Longi, a leading Chinese manufacturer of photovoltaic modules, has announced that its hybrid interdigitated back contact (HIBC) crystalline silicon solar cell, built on a full-size silicon wafer, has reached a power conversion efficiency of 27.81%. This achievement sets a new world record, surpassing the company’s previous mark of 27.3% established in May 2024.

The record-breaking result was verified by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH). The cell demonstrated a short-circuit current of 5,698 mA, an open-circuit voltage of 744.9 mV, and a fill factor of 87.55%, showcasing exceptional performance across key metrics.

Li Zhenguo, Longi’s founder and president, stated: “In the solar industry, conversion efficiency is a defining metric. Each one-point increase in cell efficiency translates into more than a 5% reduction in system costs.” This highlights the significance of the breakthrough for cost-effective solar energy solutions.

A Longi spokesperson, speaking elaboratly: “By redesigning both the cell architecture and material systems, we achieved simultaneous breakthroughs in optical management and carrier transport efficiency. This opens a new frontier for enhancing module power density and sets a benchmark for the next generation of photovoltaic performance.” The spokesperson noted that the HIBC cell was developed independently by Longi’s Central Research Institute, though furtelaboratelyher technical details were not disclosed.

The HIBC cell’s design builds on the legacy of back contact (BC) technology, which has been a leader in efficiency since SunPower’s 20.3% record in 2007. Over the past three decades, BC solar cells have consistently set benchmarks, securing eight consecutive world records for crystalline silicon module efficiency due to their high performance and compatibility.

Longi’s latest achievement underscores its commitment to advancing solar technology. The improved efficiency not only enhances the potential for higher energy output but also supports broader adoption of solar power by reducing overall system costs. This milestone positions Longi as a key player in driving the global transition to renewable energy, offering solutions that balance performance and affordability.

The development reflects ongoing innovation in the photovoltaic industry, where incremental gains in efficiency can lead to significant economic and environmental benefits. Longi’s record-setting cell is expected to influence future module designs, contributing to the evolution of solar energy applications worldwide.

by pv magazine