World-leading solar tech available for private homes: LONGi brings high-efficiency module series EcoLife to homeowners

Many homeowners don’t give much thought to the type of solar module they install. But with rapid advances in solar technology, it’s worth a closer look. One of the world’s leading solar manufacturers is now making its most efficient and powerful module available to homeowners.

One of the standout moments at this year’s Intersolar trade fair in Munich clearly came from LONGi. We introduced the EcoLife Series, our most powerful solar module series to date, to the residential market. It provides a maximum power output of 510 W at an efficiency of 25%. Current industry efficiency rankings suggest that the premium module from the EcoLife module ranks as the world’s most efficient solar module. Just days earlier, another module from the EcoLife Series received the prestigious Smarter E Award in the photovoltaics category.

Strong energy output on small roofs due to Back Contact technology

As the trend toward smaller solar panels grows, which is largely driven by aesthetic preferences and safety considerations, module efficiency becomes more important. The average efficiency range for commercially available solar modules lies between 21 to 24 percent for conventional technologies. So-called back contact modules sit at the very top of today’s commercial spectrum and thus hold the best performance parameter, especially for residential applications. All modules from the EcoLife Series are back contact modules.

The premium version achieves an efficiency of 25%, approximately one percentage point higher than the industry average for current mainstream modules. In solar technology, a 1% gain in efficiency is like shaving seconds off a sprint record - seemingly small, but a significant leap in performance. More efficiency generates more electricity from the same roof area. This makes the modules particularly advantageous for homes with limited space. In 2023, LONGi already announced its strategic shift toward high-performance back contact technology, citing its higher efficiency potential and greater reliability, particularly in resisting issues like microcracks that can affect long-term performance.

Wires on the front usually cast shadows, back contact moves them to the back, letting the cell capture more sunlight

Unlike conventional solar panels, all the electrical contacts are moved to the back of the cell, eliminating the visible front-side wires. This reduces shading and allows more sunlight to reach the solar cells, which in turn increases efficiency. This is especially beneficial for partially shaded areas, or regions with frequent low-light conditions.

The module also comes with an integrated shading optimizer. This means you don’t need to cut back trees or remove nearby objects to benefit from strong solar performance. “Normally, when part of a solar panel is shaded, by leaves, branches, or other obstacles, the entire panel’s output can drop significantly. The shading optimizer in the EcoLife Series allows that the energy flow is automatically rerouted around the shaded area, helping the panel maintain steady performance even in less-than-ideal conditions”, says Sebastian Pannier, Product Manager for the LONGi DACH region.

The back contact cell architecture does not only boost energy gains. It also gives the panel a clean, all-black appearance that blends seamlessly with rooftops, the company claims. “Solar as well as all the transitions towards new energy in private homes is no longer just about saving on energy bills. It’s becoming part of how people shape their homes and lifestyles. The sleek and beautiful design of back contact panels is a strong visual statement that aligns with the way we want to live today”, says Nadine Bütow from Head of Communication Europe at LONGi.

Withstanding hurricane-level winds and high snow loads

Our new module series is engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. The premium version of the series is built to handle snow loads of up to four meters and withstand wind gusts comparable to hurricane-level storms. The module holds a Class A fire rating and includes a 30-year warranty. Long-term reliability is considered a key factor in solar modules, especially since most homeowners aim to invest once and benefit from it for decades. “For many homeowners, reliability ranks among the top priorities. For them, solar is not just a purchase, but a long-term investment”, says Sebastian.  

LONGi has led the way in solar tech for years. Now homeowners get a share of the rewards

Our success is no coincidence. Years of focused research and innovation have propelled us to the forefront of solar technology development. 21 world records for solar cell efficiency since 2021, 5 alone in the past two years are on our list. Research and development have always been integral to LONGi’s identity, driving continuous innovation and advancements in solar technology. It’s not just about chasing innovation. We continuously push efficiency to new levels. Every small gain in efficiency means more clean energy can be produced in the same space, system costs are reduced, and the transition to a sustainable future is accelerated. That’s the real impact, and it’s what drives us forward.

We believe that it’s worthwhile for homeowners to get familiar with the available technologies on the market for their own benefit. “Not all solar panels are created equal. There are big differences in quality, reliability, and performance across the market, yet many of them look the same on the surface. For homeowners, it’s helpful to understand the basics of solar module technology and their key characteristics. This knowledge can make a big difference in whether the system still performs well after 30 years, or not,” explains Sebastian.

EcoLife is available through regional installers

The EcoLife Series is already available in Europe, the new Hi-MO S10 will join in August. Homeowners can contact their regional installers for availability. More information can be viewed on https://eu.longi.com/ecolife-residential-series