A new generation of utility-scale photovoltaic modules brings application-focused designs for extreme weather, offshore installations and high-maintenance environments, helping developers improve energy yield, asset protection and lifecycle economics.
LONGi has expanded its Hi-MO 9 photovoltaic portfolio with four application-specific module variants designed to address some of the most demanding conditions faced by utility-scale solar projects. Built on the company’s Back Contact (BC) technology platform, the new Hi-MO 9 Ice-shield, Hi-MO 9 Sea-shield, Hi-MO 9 Edge and Hi-MO 9 HydroClear modules move beyond conventional one-size-fits-all solar panel designs by targeting distinct environmental and operational challenges.
The module is engineered for regions exposed to severe hailstorms and extreme wind conditions. The design combines strengthened TaiRay silicon wafers, thicker 3.2 mm front glass and a reinforced aluminium frame to improve impact resistance and reduce the risk of cell damage. The module is rated to withstand hailstones up to 55 mm in diameter and supports heavy mechanical loading requirements, making it suitable for utility-scale installations in climates where weather-related damage can significantly affect project reliability and maintenance costs.
The key features are:
- Optional Dust-free Glass technology reduces dust adhesion through microscopic surface structures.
- Sea-shield frame passes Grade 8 salt spray testing for harsh marine environments.
- Ice-shield design lowers cell-edge stress by 48% compared with TOPCon-based alternatives.
- Edge module installation can eliminate large quantities of grounding wires in utility-scale projects.
- Sea-shield modules are designed to withstand front-side wind speeds up to 65.1 m/s.
For offshore and coastal solar deployments, LONGi introduced the Hi-MO 9 Sea-shield module. The product incorporates corrosion-resistant materials and a multi-layer protection architecture intended for high-salinity environments. Enhanced sealing, anti-corrosion framing, specialised connectors and dual-POE encapsulation help protect the module from salt ingress and long-term degradation. The design is also optimised to withstand strong winds and wave-related stresses common in marine applications.
The module targets wind, snow and sand-prone regions while supporting sustainability objectives. A patented high-strength steel frame increases structural robustness and wind-load capability while reducing product carbon emissions compared with conventional aluminum-framed modules. The design also improves rear-side light capture for higher bifacial performance and simplifies installation through a grounding-free architecture, helping reduce labor and construction time for large solar projects.
Completing the portfolio is the HydroClear module, developed for dusty and snow-prone locations. Its patented frame design minimizes dust accumulation and promotes natural snow shedding, reducing maintenance requirements. Combined with HPBC 2.0 cell technology, the module improves energy production under low-irradiance and partially shaded conditions while supporting long-term operational stability. The four variants have entered commercial production and are aimed at utility-scale developers seeking optimized performance, durability and lower operating costs across diverse deployment scenarios.
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