LONGi and SM Advance Energy Sign MoU for Groundbreaking Solar Technological Park in the Canary Islands

‍Munich, Germany, 8^th May 2025 – LONGi, a global leader in solar technology, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with with SM Advance Energy to develop all its solar energy projects in the Canary Islands and Atlantic Africa, including the Parque Tecnológico de Energía Solar Gran Canaria (ESGC), of which SM Advance Energy is a partner and manager. The project will serve as a dynamic platform for technological demonstration, agrivoltaic integration, and sustainability-driven research.

The ESGC Technology Park will be a technological hub and a knowledge-based tourist destination.

The ESGC Technological Park, located on the island of Gran Canaria, will bring together LONGi’s full portfolio of cutting-edge module technologies—including Hi-MO 7, X10, and the newly introduced Hi-MO S10. A total of 22 MW of advanced TopCon BC 2.0 and 3.0 modules will be installed across various zones within the park, showcasing the latest evolution in photovoltaic efficiency and performance.

Central to this project is the Hi-MO S10, also known as EcoLife Pro, LONGi’s first commercial module to integrate HBC (Heterojunction Back Contact) technology. By combining the passivation benefits of heterojunction (HJT) with the light-capturing efficiency of back-contact designs, the S10 achieves cell efficiencies up to 27.3% and module efficiencies up to 25%. It offers a power output of up to 510W with a density of 250 W/m², enhanced by LONGi’s proprietary TaiRay wafer and rear-side bipolar passivation, which improve mechanical strength by 16% and reduce hotspot temperatures by nearly 39% compared to TOPCon. Designed for high performance in space-constrained or thermally challenging environments, the S10 is backed by a 30-year product and performance warranty.

The park’s Zone 4 (PTESGC-4) is designated for ground-mounted bifacial modules and will host the Hi-MO S10 72HJD, marking its first deployment in the Canary Islands, with an estimated volume of up to 5 MW. Spanning 38,460 m² of stony terrain (types A, B, and C), this section is dedicated exclusively to photovoltaic production without agrivoltaic integration. In contrast, other zones in the park will incorporate a diverse range of solar-agriculture models to support sustainable farming. For example, PTESGC-1 combines aloe vera cultivation on high fixed structures (56,900 m²), greenhouses (1,200 m²) for vegetables, vertical farming (400 m²), agritrackers (438 m²) for tropical fruit, and serrated structures (413 m²) for bananas and cucumbers. PTESGC-2 dedicates 42,282 m² to pasture for livestock grazing, while PTESGC-4.II supports aromatic and medicinal flowers across 17,552 m². Finally, PTESGC-5 spans 51,794 m², combining aloe vera with various floral species. Together, these zones create a comprehensive model of agrivoltaic integration and solar innovation tailored to the island’s ecological and economic landscape.

Timeline and scope: from innovation to grid connection

The project’s execution will unfold between 2025 and 2027:

• 2025: First purchase orders and preparatory engineering works begin.

• 2026: Start of installation and construction across key zones.

• 2027: Completion of PTESGC zones 1, 2, 4, 4.II, and 5, with initial grid connection and power injection.

The initiative will also include a Solar Expo Center and R&D&I facility, positioning the site as both a technology hub and a clean energy tourism destination. These developments will be supported by a newly established foundation comprising private, public, and international stakeholders, among them LONGi.

The project has a significant impact on the regional industry, education and community development

"This project is a great opportunity for LONGi to showcase our full range of technologies in a single initiative. It’s an innovative project that allows us to explore different solutions and study their performance across various real-world needs," said Hugo Fernández, General Manager of LONGi Solar DG for Southern Europe. "We are proud to help shape a cleaner, smarter energy future for the Canary Islands, while promoting regional industry, education, and environmental stewardship."

Charles Jiang, Global Vice President of LONGi Solar DG, emphasized the project’s broader impact: “The ESGC Technological Park is a strategic milestone for LONGi in Europe. It not only strengthens our technological leadership in the PV sector but also aligns perfectly with EU climate goals and Spain’s energy transition agenda. We see this as a model for future public-private partnerships that integrate innovation, sustainability, and community development.”

Santiago Marrero, president of the Technological Park, added: “Through this partnership with LONGi, we aim to redefine the role of solar energy in the Canary Islands—not just as a source of power, but as a catalyst for ecological innovation, economic diversification, and educational engagement.”

About LONGi

Founded in 2000, LONGi is one of the world’s leading solar technology companies, with over 30 global locations and manufacturing centers. The company holds multiple world records for solar cell efficiency and is a pioneer in advanced technologies. These include back contact technologies such as HPBC 2.0 (Hybrid Passivated Back Contact), HBC (Heterojunction Back Contact), as well as tandem cell architectures.

About SM Advance Energy
It is the leading company in the development, implementation, construction, monitoring, and maintenance of solar plants in the Canary Islands.

About ESGC

Parque Tecnológico de Energía Solar Gran Canaria (ESGC) is a regional center for photovoltaic development, innovation, and management. Based in Gran Canaria, ESGC promotes the integration of solar energy across sectors, helping to position the Canary Islands as a European benchmark for clean, sustainable energy solutions.