Trinasolar and Spear Commercial Complete Unique 1.3 MW Rooftop and Carport Solar Installation for Drake Plastics

Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy solutions, supplied its Vertex N PV modules for a 1.3 MW rooftop and carport solar PV system at Drake Plastics Ltd. Co.'s new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas. Completed late in 2025, the project was engineered and installed in partnership with Spear Commercial & Industrial(Spear), a leading solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm. The commercial and industrial (C&I) solar system features 324 of Trinasolar's Vertex N PV modules (NEG19RC.20) integrated across the facility's rooftop and custom-designed carport for employees and visitors.

Through creative collaboration, Drake and Spear engineered the carport's module layout to spell out "DRAKE" in large letters. The unique design transformed the installation into both a renewable energy asset and a branded statement visible to the high volume of air traffic that flies over the Drake complex on its approach to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Spear specified Trinasolar's Vertex N modules for their high-efficiency N-type TOPCon cell technology, which reduced the number of modules needed to meet Drake's performance goals, allowing for more design flexibility while lowering balance-of-system (BOS) costs and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Vertex N's low temperature coefficient also ensures strong output in the hot Gulf Coast climate.

The new PV system daytime output is typically 120% of Drake’s afternoon power consumption, which corresponds with their highest loads as well as peak grid demand. Drake’s goal to achieve 30% overall energy use offset has been achieved. The system is projected to deliver an internal rate of return (IRR) of nearly 20% with a payback period of under four years. It is also estimated to eliminate 719 tons of CO2 annually — equivalent to removing 137 cars from the road each year.

“Trina’s Vertex N modules let the system maximize solar energy generation despite the constrained footprint of the rooftop and carport design,” said Mark Rangel, executive vice president of Spear. “We’re pleased that it provides Drake a very attractive rate of return in a short payback period and satisfies their energy objectives cost-effectively. And we enjoyed working with Drake to inject some creativity into the project by using the modules to display a highly visible brand statement.”

“The new solar installation fulfills several important goals,” said Steve Quance, president of Drake Plastics. “It aligns precisely with our Mission Statement commitment to “Be good stewards of our environment and an asset to our community.” Our solar plant puts power into the grid when it is needed the most- doing the right thing never goes out of style. It also tracks with our “Lean” ethos to eliminate waste and inefficiency; the direct power offset provides cost benefits that help Drake compete and grow.”

The project moved from contract signing to commissioning in six months, thanks in part to the decade-long partnership between Spear and Trinasolar, which has spanned roughly 20 MW of installed capacity annually.

Download the full Drake Plastics Customer Success Story here to read more about this innovative PV system and Trinasolar’s Vertex N.

Trinasolar | https://www.trinasolar.com/en-glb/

Drake Plastics | www.drakeplastics.com