Longi Launches Fire-Resistant Solar Module for Rooftops

Performance Specifications

Despite the added safety features, Longi has maintained competitive efficiency ratings for the fire-resistant module. The company reports cell efficiencies up to 24.8 percent, consistent with its standard Hi-MO X10 lineup. This is significant because fire safety measures have historically involved trade-offs in performance — additional protective layers can reduce light transmission, and bypass configurations can decrease output under certain conditions.

The module also meets the latest IEC 61730 safety certification standards, which include fire resistance testing requirements that were strengthened in recent updates to the standard. Longi says the module exceeds these requirements, particularly in the arc fault and hot spot resistance categories.

Market Context and Demand Drivers

The launch responds to a convergence of regulatory and market pressures. Several countries, including Germany, Australia, and parts of the United States, have tightened building codes related to rooftop solar fire safety in recent years. Some jurisdictions now require rapid shutdown systems that de-energize panels within seconds in an emergency, while others mandate specific fire classification ratings for modules installed on certain building types.

Insurance companies have also become more attentive to solar fire risk, with some adjusting premiums or requiring specific module certifications for properties with rooftop installations. A fire-resistant module that exceeds regulatory requirements could simplify permitting and reduce insurance costs for installers and building owners.

The distributed solar market — residential and small commercial installations — has been growing faster than the utility-scale segment in many regions, driven by retail electricity prices, net metering policies, and consumer demand for energy independence. As installations proliferate, particularly in dense urban areas where buildings are close together, the safety profile of rooftop solar becomes increasingly important.

Competitive Implications

Longi's move signals that fire safety is becoming a differentiating feature in the module market, rather than a baseline compliance requirement. Other major manufacturers, including Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, and Canadian Solar, are likely to respond with their own enhanced safety offerings to avoid being positioned as less safe alternatives.

This competition could accelerate the adoption of back-contact cell architectures and advanced bypass diode configurations across the industry, as manufacturers seek to match both the safety and efficiency claims of the Hi-MO X10. For installers and consumers, the result should be safer rooftop solar systems without the performance penalties that earlier fire-safety measures sometimes imposed.

Installation and Availability

Longi plans to begin shipping the fire-resistant Hi-MO X10 to major distributed solar markets in the second quarter of 2026, with initial availability in Europe, Australia, and select Asian markets. The company has not yet announced pricing details but indicated that the premium over standard modules would be modest, reflecting the relatively low cost of the additional safety components compared to the overall module manufacturing cost.

This article is based on reporting by PV Magazine. Read the original article.