A brand-agnostic installer who fits Trina

Most solar firms are tied to a particular brand and sell whatever they're contracted to sell. Ashley isn't tied to any one manufacturer. He fits Trina Vertex panels and DMEGC panels with no preference between them, and chooses what suits your specific roof during the survey rather than what's on offer this month.

That's worth flagging because the panel choice is one of the few decisions on a solar install that you'll live with for 25-30 years. You want it made by someone whose opinion isn't biased by a supplier deal.

Who Ashley is

Ashley Merritt is the named director of Renegade Solar. He's been an electrician for 20+ years, MCS-certified (NAP-66870), TrustMark and NAPIT (66870) registered. He surveys, designs, installs, commissions and looks after the system afterwards, with no salesperson at the survey and no install crew you've never met.

Why he fits Trina Vertex

Trina Vertex panels and the DMEGC Infinity RT range are both N-type modules with long warranties and reliable performance in our northern climate. Ashley fits both regularly, and the choice between them on any given job comes down to:

• Roof layout and dimensions, since panel sizes vary slightly between manufacturers and the optimum array for your roof might favour one over the other
• Aesthetics, since black-framed dual-glass options are available if appearance matters
• Pricing and availability at the time, since the market moves and Ashley wants you on the panels that give the best value when the job is being done
• System integration, where matching panels to your chosen inverter and battery setup might suit one option better than the other

Either way, you're getting Tier 1 N-type modules with long warranties. Trina is on BloombergNEF's Q2 2025 Tier 1 list.

What makes the Vertex range different

Trina's Vertex S+ residential modules use n-type i-TOPCon cell technology, which is the newer cell type gradually replacing older P-type panels across the industry. The main practical differences are:

• Better performance in low light, which is useful in our climate where you're not relying on bright direct sun
• Lower year-on-year degradation, so panels keep producing closer to their original output for longer
• Higher peak efficiency, meaning more power from the same roof area

The Vertex S+ range delivers efficiency around 22.5-22.8% depending on the variant, with output up to 450W per panel. Trina's published specifications include a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year power warranty, with first-year degradation of around 1% and annual degradation around 0.4% after that.

(Trina's published warranty terms for the Vertex S+ range are the source for those figures. Ashley will confirm the exact warranty in writing as part of your quote.)

Performance in Manchester weather

Solar panels in Manchester don't need blazing sunshine to work. They generate electricity from daylight, and Manchester gets plenty of that even when it's overcast. N-type modules like the Vertex range perform better than older P-type panels in cloudy conditions and lower light levels, and the rain actually helps by keeping the panels clean and washing off dust and grime.

Battery storage with Trina panels

Trina panels work well with battery storage systems. Ashley typically pairs them with Solax or AlphaESS batteries depending on what suits your setup, with capacities from 6kWh upwards. The combination means you can store excess generation during the day and use it in the evening when everyone's home and electricity is expensive.

Installation process

Ashley personally oversees every installation, from the initial survey through to commissioning and grid connection. Being MCS-certified means your system qualifies for the Smart Export Guarantee, so you get paid for excess electricity exported back to the grid.

He'll assess your roof during the free survey, plan the optimal layout for your available space, and handle all the paperwork including building control notifications and DNO applications. Most residential installations take 1-2 days depending on system size.

Credentials

• MCS-certified installer (NAP-66870)
• TrustMark Registered
• NAPIT Registered (66870)
• Octopus Energy Trusted Partner
• 9.85/10 on Checkatrade from 105+ verified reviews
• 5-year minimum warranty on all equipment, panels warranted up to 30 years
• 2 years routine maintenance included on every installation

Areas covered

Based in Prestwich, Ashley covers the whole of Greater Manchester, including Blackley, Middleton, Failsworth, Radcliffe, Stockport, Altrincham and throughout Trafford.

Being local means no call-out charges for surveys and quick response times if you ever need anything sorting after installation.

Get a quote

If you're specifically interested in Trina Vertex panels, or just want honest advice about what'll work best on your property, get in touch for a free survey.