Longi sets new silicon solar cell efficiency world record of 26.8 pct

Chinese solar giant Longi has set a new efficiency world record for silicon solar cells, achieving 26.81% efficiency for its HJT silicon solar cells on full-size silicon wafers through mass production.

The new record, certified by the Institute for Solar Energy Research in Germany, was announced by Martin Green, Scientia Professor at Australia’s University of New South Wales known globally as the “father of photovoltaics.”

“This outstanding achievement will be included in the next version of efficiency tables that published in the progress in photovoltaics,” said Green, in a video message.

Longi’s 26.81% efficiency bests the 2017 world record of 26.7% that was set by “a Japanese company,” as Longi put it, likely referring to chemical manufacturer Kaneka Corporation.

A first for China

Longi’s achievement also marks the first time ever that a Chinese solar company has set a world record for silicon solar cell efficiency.

Longi’s R&D team has been slowly setting new records for its HJT solar cells, moving from 25.26% in June 2021 to 26.81% today, a 1.55% increase in 16 months.

“Improving the efficiency and reducing the LCOE (levelised cost of energy) is the eternal theme of the development of photovoltaic industry,” said Li Zhenguo, founder and president of Longi.

“Solar cell efficiency is the beacon of photovoltaic technology innovation. Every 0.01% improvement in solar cell conversion efficiency requires enormous efforts.

“In particular, crystalline silicon solar cells account for nearly 95% of the current photovoltaic market, so the ultimate efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells also shows the development potential and direction of the photovoltaic industry, which is of great significance in the entire photovoltaic industry.”