LONGi announces two new global solar cell efficiency records

LONGi unveiled two groundbreaking technological milestones during the SNEC’s Technology Innovation Session. Certified by the authoritative U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), LONGi’s self-developed large-area (260.9 cm²) crystalline silicon–perovskite two-terminal tandem solar cell achieved a conversion efficiency of 33%, setting a new global efficiency record for large-area tandem cells. At the same time, its back-contact (BC) module surpassed 26% efficiency, once again raising the ceiling for crystalline silicon module performance. Both achievements were included in the Solar Cell Efficiency Tables (Version 66).  

Tech breakthroughs: world records redefine industry standards

LONGi’s crystalline silicon–perovskite tandem solar cell reached 33% efficiency on a mass-producible area of 260.9 cm², achieved through advanced material engineering and structural optimization. This result represents nearly a 20% gain over traditional single-junction silicon cells and marks the world’s first 33% efficiency milestone at industrially relevant dimensions. It paves the way for further reductions in the cost of solar energy.

In parallel, the 26% efficiency of LONGi’s BC modules underscores the company’s technical leadership in back-contact architectures, bringing crystalline silicon modules closer to the 27% efficiency threshold. Both records signify a meaningful leap forward in the practical limits of commercial solar cell performance.

As a trailblazer in the PV industry, LONGi has consistently driven innovation, from ushering in the shift from polysilicon to monocrystalline technology, to pioneering research in perovskite and back-contact solar cells. The company has built a fully integrated R&D ecosystem that spans materials, equipment, and manufacturing processes.

"LONGi’s innovation genes stem from reverence for technological fundamentals," stated Li Zhenguo, Founder of LONGi, President of its Central R&D Institute, and the company’s newly appointed CTO. "We focus not only on our own breakthroughs but champion collaborative innovation."

These record-setting achievements have been formally included in the 66th edition of the Solar Cell Efficiency Tables, curated by Professor Martin Green and a global panel of scientists. Published in Progress in Photovoltaics since 1993, the table is widely regarded as the “gold standard” for benchmarking progress in solar cell technology.

LONGi’s dual-engine strategy links innovation and collaboration as keys to solar’s future

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, LONGi has introduced a dual-engine strategy of “Innovation + Collaboration.” This approach emphasizes deeper R&D in frontier fields such as BC, perovskite, and hydrogen energy, while fostering a global open innovation ecosystem.

"The era of photovoltaics as a dominant energy source has arrived, yet challenges like energy storage and grid integration remain. Only through collaborative innovation can clean energy truly benefit everyone," said Li Zhenguo."Whether pushing the limits of single-junction silicon solar cells or advancing next-gen tandem technologies, LONGi embraces multiple technological pathways with an open mindset. Today’s dual breakthroughs epitomize our relentless commitment to R&D and efficiency frontiers. We will continue driving PV to become the world’s primary energy source."

Li concluded: "Over the past 25 years, PV technology has made clean energy the world’s most economical source. For the next 25, our mission is integrating green energy into life’s every detail. These records mark not just LONGi’s milestones – they are accelerants for global energy transition."