China’s Largest BC Solar Plant Goes Online with LONGi Modules

China has once again demonstrated its leadership in the renewable energy sector with the full-capacity grid connection of the country’s largest back-contact (BC) solar plant. The 500 MW Dalad Banner Sand Control and PV Integration Project, located in Inner Mongolia, is now fully operational, marking a significant milestone for the adoption of high-efficiency solar technology at a utility scale.

A Landmark Project Featuring the LONGi BC solar plant

This groundbreaking facility is the largest single-site photovoltaic (PV) project in China to exclusively deploy advanced BC solar cell technology. The entire 500 MW capacity is powered by LONGi’s high-efficiency Hi-MO 9 BC modules.

Beyond its technological significance, the project serves a dual purpose. Spanning 400 hectares of desert land, the installation integrates clean energy generation with crucial desertification control efforts. This innovative approach showcases how large-scale solar projects can contribute to both energy transition and environmental restoration. The plant is expected to generate an average of 852 million kWh of clean electricity annually, making a substantial contribution to the regional power grid.

The Broader Context of China’s Solar Expansion Including LONGi BC solar plant

The commissioning of the Dalad Banner plant is part of a massive nationwide expansion of solar power in China. The country continues to set records, with 234 GW of utility-scale solar projects currently under construction—a figure that surpasses the combined total of the rest of the world. This is part of a wider push for non-fossil energy, with a total of 674 GW of capacity in development.

Analysis from 2025 highlights the provinces leading this charge. Xinjiang (34.15 GW), Jiangsu (28.04 GW), Guangdong (21.33 GW), Shandong (18.71 GW), and Yunnan (17.63 GW) were the top five regions for new PV installations. In terms of cumulative capacity by the end of 2025, Shandong led the nation with 94.85 GW, closely followed by Xinjiang (90.90 GW) and Jiangsu (89.68 GW).

The successful launch of the Dalad Banner project not only adds significant renewable capacity but also serves as a powerful case study for the deployment of next-generation BC module technology in demanding environments, reinforcing China’s dominant position in the global solar industry.