Longi Plans 100 MW Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cell Pilot Line

Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells have been gaining attention in the renewable energy sector due to their high efficiency rates. Chinese PV manufacturer Longi is taking a step forward in this technology by planning a 100 MW pilot production line for high-efficiency crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells. The pilot line, which will occupy 4,000 m2 at an existing pilot facility within Longi's Central R&D Institute, is expected to support research and development and pilot production of high-efficiency crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem cells. Longi will lease space and use supporting equipment from the existing facility, while installing new equipment for perovskite thin-film deposition, rapid perovskite crystallization, and functional-layer thin-film deposition. Longi has been steadily advancing its crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem technology in recent years. The company reported a certified efficiency of 33.5% in 2023, followed by a 33.9% world record later that year and 34.6% in 2024. Longi raised the record to 34.85% in April 2025 and, most recently, to 35.5% in July 2026, setting a new world record for the technology. The result was independently certified by the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI). The development of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells is expected to play a significant role in the growth of the renewable energy sector. These cells have the potential to achieve higher efficiency rates than traditional solar cells, making them a promising technology for the future. ## Trina Solar's Strategy for Module Business Trina Solar has also made headlines in the PV industry with its adoption of a dual-driver TOPCon 3.0 + THBC strategy for its module business. The company's THBC products will target high-value rooftop markets and are expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2026. Trina also expects perovskite tandem cells to enter small-scale production in 2028-29, with GW-scale capacity targeted for 2029. ## Global Cell Shipment Ranking PV industry research firm InfoLink has released its global cell shipment ranking for the first half of 2026. The top five cell manufacturers shipped a combined 91.9 GW, up 5% year on year. Tongwei ranked first, followed by Yingfa Ruineng, SolarSpace, Jietai Technology, and Sunsync. ## Tongwei's Acquisition of Lihao Clean Energy Tongwei has issued an update on its planned acquisition of Lihao Clean Energy. The company plans to acquire a 100% stake in polysilicon manufacturer Lihao Clean Energy from 57 shareholders, including Duan Yong, Hainan Zhuoyue, and Hainan Haoyue, through a combination of share issuance and cash payment. Tongwei also plans to raise supporting funds through a share placement to no more than 35 qualified investors. The acquisition has entered the final stage of negotiations over the transaction plan. The development of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells is an exciting area of research and development in the renewable energy sector. Longi's investment in a 100 MW pilot production line is a significant step forward in this technology, and it will be interesting to see how it progresses in the coming years.