Longi Advances Solar Research: Company Achieves two new World-Record Efficiencies For Hibc Solar Cells and Modules

Xi’an (China) – Chinese solar manufacturer Longi has announced two new world-record efficiencies for its Hybrid Interdigitated Back Contact (HIBC) technology.

The Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) in Germany certified a cell efficiency of 28.13%, according to Longi. In addition, the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) confirmed a module efficiency of 26.4% for modules based on HIBC cells.

The HIBC cells were developed at Longi’s central research and development institute. According to the company, key technologies used include in-situ Patterned Edge Passivation (iPET) and Laser-Induced Crystallization (LIC). The focus was on improving optical performance, interface passivation, and charge transport properties.

While Longi continues to increase efficiencies at laboratory level, the HIBC technology has already reached a high performance level in commercial applications. In April 2026, research media company TaiyangNews published a ranking of efficiencies for commercial solar modules. The Longi EcoLife series based on HIBC technology ranked first with a module efficiency of 25%, according to serial production data. This, according to Longi, marks an increasing transition of the technology from research into industrial-scale mass production.

Longi said it is increasingly focused on transferring laboratory research results into mass production. The goal is to accelerate the industrial scaling of high-efficiency solar technologies and expand their use in the global energy system.

Source: IWR Online, 29 Apr 2026