LONGi Debuts Hi-MO 9 in Madrid: Ushering in the “HPBC Era” of Photovoltaics
In Madrid, Spain, global solar technology leader LONGi unveiled a groundbreaking achievement: a new world-record efficiency of 27.3% for crystalline silicon solar cells alongside the official global launch of its flagship module, the Hi-MO 9.
Powered by LONGi’s proprietary HPBC 2.0 (Hybrid Passivated Back Contact) cell architecture, the Hi-MO 9 delivers a maximum power output of 660W with module conversion efficiency reaching 24.43%. By placing all electrical contacts on the back of the cell, Hi-MO 9 modules maximize light absorption, significantly lower Balance of System (BOS) costs, and deliver superior lifetime power yields for utility-scale solar projects.
Addressing industry debate regarding back-contact technology, LONGi clarified three common market misconceptions surrounding the transition into a comprehensive “HPBC Era.”
Clarifying 3 Common Misconceptions About HPBC Technology
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ LONGi HPBC 2.0 Platform │
│ (Hybrid Passivated Back Contact) │
└──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┘
│ │ │
┌───────┴───────┐ ┌───────┴───────┐ ┌───────┴───────┐
│ Platform Tech │ │ Full-Scenario │ │ Ultra-High │
│ (Not TOPCon) │ │ Usage (Bifacial)│ │ Reliability │
└───────────────┘ └───────────────┘ └───────────────┘
Misconception #1: “HPBC is Just Another Incremental Cell Step Like TOPCon”
LONGi emphasized that HPBC is not merely an incremental cell modification like TOPCon or HJT; it is a foundational platform technology. Similar to how monocrystalline silicon replaced polycrystalline tech to create a foundation for PERC and TOPCon, HPBC serves as the overarching platform for the next decade of PV advancements.
While commercializing first-generation HPBC presented significant process challenges, LONGi’s second-generation HPBC 2.0 represents the pinnacle of monocrystalline innovation—hence the symbolic naming of the Hi-MO 9 generation.
Misconception #2: “HPBC is Only About High Efficiency”
While the 24.43% module efficiency mark sets a benchmark, efficiency is only part of the value proposition. HPBC 2.0 brings major structural reliability upgrades:
- Reduced Cell Degradation: Lower first-year and linear annual power attenuation.
- Superior Thermal Performance: Lower temperature coefficients ensure higher power output under extreme heat.
- Enhanced Low-Light Yield: Earlier morning and later evening power generation.
- Mitigation of Delamination & Cracking: Back-contact busbar design eliminates front-side solder stress, drastically reducing micro-cracks and delamination risks.
Misconception #3: “HPBC is Restricted to High-End Residential Rooftops”
While first-generation HPBC modules focused primarily on distributed residential roof applications, second-generation HPBC 2.0 is engineered for full-scenario deployment.
The Hi-MO 9 is explicitly designed for utility-scale, ground-mounted power plants. LONGi introduced comprehensive optical and structural optimizations to maximize back-side power generation (bifaciality), ensuring high yield performance in ground-mounted and tracker-based installations.
Looking Ahead to the HPBC Era
Despite current global supply-demand imbalances pressing module pricing across the supply chain, LONGi remains confident that technological innovation will drive market rebalancing.
With ambitious three-year capacity targets for monocrystalline wafers, HPBC cells, and high-efficiency modules, LONGi is steering the global market toward an HPBC-centered ecosystem characterized by maximum efficiency, long-term asset reliability, and superior return on investment.
For installers and project developers seeking high-efficiency system designs, pairing advanced solar panels with certified Deye hybrid inverters and high-capacity lithium battery systems provides a complete, long-term solar energy solution.
