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LONGi's Hi-MO 9 Ice Shield was named a finalist of The smarter E AWARD 2026 in the Photovoltaics category
The module has been tested against hailstones up to 55 mm in diameter and is designed for regions exposed to severe weather events
Based on HPBC 2.0 back-contact technology, the bifacial module offers up to 670 W output and 24.8% efficiency
Solar modules deployed in utility-scale projects are increasingly being designed to withstand a broader range of environmental conditions. Hail resistance has become an important consideration in regions prone to severe weather, alongside module efficiency, reliability, and energy yield.
LONGi Green Energy Technology was named a finalist of The smarter E AWARD 2026 in the Photovoltaics category for its Hi-MO 9 Ice Shield module. The product is designed for utility-scale solar projects in regions exposed to hail and other extreme weather conditions.
A key feature of the module is its resistance to hail impacts. According to the company, the Hi-MO 9 Ice Shield has been tested against 45 mm hailstones at speeds of 30.7 m/s and 55 mm hailstones at 33.9 m/s when installed at a 30° inclination. LONGi states that the 55 mm hail rating covers approximately 97% of recorded hail events based on meteorological and solar asset risk-assessment data, where most hailstorms produce hailstones smaller than 50 mm in diameter.
To improve mechanical durability, the module incorporates a dual-glass structure consisting of 3.2 mm coated tempered front glass and 2.0 mm heat-strengthened rear glass. The design is paired with a reinforced aluminum frame and supports front- and rear-side mechanical loads of up to 5,400 Pa.
Based on LONGi's HPBC 2.0 back-contact cell technology, the module is available in power classes ranging from 630 W to 670 W and reaches a maximum efficiency of 24.8%. The 132-half-cell module features a bifaciality factor of 75% ±5%. LONGi specifies a first-year power degradation of <1%, followed by an annual degradation of 0.35% from years 2 to 30. The module is backed by a 30-year power warranty.
The Hi-MO 9 Ice Shield is commercially available and expands LONGi's Hi-MO 9 portfolio with a module variant focused on weather resilience for utility-scale solar projects.
TaiyangNews is preparing a new series of reports covering solar products and technologies showcased at SNEC PV 2026 and Intersolar Europe 2026. Similar to last year's publications on New Solar Modules And Mounting Systems, Cell And Module Production Equipment And Materials, and Balance-Of-System Components, the upcoming reports will review the latest product launches and technology developments presented at both events. Like all TaiyangNews reports and market surveys, the publications will be available as free downloads from the TaiyangNews website.
