LONGi Green Energy's Hi-MO 9 Ice-Shield: A Resilient Investment in a Climate-Changed World

As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the renewable energy sector faces a critical challenge: how to protect infrastructure from increasingly destructive hailstorms, high winds, and other hazards. LONGi Green Energy's Hi-MO 9 Ice-Shield module offers a compelling solution, blending cutting-edge technology with rigorous international certifications to mitigate climate risk while enhancing the return on investment (ROI) for solar energy projects. For investors, this product represents a strategic opportunity to future-proof portfolios in a world where weather-related disruptions are no longer outliers but predictable threats.

Climate Risk as a Market Catalyst
Hailstorms, once considered rare, are now a growing economic liability. According to the Solar Risk Assessment 2025 by kWh Analytics, hail caused 73% of global photovoltaic (PV) losses in 2024, despite accounting for just 6% of incidents. The economic toll? A staggering $1.2 billion in damages. Europe alone saw 11,808 hailstorms in 2024—a 104% surge compared to 2022–2023. These trends underscore a clear market need for durable, weather-resistant solar infrastructure.

LONGi's Hi-MO 9 Ice-Shield is engineered to address this gap. Its 60% thicker, fully tempered front glass provides 4.5 times the impact resistance of conventional modules, surviving 55 mm hailstones at 33.9 m/s—far exceeding the IEC standard of 25 mm. The module's 6005-T6 aluminum alloy frame, capable of withstanding wind loads of ±5,400 Pa (equivalent to 171.33 mph), further ensures resilience against the high winds often accompanying hailstorms. These features make it ideal for regions like the U.S. Midwest, Australia, and Europe, where climate models predict continued volatility.

Technological Innovation and Certifications: A Pillar of Trust
The Hi-MO 9 Ice-Shield isn't just robust—it's battle-tested. Third-party certifications from RETC, TÜV Rheinland, and TÜV SÜD validate its performance, with the module topping RETC's High Durability Test (HDT) rankings in 2025. It also received the “Highest Achievement” award in the 2025 PV Module Index Report for excelling in 13 core tests, including hail sequence validation. These endorsements are critical for investors, as they reduce uncertainty in high-risk markets.

The module's integration of LONGi's HPBC 2.0 technology adds another layer of value. With a conversion efficiency of up to 24.8%, it ensures stable power generation even under harsh conditions. In a 100 MW TOPCon plant, the Hi-MO 9's enhanced design allows for a 6.4 MW capacity boost on the same land area. At a 5 cents/kWh electricity price, this translates to over $6.5 million in additional lifetime revenue—a tangible ROI improvement that offsets upfront costs.

Global Adoption and Long-Term Financial Viability
With global orders exceeding 1 GW, the Hi-MO 9 Ice-Shield is already being deployed in high-risk regions. Projects in the U.S. Midwest, Australia, and Europe highlight its appeal to developers seeking to minimize downtime and maintenance costs. LONGi's 12-year product and 30-year power warranties further strengthen its financial case, providing long-term assurance against performance degradation.

For investors, the module's value extends beyond technical specs. By reducing the likelihood of hail-induced damage, the Hi-MO 9 lowers insurance premiums and operational expenses, factors that are increasingly scrutinized in risk-averse markets. In regions like Texas, where recent hail events have crippled solar farms, the cost savings from avoided repairs and lost revenue are substantial.

A Strategic Investment in Climate Resilience
LONGi's R&D investment of CNY 5.014 billion in 2024 (6.07% of revenue) underscores its commitment to innovation. This focus has enabled the company to hold dual world records in monocrystalline silicon and perovskite-silicon tandem cell efficiencies. For investors, aligning with LONGi means backing a leader in both technological advancement and climate adaptation.

Conclusion: A Dual Win for ESG and Returns
The Hi-MO 9 Ice-Shield exemplifies how innovation can turn climate risk into a competitive advantage. By combining resilience with efficiency, LONGi offers investors a product that aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) mandates while delivering measurable financial returns. As governments and corporations prioritize climate resilience in their energy strategies, demand for modules like the Hi-MO 9 is poised to grow.

For those seeking to capitalize on this trend, the Hi-MO 9 Ice-Shield represents more than a product—it's a hedge against an unpredictable future and a gateway to long-term value in the renewable energy transition. The question isn't whether climate risk will rise, but whether your portfolio is prepared. With LONGi's Ice-Shield, the answer is clear.