Global technical engineering consultancy Enertis Applus+ has released a comprehensive analysis of a 47MW single-axis tracker PV project in Seville, Spain, comparing the commercial performance of back-contact (BC) and tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technologies. Energy Yield Assessments (EYA) were conducted based on module data provided by LONGi. The results confirm that LONGi's HPBC2.0 modules Hi-MO 9 significantly outperform TOPCon alternatives in power generation efficiency, cost control, and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), providing robust technical validation for utility-scale solar deployments worldwide.
Key Findings:
- 3.4% Higher Energy Yield per Watt: Hi-MO 9 generated 2,209 hours of first-year operation – 2.4%-3.4% more than TOPCon equivalents, directly increasing project revenue.
- Cost Parity Despite Premium Pricing: With Hi-MO 9 priced just 0.7¢/W higher than TOPCon, total CAPEX remained comparable through optimized system design and cost structures.
- Industry-Leading LCOE Reduction: Hi-MO 9 achieved an LCOE of €0.02706/kWh – 3.92-4.47% lower than TOPCon modules. Cost advantages stem from：Reduced fixed cost allocation per unit energy via higher yield；Variable cost compression through enhanced tracker compatibility and reduced electrical losses.
The study confirms BC technology's unique capacity to maximize lifetime return on investment through synergistic "efficiency gains + cost control" effects. By significantly lowering electricity production costs, Hi-MO 9 enables solar assets to compete more effectively in global energy markets while accelerating decarbonization efforts.
About Enertis Applus+
Enertis Applus+ is a global consulting, engineering and quality control firm with expertise in the renewable energy and energy storage industries. It has a track-record of more than 15 years and an accumulated experience of more than 400 GW worldwide and 100 GWh in energy storage. Since 2021 it is part of the Applus+ Group, one of the world's leading companies in the testing, inspection and certification sector, with over 20 years of experience in the renewable sector.
Enertis Applus+ mission is to ensure maximum profitability for customers and proper risk management of their projects by providing innovative services with high added value. With a track-record of 6,000 projects in more than 65 countries, Enertis Applus+ has offices in the United States, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, South Africa and China.
About LONGi
Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.
Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com/