The Chinese solar giant pushes crystalline silicon performance to new highs, marking a milestone for next-generation photovoltaic innovation.
Record after record in the solar industry. Following the strong performance of Trina Solar’s THBC photovoltaic technology, LONGi is now claiming a breakthrough of its own. In fact, a double milestone centered on its HIBC, Hybrid Interdigitated Back-Contact, crystalline silicon photovoltaics.
The Chinese manufacturer has developed an HIBC solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 28.13% and a module based on the same architecture capable of converting 26.4% of incident sunlight into electricity. Both figures are significant enough to earn a place among the highest ever recorded in photovoltaic performance benchmarks.
What is HIBC solar technology?
HIBC, or Hybrid Interdigitated Back-Contact, refers to a solar cell design where both positive and negative contacts are placed on the rear side and arranged in an interdigitated pattern. The structure is further enhanced through a hybrid passivation process combining high- and low-temperature techniques.
This architecture has already drawn attention in recent years. Developed by LONGi’s Central R&D Institute, the technology has been refined through several innovations, including in-situ patterned edge passivation, known as iPET, and laser-induced crystallization modification, LIC. These advances are paired with ongoing improvements in structural design, material selection, and manufacturing processes.
Certified gains confirm rapid progress
In April last year, HIBC solar cells reached a conversion efficiency of 27.81%, setting a world record at the time. Nearly one year later, LONGi has surpassed that milestone with its latest results.
The 28.13% efficiency for the cell has been independently certified by the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin in Germany, while the 26.4% module efficiency was validated by the U.S.-based National Laboratory of the Rockies.
From lab breakthrough to mass production
HIBC photovoltaic cell technology has already entered large-scale mass production. Modules built on this architecture can deliver output power exceeding 700 W, with dimensions of 2382 mm by 1134 mm.
“While laboratory benchmarks continue to improve, the technology has already achieved meaningful performance levels in commercial applications,” the company said in a statement.
In April 2026, global media outlet TaiyangNews released its ranking of commercial module efficiencies. LONGi’s EcoLife series, based on HIBC technology, secured the top position with a mass production efficiency of 25%.
This achievement underscores the successful transition of HIBC solar technology from research and development into large-scale commercial deployment.
