The world of utility-scale solar projects now demands bigger solar module designs. Solar modules with increased surface area mean greater power, and the Hi-MO 5 is LONGi’s ultra-large, Intersolar Award-winning (2021) solar module purpose-built for utility-scale projects.
Model:
LONGi Hi-MO 5M
Variants:
LR5-72HPH (144-cell); 530 / 535 / 540 / 545 / 550W.
LR5-72HBD (144-cell); 525 / 530 / 535 / 540 / 545W.
TLDR:
Primarily designed for utility-scale solar projects in its award-winning format, the LONGi Hi-MO 5, available in monofacial and bifacial options, lessens the gap between improved project feasibility and advanced technology as an overall superior solar module by specification.
Features:
Gallium doped P-Type monocrystalline. Monofacial and bifacial options. Intersolar award-winning technology 2021.
Greater power classes within solar module technology are more commonly a result of a larger solar panel by design than significant efficiency increasing attributes in the modern world of solar power. As a result, larger solar modules weigh considerably more, limiting mounting on particular structures and the ability to safely handle such cumbersome modules during installation and potential future maintenance.
However, in the world of utility-scale solar projects, solar modules that possess a larger surface area are gaining rapid appeal, and the LONGi Hi-MO 5 is proving to have many admirers in this transforming and competitive space.
The following detailed product analysis for the LONGi Hi-MO 5 should be used as a guide only. Individual circumstances and compatibilities must always be taken into account when selecting the ideal solar module. This content comprises the Solar Analytica Assessment Criteria (solar modules) based on available product specifications at compilation (refer to post date).
Video; LONGi Hi-MO 5 Solar module preview.
1. Design: 86/100
It’s big. Up to 550Wp per module is an exciting time to be in solar, but this improved Watt-class results from new era 182mm wafers (10% larger than Hi-MO 4; 166mm) that increase the module dimensions up to 2256x1133mm. As sizes increase with only a slight improvement to efficiency, a new weight class must be considered. The 72-cell LONGi Hi-MO 5 variants range from 27.2 to 32.3kg, deemed an essential two-person lifting requirement may not be ideal for residential type projects.
Relevant to large-scale project investors, larger module dimensions with an increased power output reduce the balance of system costs and improve the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) towards projects of magnitude. Given LCOE is a critical factor when investors assess project feasibility, the LONGi Hi-MO 5 is a pivotal module innovation to improve uptake of large or utility-scale solar projects in 2021. In recognition of these innovative qualities, Intersolar (Europe) awarded its most prestigious Photovoltaics award of 2021 to the LONGi Hi-MO 5 range of monofacial and bifacial solar modules.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cell Type
| P-type Gallium-doped monocrystalline | Hi-MO 5 data sheet (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat3)
| 80
|
Formation | 182mm wafer. 72HPH & 72HBD; 144 gapless half-cell. | Hi-MO 5 data sheet section; Mechanical Parameters, Cell Orientation (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat1) | 60 |
Contact | 9-wire busbar per half-cut cell. | Hi-MO 5 data sheet (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 |
Enhanced | 72HPH; PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell). 72HBD Bifacial; Bifacial (Module power increases 5-25% generally (per different reflective condition). | Hi-MO 5 data sheet (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 |
Encapsulation | 72HPH; 3.2mm, Anti-Reflective, Tempered Glass superstrate WITH manufacturer nominated Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate laminate substrate. 72HBD Bifacial; 2mm Anti-Reflective superstrate, 2mm Tempered Glass substrate with aluminium frame (100). | Hi-MO 5 data sheet section; Mechanical Parameters (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 |
Certifications | TÜV SÜD | Reference documents. | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Awards | Specific Recognition; LONGi wins 2021 Intersolar award for Hi-MO 5 series module. | Longi Press Release (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat1) | 100 |
Design Overall | LONGi Hi-MO 5 | Above Avg (Cat4) | 86/100 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
2. DURABILITY: 79/100
PID (Potential Induced Degradation), salt mist (ocean areas), ammonia (agriculture), sand and dust resistance attributes incorporated within the LONGi Mi-MO5 all rank as outstanding as the highest known resistance ratings. Project locations subject to desert-like conditions may also consider the LONGi Hi-MO 5 a worthy option with thermal cycle testing (extreme hot/cold fluctuations) Above Avg (Cat3), superior to the market average.
Built to thrive in diverse global environments, the LONGi Hi-MO 5 is an overall superior solar module when considering Durability attributes. Managing a balance between necessary outstanding characteristics and those requiring industry alignment is a fine art in itself that affects feasibility with every adjustment. The LONGi Hi-MO 5 solar module range is a testament to such, delivering a suitably durable solar module towards a broad range of environments.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Positive loading | Test load – 5400 Pa, min10% coverage ratio, temp. 25 ±5°C, max humidity 75 %, ±5 % load uniformity, 3 cycles of 1 hr applied load. | IEC 61215-2 MQT16 (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Negative loading | Test load – 2400 Pa, min10% coverage ratio, temp. 25 ±5°C, max humidity 75 %, ±5 % load uniformity, 3 cycles of 1 hr applied load. | IEC 61215-2 MQT16 (reference documents). | Average | 50 |
Damp heat test | 2000 Hrs – Test Temp: (85 ± 2)°C, Relative humidity: (85 ± 5)%. | IEC 61215-2 MQT13 (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat1) | 60 |
Thermal cycle test | 600 (2000+) Cycles – Temp range: (-40 ± 2) to (+85 ± 2) °C. | IEC 61215-2 MQT11 (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 |
Potential induced degredation | Resistant. | (IEC TS 62804) PID determined by MQT 13, MQT 15 & MQT 01 of IEC 61215-2 & Clause 5.5 Voltage stress test (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Salt mist resistance | Severity 6 – CX Offshore, ToW (N/A). | IEC 61701 (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Amonia resistance | 1 cycle = test section 1 + test section 2 = 24 h, Total test duration = 20 cycles (480 h). | IEC 62716 (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Sand and dust resistance | LC1 (6h+): Speed: 20m/s ±2m/s, Duration: 120min for front side / 120min for rear side. | IEC 60068-2-68 (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Hail impact resistance | Diameter: 25mm ±5%, Mass: 7.3-grams ±5%, Speed: 23m/sec ±2%,. | Base, IEC 61215-2 & 61646 (reference documents). | Average | 50 |
Durability Overall | LONGi Hi-MO 5m | Above Avg (Cat3) | 79/100 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
3. Efficiency: 70/100
A mere 1.2% shy of breaking module efficiency records, the LONGi Hi-MO 5 maximises its nominated surface area with a highly respectable 21.5% STC maximum module efficiency. With NOCT derating factors considered, 160W/m2 power density is a notch better, attributing towards potentially excellent project feasibility for the technology. Furthermore, the Hi-MO 5 assures purchaser confidence by performing no less than the nominated output value at Standard Test Conditions, offering a good positive power tolerance of 0~+5W. Overall, LONGi’s award-winning Hi-MO 5 is an effective use space for the intended project type likely to uphold this brands continued strong uptake internationally in utility-scale projects.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Module efficiency (max) | 21.5% | Hi-MO 5 data sheet section; Electrical Characteristics, Module Efficiency (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 |
Temperature coefficient (Pmax) | -0.35%oC | Hi-MO 5 data sheet section; Temperature ratings, Temp Coef of Pmax. (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Positive power tolerance (max) | 0~+5W | Hi-MO 5 data sheet section; Operating Parameters, Power Output Tolerance (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat1) | 60 |
NOCT power density (max) | 160 W/m2 | Calculated, input source; Hi-MO 4 data sheet; Module Power STC, NOCT, Temp Coefficient, Dimensions (LxW) (internal post). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 80 |
Efficiency Overall | LONGi Hi-MO 5 | Above Avg (Cat2) | 73/100 | |
Tilted solar arrays in selected conditions benefit from reflective light. As photovoltaics rely on photons, this light (photons) can be absorbed by the cell’s rear in the form of bifacial solar module designs, further improving Efficiency from the nominated surface area. The LR5-72HBD is LONGi’s bifacial solar module purpose-built to harvest reflective photons. However, Efficiency gain figures are entirely subjective depending on installation obstructions to the rear of the module and the surrounding reflective environment.
Bifacial output rear-side Efficiency gain (LR5-72HBD 545M) | Overall Class. | Points | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
5% | Module efficiency; 22.38%, Temperature coefficient; -0.35%oC, Power tolerance; 0~+5W, NOCT Power density; 166 W/m2. | Above Avg (Cat4) | 78 | |
15% | *Module efficiency; 24.49%, Temperature coefficient; -0.35%oC, Power tolerance; 0~+5W, *NOCT Power density; 182 W/m2. *Ranking points exceeded. | Above Avg (Cat4) | 83 | |
25% | *Module efficiency; 26.64%, Temperature coefficient; -0.35%oC, Power tolerance; 0~+5W, *NOCT Power density; 198 W/m2. *Ranking points exceeded. | Above Avg (Cat4) | 83 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
4. PERFORMANCE: 68/100
Performance over time varies between two unique LONGi Hi-MO 5 options. The monofacial glass-laminate variant (LR5-72HPH) factors a more traditional performance guarantee, assuring performance within 84.8% of the nominal power output rating (Standard Test Conditions) by year 25. Within 80% rated output is considered market average, the LONGi Hi-MO 5 monofacial solar module possess a superior performance guarantee for the discerning investor seeking something better. Using super stable glass-glass encapsulation, the bifacial Hi-MO 5 (LR5-72HBD) offers even greater performance assurance when compared to its glass-laminate counterpart (continued below).
IMPORTANT: The LONGi Hi-MO 5 performance guarantee should be interpreted in conjunction with the entire LONGi limited warranty single-glass modules document, dual-glass modules document, or that of which succeeds it. Listed below are the Solar Analytica data point indicators for ranking analysis only and are not a substitute for interpretation of the performance guarantee.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1st-year degradation (max) | 2.0% Power Output degradation for the first year. (PV Modules will be at least 98% of the Minimum Peak Power rating for the first year). | LONGi limited warranty (20210430) Single-Glass Modules section; 1.2 25-Year Limited Performance Warranty (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat4) | 80 |
Annual degradation (max after year-1) | 0.55% p.a (Power Output will decline by no more
than 0.25% per year for the following 24 years after the initial 1st year). | LONGi limited warranty (20210430) Single-Glass Modules section; 1.2 25-Year Limited Performance Warranty (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat1) | 60 |
Performance guarantee period | 25-years (Power Output will be at least
84.8% of the Minimum Peak Power rating on the final year). | LONGi limited warranty (20210430) Single-Glass Modules section; 1.2 25-Year Limited Performance Warranty (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat4) | 80 |
Performance guantee assurance | Parts & Service. | LONGi limited warranty (20210430) Single-Glass Modules section; 3. Remedies for Claims (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Performance Overall | LONGi Hi-MO 5 (single-glass) | Above Avg (Cat3) | 75/100 | |
Bifacial qualities require as much reflective light as possible. LONGi, thereby, ensure a transparent encapsulation in the form of a glass substrate (back sheet). The bifacial solar cell within the LONGi Hi-MO 5 (LR5-72HBD) exists within one of the most stable environments for solar cell technology. A resulting contributor facilitating an improved 30-year performance guarantee for the bifacial Hi-MO 5 solar module variants.
Dual-glass encapsulation Performance gain (72HBD) | Overall Class. | Points | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
LR5-72HBD | 1st year degradation; 2%, Annual degradation; 0.45%, Performance guarantee period; 30-years, Performance guarantee assurance; Parts & service. | Above Avg (Cat3) | 75/100 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
5. Guarantee: 80/100
Possessing one of the most substantial bankability ratings by multiple respected Tier-1 manufacturer reports, the product guarantee attached to the LONGi Hi-MO 5 is considered one of the most secure by many financial institutes. Further bolstering such financial reliability, the newly formed LONGi endorsed installer network assures project developers independent installers with a strong knowledge of the Hi-MO 5 towards a guarantee compliant installation. Established 2000 (22-years), the 12-year product guarantee accompanying the LONGi Hi-MO 5 will assure financiers and investors alike purchasing confidence towards module reliability for a manufacturer-backed 12-years and beyond.
IMPORTANT: The LONGi Hi-MO 5 product guarantee should be interpreted in conjunction with the entire LONGi limited warranty single-glass modules document, dual-glass modules document, or that of which succeeds it. Listed below are the Solar Analytica data point indicators for ranking analysis only and are not a substitute for interpretation of the performance guarantee.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Guarantee period
| 12-years (144-months). | LONGi limited warranty (20210430) Single-Glass Modules section; 1.1 12-Year Limited Product Warranty (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat1)
| 50
|
Guarantee assurance | Parts & Service. | LONGi limited warranty (20210430) Single-Glass Modules section; 3. Remedies for Claims (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Established | 2000 (22-years). | Longi Wikipedia (external). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 80 |
Certified installer network | Yes, WITH additional end-user/installer benefits; LONGi Solar Rewards. | Linked from manufacturers regional websites. | Average | 100 |
Manufacturer bankability | AAA, PV Moduletech, Feb 2022. | Bankability ratings (internal). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Guarantee Overall | LONGi Hi-MO 5 | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80/100 | |
Sub-Category: Product asset which compiles the category. Characteristic: Scoring characteristic/gauge of the Sub-Category. Reference: Reference material from which the sub-category Characteristic has been derived. Class.: Solar Analytica classification of the nominated score range. Points: Solar Analytica ranking points nominated per solar module property attributing toward an individual sub-category (excluding overall row). Overall (row): combined average of each Sub-Category.
Overall: 76/100
A testament to LONGi’s innovative prowess (via a cross-licensing agreement with Shin-Etsu Chemical Co, Ltd) and commitment to long-term module performance is the incorporation of Gallium-doped silicon wafers (opposed to Boron) mitigating the effects of Light-Induced Degradation (LID) in a P-Type mono silicon solar module. At a similar cost to Boron-doping, introducing such consistent evolutionary module technologies provides investors with cost-effective power generation and improved life expectancy from the LONGi Hi-MO 5.
Built specifically to improve the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of utility-scale solar projects, an advanced 182mm gapless half-cell formation enhances LONGi Hi-MO 5 solar module power density. Reducing Balance of System (BoS) costs towards engineered structures with the ability to support an increased weight class per module.
Without being over-engineered, the LONGi Hi-MO 5 provides remarkably advanced solar module technology for the intended application, worthy of its Intersolar Award-winning status (2021). Another module design set to ensure this world-leading manufacturer (by volume) retains its position on the podium in 2022.
While we understand the ranking of the LONGi Hi-MO 5 monofacial modules and considering selected features of the LR5-72HBD are enhanced, curiously, we as seek to understand such ranking variables. Design, Efficiency and Performance all are unique within the Hi-MO 5 LR5-72HBD bifacial module, and as such, the ranking by specification is affected below.
Overall adjustment for LR5-72HBD Dual-glass Bifacial | Overall Class. | Points | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
5% | Design; 91. Durability; 79. Efficiency; 78. Performance; 75. Guarantee; 80. | Above Avg (Cat3) | 81/100 | |
15% | Design; 91. Durability; 79. Efficiency; 83. Performance; 75. Guarantee; 80. | Above Avg (Cat3) | 82/100 | |
25% | Design; 91. Durability; 79. Efficiency; 83. Performance; 75. Guarantee; 80. | Above Avg (Cat3) | 82/100 | |
Is there a sub-category value that requires an amendment? Submit an amendment request using this Amendment request form.
General product questions should be made using the comments section at the bottom of this post (keep scrolling).
The LONGi Hi-MO 5 range of solar modules has been calculated using the Solar Analytica Assessment Criteria (solar modules) 2.1.1 >
- LONGi Hi-MO 5m LR5-72HPH 530-550W datasheet.
- LONGi Hi-MO 5m LR5-72HBD 525-545W datasheet.
- Limited Warranty for LONGi single-glass PV Modules. warranty document.
- Limited Warranty for LONGi Dual-glass PV Modules. warranty document.
- LONGi Hi-MO 5m IEC certifications. Salt Mist.
- LONGi Hi-MO 5m IEC certifications. Ammonia.
- LONGi Hi-MO 5m IEC certifications. PID.
- LONGi Hi-MO 5m IEC certifications. Sand & Dust.
- LONGi Solar IEC referenced installation manual.
- LONGi Hi-MO 5 Intersolar Award 2021 Press release.
- Gallium-doped monocrystalline silicon fully solves LID Press release.
- LONGi white paper on Smart Soldering technology Press release.
- IEC 61215-2 External site >
- IEC 61701 External site >
- IEC 62716 External site >
- IEC TS 62804-1-1 External site >
- IEC 60068-2-68 External site >
How does the current range of LONGi Solar panels compare against each other?
At the time of writing the following LONGi Solar panels were ranked alongside the LONGi Hi-MO 5 in accordance with the SAAC V.2.1.1;
- LONGi Hi-MO 4.
- LONGi Hi-MO N (coming soon).
