability.
Trinasolar continues to advance solar innovation, setting multiple industry benchmarks in high-efficiency technologies. In 2025, its self-developed large-area n-type bifacial i-TOPCon solar cells achieved a world-record efficiency of 26.68%. In 2026, the company’s 3.1m² perovskite/crystalline silicon tandem module reached a record peak output power of 907W. Trinasolar has also demonstrated strong leadership in perovskite tandem technology, breaking world records for cell efficiency and module power output six consecutive times, while making significant progress toward commercialization and maintaining a leading position in global invention patents.
That credibility is backed by a proven delivery record across Africa. In South Africa, where Trinasolar holds the number one market share position and a project pipeline exceeding 2GW. We have delivered landmark utility-scale projects including the 506MW Khauta Solar Project and the Mulilo project portfolio, comprising the 382MW Beaufort, 338MW Middlepunt and 220MW Orkney Solar Project, totaling around 940MW of delivered solar capacity. That combination of technology, bankability, and execution capability is exactly what Africa’s next phase of industrial energy demand requires.
3. Beyond solar modules, Trinasolar is showcasing an integrated ecosystem including battery storage and tracking solutions. Why is the market moving towards fully integrated energy solutions rather than standalone technologies?
The market is moving toward integrated energy solutions because energy projects today are judged by total system performance, not by individual components.
A high-efficiency module is essential, but its value increases when it is combined with the right tracker, storage system, digital control, and engineering approach. Trackers help maximise energy yield and optimise land use, especially in utility-scale projects. The TrinaTracker Vanguard 1P Terrain+ solution we are featuring at AEF is designed for utility-scale deployment across complex and uneven terrain, enabling enhanced adaptability across varied site profiles while preserving natural topography. By reducing grading requirements and minimizing earthworks, it lowers civil engineering costs, reduces environmental impact, and supports more cost-efficient project execution.
Battery storage is another critical part of the equation. It allows solar power to support evening demand, grid stability, and more predictable energy delivery. Safety is also central to large-scale storage adoption, especially for utility and industrial projects. Trina Storage’s Elementa and Electra solutions form a fully integrated system covering both the DC and AC sides, demonstrating the company’s “Cell-to-AC” capability. Elementa 3 features a 6.25MWh capacity with 587Ah battery cells and a 120-minute fire resistance rating. For Electra, the platform combines PCS and medium-voltage transformer functions. By streamlining grid interconnection, Electra will enhance coordination between the DC and AC sides.
At AEF, Trinasolar is presenting this full ecosystem: Vertex modules, Trina Storage Elementa + Electra, and TrinaTracker Vanguard 1P Terrain+. Together, they give developers and utilities a more complete solution that can improve yield, reduce risk, and support faster project execution.
What differentiates Trinasolar is not only its integrated portfolio but also its proven track record. With nearly three decades of experience in the solar industry, Trinasolar has built a reputation as a trusted global partner, with its modules deployed in projects around the world. Customers value not only the company’s technological innovation and product quality, but also the strength of its local support teams, which provide on-the-ground expertise and responsive service to help ensure project success throughout the entire lifecycle.
4. Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest opportunity for solar and storage in Africa over the next five years, and where is Trinasolar focusing its efforts to support that growth?
The biggest opportunity over the next five years is for solar and storage to become a core enabler of Africa’s industrialised future. As the continent expands manufacturing, mining, data infrastructure, transport, and urban development, the need is not only for more electricity, but for reliable, affordable, and scalable power that can support long-term economic growth.
Africa’s solar development pipeline now stands at approximately 133 GW, and in 2025 alone, new solar installations across the continent grew 54% year-on-year — the fastest rate ever recorded. The challenge is no longer whether the market exists; it is ensuring the right technology, financing, and partnerships are in place to unlock it at speed.
This is where solar and storage can play a transformative role. Solar is already one of the most competitive sources of new power, while storage helps extend its value beyond daylight hours, support grid stability, and make clean energy more dependable for industrial and utility-scale applications. Together, they can help African markets move faster toward energy systems that are cleaner, more resilient, and better aligned with industrial demand.
Abydos in Egypt is a good example of where the market is heading. Trina Storage supplied its Elementa system for the 300MWh BESS project, delivered as an extension of AMEA Power’s 500MW solar PV plant in Aswan. The project became Egypt’s first integrated utility-scale solar and storage facility and moved from installation to grid connection in just 60 days. It shows how Trinasolar’s storage technology can strengthen solar deployment, support grid reliability, and enable faster integration of clean energy at scale.
Trinasolar is focusing on three areas to support this growth. First, bringing high-efficiency module technology to improve project output and reduce LCOE. Second, expanding integrated solar, storage, and tracker solutions that help developers design stronger and more bankable projects. Third, deepening our partnerships across Africa through local engagement, technical support, and long-term collaboration with developers, utilities, governments, and financial institutions.
Our focus is not simply to supply products. It is to support the energy infrastructure Africa needs to industrialise, compete, and grow sustainably.
