how we do it
LONGi develops solar technology with a clear objective: generating more electricity from the available space while improving performance over a system's operating lifetime.
Back contact technology is central to this strategy, with a cell architecture designed to maximize light absorption and increase module efficiency. Higher energy output per square meter can improve land and rooftop utilization, while reliable long-term performance increases the electricity generated over a system's lifetime. These advances connect solar technology development with measurable ESG benefits, particularly more efficient use of land and resources.
Global solar capacity reached 2.96 TW by the end of 2025, according to IEA PVPS. With solar deployment continuing to grow, the efficient use of available land and rooftop space is becoming increasingly important. Higher-efficiency modules allow more solar capacity to be installed within a given area. The amount of electricity a system produces over its lifetime also depends on how well its modules maintain their performance over time. This directly affects the environmental impact of solar electricity.
Lifecycle assessments by IEA PVPS show that module efficiency influences environmental impacts, alongside manufacturing processes, material consumption, and system lifetime. LONGi's development of back contact technology addresses the efficiency challenge, with independently verified cell efficiency records demonstrating continued progress in turning sunlight into electricity.
LONGi invests around 5% of its annual revenue in research and development. A significant focus is on advancing solar cell efficiency through improvements in cell architecture. This work supports the continued development of back contact technology and its application in commercial solar modules.
Back contact technology forms the basis of LONGi’s product portfolio. Rear-sidecontacts increase the active light-absorbing area and reduce shading losses,improving efficiency and long-term performance. The design is also compatible withnext-generation architectures, including perovskite-based tandem cells.
LONGi integrates research results into manufacturing through advanced, data-driven processes, including AI-supported inspection, machine learning, and digitalized production systems. Facilities such as the Jiaxing base enable the industrialization of high-efficiency BC technologies at scale, combining process optimization,automation, and traceability.
LONGi provides a broad module portfolio suited for a wide range of real-world conditions, from rooftops to commercial and utility-scale applications. Module types are adapted to environments such as space constraints, temperature extremes,glare-sensitive locations, partial shading, and water-based installations. This enables solar deployment in locations that are often excluded, expanding the surface area available for solar generation and supporting broader decarbonization.
LONGi’s ESG performance is assessed through leading international frameworks, providing transparent, comparable data on climate impact, supply chain responsibility, and corporate governance.
High-efficiency back contact modules increase electricity generation over the system lifetime. Systems using BC technology can achieve up to 10% higher energy yield under real operating conditions, depending on installation constraints. Higher yieldper installed capacity improves project economics and contributes to lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), supporting faster displacement of fossil-based generation.
Higher output per module reduces the number of modules required to reach a given system capacity. This lowers balance-of-system (BOS) requirements, including mounting structures, cabling, and installation effort. Fewer components per system simplify design and improve material efficiency, contributing to cost optimization at system level.
Module performance under real operating conditions determines long-term energy output. Low degradation rates, typically around 1% in the first year and approximately 0.35% annually, together with a favorable temperature coefficient, support stable performance across environments such as heat, humidity, and partial shading. This reduces lifetime yield losses and contributes to predictable system performance, supported by product warranties of up to 30 years.
LONGi's 2025 Sustainability Report highlights supplier ESG training, improved environmental standards and responsible sourcing across its solar supply chain.
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New solar efficiency records, advanced BC technology and specialised modules are expanding access to affordable solar energy under LONGi's Solar for All initiative.
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