Enertis Applus+ Study: LONGi BC Modules Outperform TOPCon in LCOE, Driving Higher Commercial Value
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 aims to be the world’s most valuable solar technology company, driving comprehensive energy transition through customer-centric innovation.
As a global industry leader, LONGi invested CNY 5.014 billion in R&D in 2024, representing 6.07% of annual revenue, maintaining technological leadership with dual world efficiency records in monocrystalline silicon single-junction cells and perovskite-silicon tandem cells. LONGi leads in ESG performance with its 2024 MSCI rating upgraded to BBB, achieving the highest ESG scores among A+H-listed semiconductor companies and ranking first in the photovoltaic sector. As China’s first PV enterprise to join RE100, EP100, EV100 and SBTi initiatives, LONGi remains committed to advancing green development and building a carbon-neutral future. www.longi.com
