LONGi has launched a new solar panel designed for durability and reliability in hail and storms. The Hi-MO 5 Ice-Shield module is a bifacial, double-glazed panel that uses thicker top glass than traditional modules.
Unlike standard bifacial double-glazed PV modules that typically use 2mm heat-strengthened front and back glass, LONGi’s new Ice-Shield module uses toughened safety glass technology, the same material that protects mobile phone screens from shattering, with a 3.2 – mm integrated top layer of tempered glass. This new design allows the Ice-Shield module to withstand hailstones of up to 55mm (about the size of a billiard ball) hitting at a speed of 33.9 meters per second, compared to a traditional double-glazed module that could fail after an impact, hailstones larger than 25 mm to 35 mm (about the size of a quarter to half a dollar) strike at a reduced speed. Furthermore, unlike the IEC standard of 25mm hailstone at 23 meters per second, the Ice-Shield module can withstand up to approximately 17 times the impact energy, the company claims. According to third-party testing, the Ice-Shield modules showed no visual defects and virtually no power loss after the impact of a 55mm hailstone.
“As the climate crisis drives more extreme weather patterns, such as high winds and hail, we need innovation to help strengthen our critical infrastructure against these threats,” said Grace Sun, Head of Marketing and Communication Group, LONGi North America. “In recent years we have seen how sensitive our energy grid and existing power plants have been to extreme weather, and recently we have seen the substantial impact of hail on solar energy in Texas. That is why LONGi is leading the way with its Ice-Shield module specifically designed to protect grid stability and asset value.”
Since the frame is the main load-bearing part, the new Ice-Shied module is reinforced with 6005-T6 high-strength anodized aluminum alloy material that provides a yield strength of up to 3,600 Pa wind load, which is equivalent to 380 km/h. wind, with regular trackers. Hailstorms are often accompanied by wind speeds at or even above 120 mph (53.6 meters per second). LONGi is confident in the reliability and durability of its new Ice-Shield module and offers a 12-year product and 30-year power warranty.
In addition to the improved reliability of the module, the new Ice-Shield module maintains the benefits of the Hi-MO 5 module: an increase in energy generation by 2.2% and a reduction in BOS costs by 0.9% compared to with competitive double-sided transparent backsheet modules.
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