Harnessing the power of the sun is increasingly attractive, especially in sun-drenched regions like Australia.
Dust, pollution, and harsh environmental conditions can significantly impact the efficiency of traditional solar panels.
LONGi, a leading solar technology company, has introduced the Hi-MO X6 Guardian, a solar panel specifically designed to address these challenges and deliver peak performance in demanding environments.
The genesis of the Hi-MO X6 Guardian can be traced back to LONGi’s unwavering commitment to customer-centricity. Brett Robinson, LONGi Australia’s National Sales Manager, recounted a pivotal moment a few years ago when the company started a 2comprehensive customer interrogation to understand how it could enhance the company’s offerings.
“Everyone wants to be told they’re great, but what we truly desire to know is how we can improve,” Robinson said.
“Interestingly, almost 80 per cent of the respondents mentioned something—the desire for a panel to perform better on a roof, especially in dusty, dirty conditions with high levels of pollutants in the air.”
This revelation ignited an 18-month journey of research and design excellence. LONGi’s top-tier research and design team conducted exhaustive comparisons, performed nearly 1000 simulations, and subjected the prototype to around 500 days of rigorous testing. The result is the Hi-MO X6 Guardian— a testament to LONGi’s commitment to innovation and meeting customer demands.
One standout feature of the Hi-MO X6 Guardian is its frame adjustment, aligning seamlessly with the glass to allow water to drain away effortlessly. In contrast to traditional panels where water was impeded by the frame’s edge, the Guardian’s design ensures optimal functionality even at angles as low as 10 degrees, preventing tidemarks that can compromise electrical output.
Internal testing revealed that a mere 30-millimeter-deep tidemark at the bottom of a panel could reduce its output by 3.9 percent, highlighting the practical implications, especially in commercial setups where one panel’s efficiency can impact an entire string system.
Moreover, the Guardian introduces advanced anti-dust technology that minimises hotspot activity, preventing damage to cells due to accumulated energy.
Robinson proudly announced Australia’s status as one of the first countries to introduce this product, recently showcased at a major Japanese expo.
Temperature control is a critical factor in solar efficiency, and the Hi-MO X6 Guardian excels in this aspect. The module temperature reduction observed in the range of 3.7 per cent to 4 per cent over several days is a noteworthy achievement.
Cooler cells contribute to enhanced power output, with a maximum gain of 1.8 per cent and an average daily module temperature decrease of 2.4 per cent.
These figures aren’t just theoretical; they have been validated through monitoring at a specific site in a coastal city under daily conditions, just to test the endurance of the Hi-MO X6 Guardian.
The anti-dust and anti-pollutant features extend beyond mere surface protection. The Hi-MO X6 Guardian introduces a patented gluing process that enhances accuracy by about 50 per cent, addressing concerns about water ingress.
“We have implemented a more targeted and directed gluing process, allowing us to achieve extremely fine margins at the edges. This step is crucial as part of our commitment to customers, promising a 25-year warranty on parts, materials, and labor,” Robinson said.
“If water seeps through the edges, it could result in a significant number of quality issues. Nothing motivates our team more than presenting them with such a challenge, providing an opportunity for them to apply their empirical designs and utilise their expertise with slide rules.”
Cost savings are another highlight of the Hi-MO X6 Guardian, particularly in its single glass variant tailored for commercial applications. The cost-effective design extends to the surface of the glass, promoting efficient cleaning and minimising pollutant accumulation.
The anti-dust edge plays a pivotal role in maintaining panel integrity, especially in coastal environments where salt particles and crystals pose a risk. By mitigating these risks, the product ensures long-term durability and performance, making it a prudent investment for businesses.
Hi-MO X6 Guardian’s versatility, efficiency, and safety features make it an ideal choice for various sectors, including government, education, healthcare, public infrastructure, and special industry enterprises.
LONGi’s Hi-MO X6 Guardian ensures businesses can embrace a solar solution that not only meets their current energy needs but also aligns with Australia’s vision of creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world.
For more information, visit LONGi’s website.
This article featured in the April edition of ecogeneration.
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