Leading Chinese solar PV module manufacturer LONGi has launched a new black dual-glass back contact module with a 22.3% conversion efficiency. Targeted at the European market, the new module hopes to meet higher aesthetic standards and minimum efficiency expectations from the demanding European market.
Besides the Ultra black, LONGi is showcasing five module innovations based on back contact technology for the DG as well as Utility segment: the Hi-MO X6 Max Scientist, the new premium module Hi-MO X6 Artist Ultra Black, the Hi-MO X6 Max Anti-Dust and Anti-Humidity as well as the Hi-MO 9 based on the second generation of HPBC. LONGi believes that the BC technology platform is a necessary path towards the ultimate efficiency of crystalline silicon cells.
Presented at the Intersolar show in Munich, Germany, the Hi-MO X6 Artist Ultra Black module generates up to 435W and comes with a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year power warranty. Importantly, the new module is a showcase of the firm’s proprietary hybrid passivated back contact (HPBC) cells which allow for a gridless and zero busbar (0BB) front for lossless light absorption. The low reflective texture of the HPBC black cell provides deeper light trapping, reducing reflection and a 1.2% light absorption increase. LONGi has been making a strong case about the future of back contact cells post the TOPCon era.
The module is already available across its distributors in Europe, and hopes to see uptake across the residential, C&I and Utility scale segments.
The all-black appearance was achieved through a special glass surface structure and a premium cell process done through automated optical inspection (AOI) during manufacturing of the modules.
Keeping in mind European weather conditions, the dual-glass module has a thicker glass front (by 2mm versus 1.6 mm) and Polyolefin Elastomer (POE) film for the module’s encapsulation to provide higher reliability and safety.
The module also increased its impact resistance against hailstorms – and exceeds the IEC standards tests (25 mm hailstones at 23 m/s).
When comparing with the dominant TOPCon modules in the market right now, LONGi has claimed that the lack of shading in its HPBC cells allows for the light absorption to increase by more than 2% compared to tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules with similar power. This results in a lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The Ultra back module comes at a slight premium to existing TOPcon modules.
