- HIBC solar cell achieves record efficiency of 28.13% with independent verification.
- Integrated solar and storage strategy gains momentum with strong shipment targets.
- Cost reductions and patent portfolio reinforce long term competitiveness.
Chinese solar manufacturer LONGi has announced a new milestone in photovoltaic technology, achieving a conversion efficiency of 28.13% for its hybrid interdigitated back contact solar cell. The result was independently verified by Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin, reinforcing the company’s position at the forefront of high efficiency solar innovation.
The company also confirmed that modules based on the same HIBC architecture have reached an efficiency of 26.4%, certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. According to LONGi, these advances are already translating into improved mass production performance.
The HIBC cell architecture combines passivated tunnelling contacts, dielectric passivation layers, and both n type and p type contacts. Built on a high resistivity half cut M10 wafer, the design incorporates edge passivation and optimised contact formation using combined high and low temperature processes. Additional enhancements include an indium tin oxide layer for improved charge transport and multilayer aluminium oxide and silicon nitride coatings to reduce surface recombination.
Related news: Powered by LONGi HPBC 2.0 cell technology, redefining a new era of photovoltaic value – the HiMO X10
Further refinements include reduced phosphorus doping to limit diffusion, in situ edge passivation during fabrication, and advanced structuring such as deep trenched metal contacts and selective etching to prevent leakage. A thicker amorphous silicon layer improves junction coverage, while laser crystallisation techniques reduce contact resistance without compromising passivation.
LONGi stated that the technology shows potential for scaling within heterojunction manufacturing, although further improvements are required to minimise resistive losses in p type contacts.
Financial resilience
Alongside its technology progress, the company reported financial results reflecting ongoing industry pressure. Revenue reached CNY 70.35 billion in 2025 and CNY 11.19 billion in the first quarter of 2026, impacted by low product prices, underutilised capacity, and rising input costs.
Despite these challenges, LONGi maintained strong operational performance. Its module production to sales ratio reached 98.96%, while non silicon processing costs declined by 29% year on year. The company continues to lead globally in cumulative monocrystalline wafer shipments and holds a top two position in module shipments over the past seven years.
By the end of the reporting period, LONGi had built 46 GW of in house HPBC 2.0 cell capacity, supported by an additional 11 GW through partnerships. Its integrated operations strategy also reduced inventory turnover by 10 days, improving efficiency across the value chain.
Innovation remains a central pillar of the company’s growth strategy. LONGi recorded 10 world records in the latest solar cell efficiency tables compiled by Martin Green, spanning multiple technologies including HJT, HIBC, tandem cells and modules. The company has also secured 3,690 patents, strengthening its global intellectual property position.
Financial stability continues to underpin LONGi’s expansion. The company has maintained a top bankability rating from PV Tech for 24 consecutive cycles, with an asset liability ratio of 64.43% and interest bearing liabilities at 22.89%.
Looking ahead, LONGi is accelerating its solar and storage integration strategy. The company recently entered the energy storage sector and achieved Tier 1 manufacturer status from BloombergNEF for both PV modules and, for the first time, energy storage systems.
With global energy storage shipments expected to reach 600 GWh in 2026, up from 421 GWh in 2025, the company sees strong growth potential in integrated solutions. LONGi has launched a full stack portfolio of solar and storage products and aims to leverage customer relationships and application driven solutions to expand its global footprint.
For 2026, the company plans to ship around 100 GW of wafers and 80 GW of modules, with back contact products accounting for more than 65% of module shipments and overseas markets contributing over 50%. Energy storage shipments are targeted at 6 GWh, supporting the development of a second growth pillar alongside its core photovoltaic business.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
