LONGi’s 10-gigawatt mono-crystalline module production facility in Chuzhou is now running at full capacity, with its five-gigawatt phase two reaching the close of construction. The additional capacity increased total global module production capacity of LONGi to an estimated 21 gigawatts, already out-performing its previously announced Three-Year Capacity Plan (2019-2021).
Zhong Baoshen, Chairman of LONGi, said: "We are very optimistic about the rapid development of photovoltaics in the context of the global energy transition. The further build-up of LONGi’s global capacity of mono-crystalline modules will gradually increase our ability to realise demand for high-efficiency products from global customers. "
Conversion efficiency of 20.7 per cent
LONGi launched the new generation Hi-MO 4 module based on the new M6 (166mm) silicon wafer in 2019 and has continued to optimise it. Currently, the output of Hi-MO 4 is up to 450 watts in volume production with a conversion efficiency of 20.7 per cent. Further optimisation has reduced the module size and weight, enabling easier installations on rooftops. Bifacial technology and high yield can reduce BOS cost and lower LCOE, making it a great choice for large photovoltaic power plants. Global potential order has surpassed 10 gigawatts, with over 1.5 gigawatts delivered. Customer feedback has been positive and exceeded expectations.
Did you know?
LONGi received the CERTISOLIS certification in France last year
"The market response to LONGi’s Hi-MO 4 module has exceeded expectations. We are optimistic that 166mm wafers will become the mainstream of the photovoltaic industry's next generation and we will optimise the capacity of modules based on the 166 millimetre standard. In 2020, LONGi's modules with 166 millimetre wafers will exceed 20 gigawatts, accounting for 80 per cent of planned capacity. We will guarantee the global supply of high-power modules, helping the industry enter the era of large-scale mass production of 450-watt high-power modules." Zhong Baoshen said.
Market demand exceeds supply
“LONGi modules will meet more than 15 per cent of newly installed photovoltaic installations worldwide. Our expansion strategy is not to compete for market dominance, but to promote the transformation of the global energy sector by improving the market supply capabilities of leading products, and to accelerate the path to fully renewable energy globally” added Mr. Zhong.
By 2020, global photovoltaic newly installed capacity is expected to increase to 150 gigawatts, reaching a growth rate of more than 20 per cent. The current market demand for high-power modules exceeds supply. Following on the heels of LONGi's switch to modules based on the 166 millimetre standard, other mainstream photovoltaic module companies have also launched their 166 millimetre cells and modules.
Industry analysis forecasts that by the end of June 2020, the global production capacity of modules based on 166 millimetre cells will exceed 30 gigawatts, and by the end of the year, this may reach 60 to 70 gigawatts. (mfo)
