LONGi Solar, a global solar technology company, has entered into a significant 3-year framework agreement with PVI GmbH (PV International), a subsidiary of Solar Ruhr Group specializing in solar components and equipment wholesale. The agreement, with a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (GW), revolves around the supply of solar modules, including LONGi's highly efficient back contact modules known as Hi-MO X6.
Under this agreement, the solar modules will primarily be utilized in projects undertaken by other subsidiaries of the Solar Ruhr Group. However, they will also be distributed for broader use. The partnership underscores PVI's confidence in LONGi's leading role in the photovoltaic (PV) industry and acknowledges the Hi-MO X6 modules as the preferred choice for PVI's customers.
Nick Wang, Vice President of LONGi Europe Distributed Generation (DG), expressed gratitude for PVI's trust in LONGi and the innovative back contact technology. He emphasized the significant role of back contact cell technology in the solar industry's future, given its numerous advantages.
Dr. Oliver Klein, CEO of PVI GmbH, explained that the selection of LONGi as a partner was influenced by the company's commitment to ongoing research and development to enhance efficiency and make new technologies more accessible and cost-competitive. He noted that customers can benefit from the Hi-MO X6 modules, known for their high energy yields, even in low light conditions. Additionally, LONGi's stable supply and strong financial position were factors contributing to their preference as a partner.
The Hi-MO X6 modules are recognized for their advanced back contact technology, which incorporates a busbar-free front side. This design maximizes light utilization, minimizes optical losses, and enhances conversion efficiency, ultimately improving the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). These modules achieve cell efficiencies of up to 25.8%, outperforming conventional modules by generating 6 to 10% more power.
LONGi Solar is actively incorporating a substantial portion of back contact solar cell technology into its product portfolio, and by the end of 2023, it plans to have an HPBC (High Performance Back Contact) production capacity of 30 GW in full operation. The company foresees back contact technologies as a leading choice for crystalline silicon solar cells, poised to become a mainstream technology in the solar industry.