Global technical engineering consultancy Enertis Applus+ has published a detailed analysis of a 47 MW single-axis tracker photovoltaic project in Seville, Spain, comparing the commercial performance of back-contact (BC) and tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technologies. The study, based on module data provided by LONGi, confirms that LONGi’s HPBC2.0 modules, branded as Hi-MO 9, deliver significantly higher performance across multiple key metrics, including energy yield, cost efficiency, and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
Key findings from the analysis include:
- 3.4% Higher Energy Yield per Watt: The Hi-MO 9 modules delivered 2,209 equivalent full-load hours in the first year of operation, outperforming TOPCon modules by 2.4% to 3.4%, translating directly into higher project revenues.
- Cost Parity Despite Higher Unit Price: Although Hi-MO 9 modules were priced €0.007/W higher than TOPCon, overall capital expenditure (CAPEX) remained similar due to optimized system design and cost distribution.
- Leading LCOE Performance: Hi-MO 9 achieved a levelized cost of electricity of €0.02706/kWh, representing a 3.92% to 4.47% reduction compared to TOPCon. This was made possible through:
- Higher energy yield reducing fixed cost allocation per kWh
- Better compatibility with trackers and reduced electrical losses minimizing variable costs
