LONGi Launches the Revolutionary Hi-MO 9 Module in South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa – In a significant move for the African renewable energy market, global solar technology leader LONGi has officially launched its next-generation Hi-MO 9 photovoltaic (PV) module. The unveiling took place at the Solar Power Africa Expo, a premier event for the continent’s solar industry, underscoring LONGi’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions in the region.
The Hi-MO 9 module represents a major leap forward in solar technology, promising unprecedented efficiency and power output tailored for utility-scale power plants and commercial and industrial (C&I) applications.
Setting a New Standard with the LONGi Hi-MO 9 Module
At the heart of the Hi-MO 9’s impressive performance is LONGi’s proprietary TaiRay HPDC 2.0 back-contact (BC) cell technology. This cutting-edge innovation enables the module to achieve a record-breaking conversion efficiency of up to 25.9% in mass production, setting a new standard for the industry.
Key features and innovations of the Hi-MO 9 include:
- Exceptional Power Output: The module delivers a maximum power output of up to 670W, allowing for a higher energy yield from a smaller footprint. This is particularly beneficial for large-scale projects where land use is a critical factor.
- Advanced Cell Technology: The module incorporates a Zero Busbar (0BB) design, which eliminates the metal ribbons on the front of the cell. This design choice minimizes shading, maximizes light absorption, and contributes to the module’s sleek, all-black appearance.
- Enhanced Bifaciality: With a bifacial factor of up to 85%, the Hi-MO 9 can capture significant amounts of reflected light from its rear side, boosting overall energy generation, especially in environments with reflective surfaces like sand or light-coloured roofing.
- Superior Durability: Built to withstand the continent’s diverse and often harsh climates, the Hi-MO 9 features advanced encapsulation with UV-resistant materials. It has passed rigorous independent testing for thermal cycling (IEC 61215), Potential-Induced Degradation (PID) resistance, and salt mist corrosion, ensuring long-term reliability from coastal regions to arid deserts. The efficiency of the new module has been certified by the renowned testing institute TÜV SÜD.
Powering Africa’s Green Energy Transition with the LONGi Hi-MO 9 Module
The launch of the Hi-MO 9 is perfectly timed to support South Africa’s ambitious renewable energy targets. The country is aiming to add 20 GW of new solar capacity by 2030 under its updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) as it works to overcome persistent load-shedding and enhance energy security.
LONGi’s new module directly addresses the needs of this expanding market by offering a lower Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)—estimated to be around 5% less than previous generations. This makes solar power more economically competitive and attractive for investors and developers.
During the launch, Dennis She, VP of LONGi Solar, stated, “The Hi-MO 9 represents our commitment to ‘Green Energy for All,’ tailored for Africa’s vast solar potential. We are not just launching a product; we are delivering a solution that will accelerate the energy transition, create value for our partners, and support local economic growth.”
In line with this vision, LONGi emphasized its plans to strengthen partnerships with South African Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms and explore opportunities for local module assembly hubs to foster job creation.
With the South African solar market experiencing exponential growth, the Hi-MO 9 is poised to play a pivotal role. Mass shipments are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, and LONGi reports that initial orders from African projects have already surpassed 2 GW.
For more detailed specifications and technical information, please refer to LONGi’s official product page.
