LONGi sets new solar cell efficiency world record at 28.29%

Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer LONGi has achieved a new world record for single-junction crystalline silicon solar cell efficiency, reaching 28.29%. The result was certified by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH).

This achievement marks LONGi’s third efficiency record set in 2026, following previous milestones of 28.04% and 28.13%. The company noted that this latest result brings the technology to approximately 96.2% of its theoretical efficiency limit for crystalline silicon.

The record-breaking cell utilizes a hybrid interdigitated back-contact (HIBC) architecture. This design combines a TOPCon-derived n-type contact with an HJT-derived p-type contact on the rear of the cell, which eliminates contact shading on the front surface to maximize light absorption. Such advancements in efficiency are expected to impact the global solar market by increasing electricity generation within the same physical footprint.