LONGi Solar announced that its 120-cell half-cut monocrystalline PERC module has exceeded 360 W, as certified by the inspection and product certification services provider TÜV-SÜD. This achieves a new world record for the highest power 120-cell half-cut monocrystalline PERC module, adding to LONGi's world record for 60-cell monocrystalline PERC module for power and conversion efficiency.

LONGi's singular focus on PERC technology significantly reduces the LCOE, thereby advancing grid parity and raising the technological bar in PV. PERC has emerged as a focus technology point, especially in China's "Top Runner" projects. Experts predict that by 2020, PERC will account for 65 GW of capacity and about 40 percent of shipments.

LONGi is accelerating the upgrade of its solar cell production line and expects to complete the move to PERC this year. Concurrently, through strategic cooperation, 8 GW of PERC cell supply capacity will be available to fully meet market demand for high-efficiency products. The company will gradually phase into mass production its world record monocrystalline products.

LONGi Group set a new industry R&D expenditure record in 2017, which almost doubled to RMB 1.1 billion (US$175.7 million), up 96.67 percent from US$89.2 million in 2016. The company also noted that its R&D spending reached RMB 2.38 billion (US$380 million) of cumulative expenditure over the past five years.

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