LONGi supplies 54.1 MW of back contact modules in Romania’s largest solar park for retail infrastructure

LONGi supplies 54.1 MW of back contact modules in Romania’s largest solar park for retail infrastructure

LONGi has supplied 54.1 MW of Hi-MO 9 back contact (BC) modules for the CEF Chișineu-Criș solar project in Arad County, Romania. Developed by NEPI Rockcastle through its subsidiary SOLPOWER Energy and implemented by EPC partner Enevo Group, the project represents Romania’s largest solar installation serving commercial retail infrastructure. A total of 84,000 Hi-MO 9 modules were installed to support NEPI Rockcastle’s energy autonomy strategy. The solar park is expected to connect to the grid in Q4 2025. Construction began in January 2025 and remains on schedule. Construction began in January 2025 and remains on schedule. The plant is fully owned by NEPI Rockcastle, a leading developer and operator of shopping centers across Central and Eastern Europe.

With 24.8% module efficiency and a -0.26%/°C temperature coefficient, the Hi-MO 9 BC modules are designed for high performance under Romania’s continental climate conditions. The project demonstrates the scalability of BC technology for grid-connected applications.

Performance gains and long-term reliability drive technology choice

The BC architecture eliminates front-grid shading losses and enables energy yield gains of up to 8% compared to TOPCon modules. LONGi’s modules also offer enhanced resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID) and light-induced degradation (LID), ensuring performance stability over 30 years and reducing maintenance costs.

"This project exemplifies how BC technology transforms utility-scale solar into a reliable backbone for major infrastructure. Hi-MO 9’s unmatched performance ensures NEPI Rockcastle’s portfolio achieves energy stability," said Mirel Jarnea, Country Manager Romania at LONGi Utility.  

“Our collaboration with LONGi has been seamless from start to finish, reflecting a truly efficient and aligned partnership. BC technology brought clear engineering advantages, from higher efficiency and improved thermal performance to long-term reliability,” said Eduard Meiloiu, Executive Director Renewables BU at Enevo. “Our engineering team greatly appreciated the precision and flexibility of the solution, which enabled us to deliver a robust project tailored to local conditions and fully aligned with Romania’s sustainability goals."

70 GWh annual output to power 29,300 homes and cut 21,100 tonnes of CO₂

Once operational, the solar plant is expected to generate approximately 70,171 MWh of electricity annually—enough to supply around 29,300 Romanian households. This output will help avoid approximately 21,100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. In addition, the project will create over 100 jobs and prioritise the use of regional contractors, contributing to the local economy.

€110 million solar program targets 84% renewables across 23 sites, with Chișineu-Criș as flagship project for retail decarbonization

NEPI Rockcastle’s broader renewable energy strategy includes €110 million in investments across 23 properties in Central and Eastern Europe, with a total pipeline of 159 MW. The Chișineu-Criș project plays a central role in this program, helping to meet the company’s goal of 84% renewable electricity usage across its portfolio.

“NEPI Rockcastle’s green energy program is advancing through three major stages, reflecting our long-term commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. As part of this program, we partnered with LONGi specifically for the Chișineu-Criș solar project, where their high-efficiency photovoltaic modules are helping us deliver a flagship utility-scale development in Romania,” said Andrei Radu, Group Development Director at NEPI Rockcastle.

As the first utility-scale solar facility in Romania dedicated to powering retail operations, CEF Chișineu-Criș establishes a replicable model for energy-intensive infrastructure. With expansion plans underway across NEPI Rockcastle’s property network, BC technology is positioned to play a central role in advancing large-scale solar adoption in Eastern Europe.

About Enevo Group
ENEVO Group is a Romanian engineering company providing design and construction services for renewable energy systems, substations, and industrial automation. The company operates across Europe and the Middle East and employs over 350 professionals.

About NEPI Rockcastle
NEPI Rockcastle is the largest owner and operator of shopping centers in Central and Eastern Europe, with a €8 billion portfolio across eight countries. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands and is listed on several European stock exchanges.