LONGi’s HPBC 2.0 technology has received well-deserved international recognition after setting a world record for efficiency—achieving 25.4% at the module level in October 2024. The company has been honored with the EUPD Research Top Innovation Award 2025, a prestigious accolade from EUPD Research that celebrates the most groundbreaking advancements in the renewable energy sector. The award highlights innovations that excel in technology, sustainability, and market impact.
A breakthrough in back-contact solar technology
LONGi received the award in the “Modules” category, recognizing its commitment to advancing solar technology, particularly back-contact (BC) technology—a cutting-edge approach designed to enhance solar cell efficiency.
For those unfamiliar, BC technology represents a next-generation solar cell design that improves energy conversion efficiency. As the name suggests, it shifts electrical contacts to the back of the cell, leaving the front surface free of obstructions. This allows more sunlight to reach the absorber, reducing shading losses and boosting power output. Additionally, the absence of a traditional front-side metal grid gives the panels a sleek, uniform appearance, making them more aesthetically appealing.
But LONGi’s HPBC 2.0 takes it even further. Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC) technology integrates advanced passivation techniques to minimize losses and increase open-circuit voltage. Moreover, it is compatible with P-type silicon wafers, broadening its application potential.
Currently, only two LONGi photovoltaic module types incorporate HPBC 2.0:
- Hi-MO 9 – Designed for utility-scale projects.
- Hi-MO X10 – Tailored for residential and commercial & industrial (C&I) markets.
LONGi is the first company to win the Top Innovation Award for Europe in the “Modules” category since the award’s inception in 2024.
HPBC 2.0: Selected based on six key criteria
The EUPD Research Top Innovation Award evaluates innovations based on:
- Technological advancement – The level of improvement over existing solutions.
- Environmental impact – Contributions to sustainability, efficiency enhancement, and carbon footprint reduction.
- Innovation uniqueness – How the technology differentiates from industry standards.
- Market disruption – The potential to reshape market trends.
- Performance parameters – Verified efficiency gains, durability, and real-world benefits.
- End-user benefits – Added value for customers, installers, and energy consumers.
Industry leaders weigh in on HPBC 2.0’s impact
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from EUPD, recognizing our relentless commitment to innovation and excellence in photovoltaic technology,” said Super Jia, President of LONGi Europe DG Business Unit. “This achievement is a testament to LONGi’s leadership in back-contact technology, setting new industry benchmarks for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.”
Francesco Emmolo, General Manager Italy and Greece at LONGi Utility Business Unit, added:
“Back-contact technology is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the solar industry. This prestigious award underscores the immense innovation potential of BC technology, which continues to drive major advancements in solar module efficiency and overall energy output.”