A staple of the LONGi range, the LONGi Hi-MO 4 is LONGi’s most diverse module offering in 2022, and with that, the most voluminous. From well-researched residential module purchasers through to industry-scale project developers, there’s no question the LONGi Hi-MO 4 is an in-demand solar module globally. However, with a more general award status, the curious investor raises an obvious question: What specifications make the LONGi Hi-MO 4 solar module range in demand by so many?
Model:
Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM.
Variants:
Not available.
TLDR:
Features:
Related:
Report: Solaria PowerXT 370R-PD.
Delving into the LONGi solar module range as a whole, it becomes apparent that LONGi knows what they do well and concentrates precisely on that. The LONGi Hi-MO 4 may not have the Intersolar Europe 2021 award-winning accolades of the Hi-MO 5 (primarily designed for utility-scale projects). It does, however, enjoy outstanding uptake that can be attributed to an advanced evolution to a proven module design, resulting in an overall Superior product.
The following detailed product analysis for the LONGi Hi-MO 4 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; Solaria PowerXT 400+ Series Solar module preview.
LONGi's Gallium-doping (opposed to Boron-doping) mitigates the effects of Light-Induced Degradation (LID) in P-Type silicon modules.
1. Design: 86/100
A series of 166mm Gallium-doped wafers form the LONGi Hi-MO 4 module design foundation, converted into three variants; 60-cell, 66-cell and 72-cell options. Whether module purchasers notice a distinguishable design difference on face value between the LONGi Hi-MO 4 and alternative half-cell module types is unlikely initially. However, paying attention to the more progressive elements, such as LONGi’s Gallium-doping (Opposed to Boron-doping) mitigates the effects of Light-Induced Degradation (LID) in P-Type silicon modules. Additionally, the Hi-MO 4 range benefits from an improved 9-wire busbar with proprietary Smart Soldering Technology for enhanced electron flow. Alongside advanced internal features are the credible brand awards towards performance from a reliable design assist in defining an overall superior solar module Design of the LONGi Hi-MO 4.
Complementing such a superior module design suite of the monofacial LONGi Hi-MO 4 modules is the industry targeted (towards tilted arrays) 72HBD Bifacial, glass-glass Hi-MO4 variant. Considering that Bifacial qualities are subjective, such an Enhancement has no improved ranking than PERC in Solar Analytica Design criteria. The 72HBD excels though in Design through a robust glass-glass encapsulation enhancing the modules Performance. Factoring an improved Encapsulation sub-category, the overall Design of the 72HBD enjoys revised category ranking points.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cell Type
| P-Type Monocrystalline Silicon. | Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM data sheet section; Mechanical Characteristics, Cell type (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Cell configuration | Shingled. (Pure Black Technology). | Solaria’s Frequently Asked Questions and data sheet section; Construction and manufacturing, 3. Explain how you make your modules. (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Contact | Solaria’s Improved Shade Tolerance. | Solaria’s Whitepaper “Improved Shade Tolerance of Series-Parallel Interconnected Solaria PowerXT Panels” (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Enhanced | Premium Efficiency PERC cells. | Solaria’s Frequently Asked Questions section; Construction and manufacturing, 5. What do the part numbers mean? (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Encapsulation | 2.84mm tempered glass with AR coated/Black Anodized Aluminum WITHOUT manufacturer nominated Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate laminate substrate. | Solaria’s PowerXT-400R-PM datasheet section; Mechanical Characteristics, Glass Type/Thickness, Frame Type. (reference documents). | Average | 50 |
Certifications | Solaria is recognised and certified by TÜV Rheinland and has been named as a ‘Top Performer’ in the DNV GL PV Module Reliability Scorecard. | Solaria’s 30-Year Warranty-Quality Made To Last (external). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Awards | Solaria PowerXT has been selected as Intersolar Award Finalist for the Solar Industry Innovation Award 2017. | Solaria’s Press Releases (external). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 |
Design Overall | Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM | 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: 59/100
As mentioned in “The Formula of Success Within The Latest LONGi Solar Panels“, leading specifications aren’t required to enjoy outstanding uptake by the discerning investor, and the LONGi Hi-MO 4, Durability category, is a testament to such a statement. Most solar modules, in general, will not be installed in the world’s harshest environments. Therefore, why increase less relevant Durability factors to best-known specifications which inevitably inflate project feasibility? Solar Analytica gauges the best known commercially available product specifications, although not all projects require the best available Durability specifications. In the case of the LONGi Hi-MO 4, overall superior specifications are ideal for an overwhelming cross-section of the market, ensuring a robust solar module that compliments the cost-effectiveness of any given project.
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 – 3600 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 (Cat3) | 80 |
Damp heat test | Not listed. | IEC 61215-2 MQT13 (reference documents). | Below Avg (Cat4) | 10 |
Thermal cycle test | Not listed. | IEC 61215-2 MQT11 (reference documents). | Below Avg (Cat4) | 10 |
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 | Not listed. | IEC 60068-2-68 (reference documents). | Below Avg (Cat4) | 10 |
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 | Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM | Above Avg (Cat1) | 59/100 | |
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.
the LONGi Hi-MO 4 solar module range effectively uses surface area better than the market average.
3. Efficiency: 60/100
Many project types possess a large surface area for the power required from a solar photovoltaic system. Therefore, peak Efficiency may be less of a concern in the context of the system as a whole. Despite a superior module efficiency at Standard Test Conditions, LONGi Hi-MO 4 offers overall very good Efficiency when considering temperature derating factors. A common practice to mitigate the effects of environmental derating factors, given the cost of solar modules are far lower than 10-years ago, is to now oversize the solar arrays feeding the solar inverter (endorsed by most inverter manufacturers). An attribute to mass global uptake, the LONGi Hi-MO 4 solar module range effectively uses surface area better than the market average.
Sub-Category | Characteristic | Reference | Class. | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Module efficiency (max) | 20.2% | Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM data sheet section; Performance at STC, Efficiency (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Temperature coefficient (Pmax) | -0.39%°C | Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM data sheet section; Temperature Characteristics, Temp. Coeff. of Pmax (reference documents). | Average | 50 |
Positive power tolerance (max) | -0/+3% | Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM data sheet section; Performance at STC, Power Tolerance (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
NOCT power density (max) | 149 W/m2 | Calculated, input source; Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM data sheet; Module Power STC, NOCT, Temp Coefficient, Dimensions (LxW) (internal post). | Average | 50 |
Efficiency Overall | Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM | Above Avg (Cat1) | 60/100 | |
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.
4. PERFORMANCE: 80/100
Performance over time factored into the LONGi Hi-MO 4 series is better than the mainstream market average. However, two specific guarantees accompanying different models within the Hi-MO 4 range must be considered. Constructed with a glass-laminate (EVA) encapsulation are the monofacial variants of the Hi-MO 4; LR4-60HPH, 66HPH and 72HPH. While lighter by design, glass-laminate modules (generally) factor in slightly increased performance degradation over time than glass-glass. Not to be discouraged, the LONGi Hi-MO 4 monofacial modules are guaranteed to perform within an above-average 84.8% of the nameplate value by year 25. The Performance guarantee alters substantially if taking advantage of the 72HBD Bifacial qualities (continued below).
IMPORTANT: The LONGi Hi-MO 4 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: 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.
LONGi will more likely be supporting products well beyond the next 12-years, therefore adding more substance to the guarantee.
5. Guarantee: 76/100
The accompanying product guarantee is another standout attribute of the LONGi Hi-MO 4 series. Once again, not the most significant guarantee period, yet it holds resounding value amongst like-minded energy investors. A factor that’s largely down to the consistent financial stability observed over recent history towards LONGi the company as a whole and the ability to progressively innovate towards high selling module designs. The perception of many, LONGi will more likely be supporting products well beyond the next 12-years, therefore adding more substance to the guarantee. A proposition more valuable than many extended guarantee periods within the market.
LONGi’s overall product guarantee gains extra depth with a newly formed installer network in selected global regions. LONGi endorsed installers are more likely to possess intimate product knowledge of the LONGi Hi-MO 4 precise installation requirements, further strengthening guarantee support if required in the future.
IMPORTANT: The LONGi Hi-MO 4 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
| 30-years | Limited Product Warranty
PARTS | POWER | LABOR
North America
Solaria PowerXT®
Modules section; 1(a) Power Output Warranty. (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat4) | 90 |
Guarantee assurance | Parts, service and transport.
| Limited Product Warranty
PARTS | POWER | LABOR
North America
Solaria PowerXT®
Modules section; 4 Remedies. (reference documents). | Above Avg (Cat5) | 100 |
Established | 2000 (22 years) | About Solaria (external). | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 |
Certified installer network | Yes, WITHOUT additional end-user/installer benefits benefits. | Solaria website (external). | Above Avg (Cat2) | 70 |
Manufacturer bankability | C, Q1 2021. | PV Moduletech bankability ratings (external). | Below Avg Cat1) | 40 |
Guarantee Overall | Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM
| Above Avg (Cat3) | 76/100 | |
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.
the Hi-MO 4 range could be the most remarkable unsung success story in recent module manufacturing history
Overall: 72/100
When volume is a gauging factor, the most interesting aspect is that it’s specific by numbers, and if we love one thing at Solar Analytica, it is a measurable value. However, volume in any nominated period doesn’t add value to the individual product specification via the Solar Analytica Module Assessment Criteria (solar modules) V2.0. Yet, it provides insight into how a range of product specifications resonate with a diverse group and a manufacturers ability to cater for demand. The LONGi Hi-MO 4 solar module proves this by appealing to a broad spectrum of module purchasers internationally.
Energy-dense, the LONGi Hi-MO 4 remains within the highest calibre of module efficiency. However, the intention of the Hi-MO 4 isn’t to break module efficiency records (this would inevitably raise the cost to recover additional R&D). The LONGi Hi-MO 4 range appears meticulously crafted with a far more ingenious intention; to ensure long-term company strength through unrivalled consumer uptake. With this in mind, the Hi-MO 4 range could be the most remarkable unsung success story in recent module manufacturing history, ensuring diverse global investor appeal and manufacturer longevity through superior technology.
Infused with revolutionary Gallium-doping (opposed to Boron) mitigates the effects of Light-Induced Degradation in P-Type solar modules such as the Hi-MO 4 to the same level N-Type monocrystalline in a far more cost-effective manner. Meanwhile, sophisticated internal technology enhances electron flow through an advanced 9-wire busbar contact with LONGi’s proprietary Smart Soldering Technology. Discover a superior solar module design in the LONGi Hi-MO 4 range and enjoy dependable long-term yields from a respected manufacturer and now admired industry innovator.
Category | Classification | Points | Detail | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Design | Elite | Above Avg (Cat4) | 86 | Criteria >
| |
Durability | Good | Above Avg (Cat1) | 59 | Criteria > | |
Efficiency | Good | Above Avg (Cat1) | 60 | Criteria > | |
Performance | Superior | Above Avg (Cat3) | 80 | Criteria > | |
Guarantee | Superior | Above Avg (Cat3) | 76 | Criteria > | |
Overall: Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM | Above Avg (Cat2) | 72/100 | |||
LONGi’s Hi-MO-4 Bifacial variant, the LR4-72HBD, specific sub-categories must be assessed individually to be relevant to the particular product. The Design factoring dual-glass encapsulation has a flow-on effect, which improves the performance guarantee. Bifacial qualities additionally complement Efficiency when installed in ideal conditions. Factoring these alternative specifications has a minimal impact on the overall Above Avg (Cat3) ranking of the LONGi Hi-MO 4 LR4-72HBD; nonetheless, worth considering.
LONGi’s solar module range is super refined. The good news is that no matter your selection, the module options within the suite are all closely aligned by specifications. Select the ideal variant for the particular project and enjoy superior solar energy production from a respected brand.
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 Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM range of solar modules has been calculated using the Solar Analytica Assessment Criteria (solar modules) 2.1.1 >
- Solaria PowerXT-400R-PM datasheet.
- Solaria’s White paper.
- Solaria 30-years extended warranty statement.
- Solaria’s PowerXT-400R-PM warranty document (North America).
- Solaria PowerXT Panels Now Classified as PID Resistant.
- Solaria’s Frequently Asked Questions.
- Solaria’s Press Releases (Awards).
- Solaria’s Press Releases.
- 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 Solaria Solar panels compare against each other? Discover >
