Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 16:40 .

Transformative Advancements in Back-Contact Solar Technology

LONGi Solar has emerged as a leader in the solar industry, significantly reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) through its innovative back-contact technology, which started gaining traction in the market five years ago. The company produced around 6 gigawatts using this technology in 2023, with plans to deliver 55 gigawatts globally by the end of the current year. Key advancements include high-efficiency solar modules with efficiencies exceeding 24%, reinforcing their competitive position. Back-contact modules, which account for over 70% of high-power offerings, demonstrate that these technologies are pragmatic solutions rather than just premium options. Norwegian technology companies are also advancing solar efficiency with world record achievements, including a tandem solar cell efficiency of 35.2% and significant investments aimed at further research in the field. The innovative shift to back-contact structures has notably enhanced performance by reducing metal shading and optimizing the fill factor, which is crucial for maximizing energy output. Recent production advancements have improved solar cell output and reliability, confirming the potential of back-contact technology in diverse and challenging environmental conditions.

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Speaker

Dr. Alex Li
Head of Product Management, LONGi Utility
LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
China

Talk of session: What's Hot in Solar Technology - Latest Product Trends in Rooftop and Utility-Scale PV Systems

Solar technology is advancing rapidly as manufacturers balance intense price pressure with rising performance and system demands. From higher-efficiency modules and smarter inverters to innovative mounting systems and trackers, new products aim to cut costs, simplify installation and enhance grid compatibility. This session highlights the latest trends shaping rooftop and utility-scale PV systems and their role in performance optimization and system integration.

Key topics:

• Latest module, inverter and mounting innovations
• Product trends in rooftop and utility-scale system design
• Perspectives on performance optimization, system integration and grid functionality
• Discussion on developments supporting long-term cost competitiveness for different solar applications

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome and Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Harry Wirth
Director, Division Power Solutions
Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme

To Talk

International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV) 2026 Launch

Speaker

Dr. Markus Fischer
VP R&D Operation
Hanwha QCells GmbH
Germany

To Talk

From Rooftops to Gigawatts: Emerging Solar and Storage Technology Trends in Modern Solar PV System

Speaker

Ussama Rai
Chief Technology Officer
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
China

To Talk

Maximising Value for PV + BESS Co-Located Assets: Trackers vs. Fixed-Tilt

Speaker

Philipp Kunze
Vice President Business Development and Sales Europe
Nexpower LLC
Germany

To Talk

Automation and Innovations in Racking Systems for Solar Installations

Speaker

Ralf Steinheiser
Head of Innovation and Technologies
Goldbeck Solar

To Talk

Q&A

To Talk