During the SNEC PV+ 17th (2024) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai, TaiyangNews Managing Director Michael Schmela had an insightful conversation with Chairman of LONGi, Baoshen Zhong, regarding the company's pioneering role in the solar industry and its strategic focus on distributed generation technologies.
LONGi, a stalwart in the solar PV industry, has consistently pushed the envelope with record-breaking efficiencies and innovative technologies. Reflecting on LONGi's journey, Zhong emphasized the company's unwavering commitment to innovation. "LONGi has invested RMB 30 billion in R&D over the past decade, driving sustainable development and setting new industry standards," he noted.
LONGi recently announced a world record of 27.3% efficiency for its solar cells based on HBC (heterojunction back-contact) technology. Zhong attributed this success to a robust innovation culture and substantial investment in R&D. "Innovation is in our DNA, and our 5,000-strong R&D team is the largest in the world, continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible," he said.
Highlighting the latest addition to LONGi's product lineup, the Hi-MO 9 module, Zhong shared its impressive efficiency of 24.4%. "This module, based on HBC 2.0 technology, will begin mass production next year, initially targeting developed markets with high electricity prices and labor costs such as Europe, Australia, and Japan," Zhong explained.
Zhong also discussed LONGi's strategic focus on the distributed solar segment, which accounts for 40% of the company's business. "Distributed PV is crucial because it integrates seamlessly with everyday environments like rooftops and parking lots, requiring high safety standards, good aesthetics, and easy maintenance," he stated.
One of the promising areas of development is Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Zhong envisions a future where every building generates power. "We are optimistic that within 10 years, most new buildings will integrate PV products. We are working on demonstration projects to showcase these innovations," he shared.
Looking ahead, Zhong reiterated LONGi's dedication to advancing HBC 2.0 technology and exploring new product applications for both existing and new buildings. "Our goal is to make PV products that not only perform exceptionally but also complement the aesthetics of modern architecture," he concluded.
Click here to watch the full interview with LONGi Chairman Baoshen Zhong on the TaiyangNews YouTube Channel.