China solar giant launches new module range to address glaring issue at airports

Chinese solar manufacturing giant Longi has unveiled new anti-glare solar modules at an airport in China which the company says ensures top of the line performance while also significantly reducing light reflection.

Longi announced last week that it had completed the installation of its new Hi-MO X6 Anti-Glare solar modules at an unnamed airport in China and signalled that modules with its new anti-glare technology would soon be available in Australia.

Compared to conventional solar modules – which feature metallic silver busbars and blue cell surfaces, resulting in intense and potentially dangerous reflection at certain angles – LONGi’s new Hi-MO X6 Anti-Glare module features a matte black cell and sub-micron small textured surface, properties which drastically reduce glare and eliminate the need for front-facing metallic busbars.

The solar modules also feature a nano-scale anti-reflective coating and specially treated glass which further minimise light reflection.

According to Longi the new modules have already passed “rigorous” testing Singapore’s SAC-certified OTM lab, which found the total solar reflectivity of the modules to be just 0.9 per cent.

China’s National Center of Supervision and Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Product Quality (CPVT) also tested the anti-glare performance of LONGi’s Hi-MO X6 modules and compared it with conventional TOPCon modules.

The tests revealed that the reflectivity was up to 74.5 per cent lower than conventional TOPCon dual-glass modules, and that the maximum brightness in the busbar area was reduced by 99.28 per cent.

As the number of solar installations have increased around the globe, concerns regarding the reflectivity of solar modules have grown in tandem.

While residential rooftop solar panels may be unlikely to provide much of a nuisance except in built-up areas, solar farms and commercial and industrial (C&I) solar installations are often located in sensitive areas where the glare from solar panels could have life-threatening consequences – such as for pilots, train engineers, and drivers, not to mention the potential nuisance factor for nearby residents.

Recently, the operators of the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol were forced to close the Polderbaan Runway during 10am and 12pm in sunny weather due to the glare from nearby solar panels.

Specifically, the solar panels below the approach route to the Polderbaan Runway, though they are located outside of the landing area, nevertheless create enough glare to hinder visibility for pilots.  

Australia’s specific landscape and geography makes it common for C&I centres to be located directly adjacent to residential areas or critical infrastructure like airports and rail lines.

LONGi therefore expects its new Hi-MO X6 modules will provide Australian C&I solar installers with a valuable new option that is capable of delivering competitive performance and an anti-glare solution.

Renew Economy has reached out to LONGi to confirm if and when the new Hi-MO X6 modules will be available in Australia and will update this article as appropriate.

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