The world's largest integrated PV manufacturer LONGi Solar has introduced its latest Hi-MO X6 Max back contact module series, specially designed for the distributed generation (DG) segment. The launch event, which was held on May 23, also served as a stage to showcase 3 other interesting developments from the company. The module earmarks LONGi's first product based on a rectangular wafer format. The module is based on the company's latest TaiRay wafers, and is built at its Jiaxing-based 'Lighthouse Factory'.
The Hi-MO X6 Max module utilizes LONGi's patented 2nd generation Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC) cells fabricated over its latest 182.2 x 191.6 mm or the so-called M11 size wafers. With Hi-MO X6 Max, LONGi has joined the stream of leading PV manufacturers offering modules based on rectangular wafer formats. It meets the agreed 'Golden Size' standard of 2,382 mm x 1,134 mm for the mid-power range.
LONGi Solar explains the benefits of its latest module format by comparing the 72-cell format Hi-MO X6 Max module with the conventional Hi-MO X6 series module. The former can effectively reduce the transportation cost by 0.4 cents/W and achieve a container utilization rate of 98.5%. Also, the balance of system (BoS) cost at the installation site can be reduced by 3 cents/W. From a performance perspective, the new M11 high-quality TaiRay wafer-based HPBC cell, with its lower short-circuit current compared to a 210R wafer-based module of the same size, reduces the DC cable transmission loss by 9 %, which results in a 0.1 % power generation revenue gain.
LONGi's Jiaxing-based 'Lighthouse Factory' promises quality and reliability through smart manufacturing. The company exudes confidence in the efficient production of HPBC technology-based products from its state-of-the-art factory. It claims that the fabrication unit's visual traceability system for the entire order process can shorten the delivery cycle of HPBC products by 84%.
Lv Yuan, head of LONGi Green Energy Products and Solutions Center, stated, "From the perspective of customers' power generation revenue, this size represents maximum benefits and has been recognized and affirmed by customers; from the perspective of engineering partners and auxiliary material partners, normalization is conducive to optimizing costs for the entire photovoltaic industry, merging demands and creating value together; from the perspective of logistics and transportation, containers can maximize the use of space and save transportation costs for customers."