LONGi Hi-MO 9 Panels Outperform in Brazil’s Harsh Weather

Empower Engenharia, a well-known technical consultancy in Latin America, recently carried out a detailed performance analysis to evaluate the efficiency, reliability, and energy output of different solar module technologies available in the Brazilian market. The study focused on back-contact (LONGi Hi-MO 9) and TOPCon (standard-sized and oversized) modules, using a real utility-scale project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, as a case study.

The project analyzed has an installed capacity of 467.3 MWp / 362.5 MW AC and covers 595 hectares. Minas Gerais is one of Brazil’s main solar energy regions, with high solar radiation levels of more than 2,000 kWh per square meter per year, which helps increase power generation. However, it also faces challenging conditions, such as large temperature changes throughout the year, from 11.1°C to 40.8°C. These fluctuations can stress solar modules, reduce efficiency, and speed up degradation.

The study compared four types of PV modules available in Brazil: LONGi Hi-MO 9 back-contact (660W), TOPCon 630W, and TOPCon 710W. The results showed that the Hi-MO 9 BC modules produced 2,193 full-load equivalent hours in the first year, performing 2.30% and 2.34% better than the standard and oversized TOPCon modules. Thanks to their lower degradation rate, the Hi-MO 9 modules showed an even greater advantage over 25 years, with 3.45% and 3.59% higher total energy yield, proving their overall performance strength.

The Hi-MO 9 uses LONGi’s HPBC 2.0 technology, which features a busbar-free front design that increases power and efficiency. The study identified several factors that help the Hi-MO 9 perform better than other modules. These include higher efficiency from removing front-side shading, reduced shading losses due to higher efficiency, lower cable losses because of lower operating current, less light-induced degradation, lower operating temperatures that are beneficial in hot weather, better performance under partial shading, uneven sunlight, and dust, and slower degradation over time due to high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing.

Continuous innovation in solar module technology is essential for advancing renewable energy and meeting global sustainability goals. The LONGi Hi-MO 9 represents a major step forward, making solar energy more efficient, reliable, and accessible while supporting the worldwide transition to clean energy.