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LONGi and Innoptus: A Partnership for Solar Innovation

In a significant stride towards enhancing solar technology in racing, LONGi has officially partnered with Belgium's renowned Innoptus Solar Team. This collaboration was announced during a ceremony held on May 5, 2025, in Antwerp, Belgium, where both entities unveiled their new solar racing car, named "Infinite Apollo". This vehicle is equipped with next-generation back-contact (BC) cell technology and flexible photovoltaic solutions, claiming attention for its impressive performance potential.

The Vision Behind the Collaboration

The "Infinite Apollo" is not just a racing car; it represents the culmination of cutting-edge technology and engineering prowess. The design reflects LONGi's commitment to innovation, boasting unprecedented levels of efficiency and reliability. The car is set to compete in the highly esteemed Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) this August, where it aims to secure victory amidst fierce international competition.

The partnership embodies a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of photovoltaic technology applications. Wout Rubbrecht, the team leader of Innoptus Solar Team, highlighted the rigorous demands of solar racing, emphasizing the need for solar cells that can withstand extreme conditions such as high-intensity vibrations and temperature fluctuations. This is where LONGi's advanced BC cell technology comes into play, offering solutions that ensure maximum energy efficiency even in challenging environments.

The Legacy of Innoptus Solar Team

Innoptus Solar Team has established itself as a powerhouse in the realm of solar car racing since its formation in 2002. With multiple titles, including the BWSC World Championship, the team excels in optimizing energy efficiency and technological innovation. During the 2023 BWSC race, they remarkably achieved a distance of 780 kilometers on the first day, underscoring their engineering capabilities.

As they gear up for the BWSC, this latest collaboration with LONGi aims to elevate the capabilities of their 11th-generation solar race car. Each step of the journey is focused on enhancing critical performance metrics, including power generation efficiency and module reliability, which are crucial for the grueling six-day race across Australia.

Breakthrough BC Technology

The cornerstone of this collaboration is the innovative BC cell technology developed by LONGi. With a zero metal contact design, these cells exhibit peak efficiency and outstanding low-light performance, which is critical for maintaining power generation during the race. The ability to adapt the flexible packaging of LONGi's TaiRay silicon wafers to the car’s curved surfaces enables optimal aerodynamic design while ensuring continuous, robust power generation. This combination not only enhances performance but also aligns with the team's goal of pushing the envelope in solar technology.

Zhang Haimeng, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at LONGi, stressed the importance of this partnership, stating, "We are committed to breaking boundaries with our solar technologies. Our collaboration will not only empower our drivers and innovators but will also demonstrate the incredible potential of solar racing cars powered by clean energy."

LONGi’s Mission and Future

Founded in 2000, LONGi's mission is simple: to harness solar energy for a sustainable future. By focusing on innovation, LONGi has transformed itself into a global leader in solar technology, continuously setting records for the efficiency of silicon solar cells. With this partnership, they aim to explore new horizons in the intersection of solar energy and automotive engineering.

Li Zhenguo, the founder and president of LONGi, articulated the ethos behind their innovations, emphasizing that every breakthrough is a step toward reshaping our energy landscape. As the future unfolds, LONGi intends to delve into diverse applications of photovoltaic technology that will benefit society at large.

Through the partnership with Innoptus Solar Team, LONGi stands at the forefront of the solar car racing revolution, paving the way for a sustainable energy future, one race at a time.

The engagement at the BWSC in August will undoubtedly be a fascinating showcase of what can happen when innovation meets racing—a genuine testament to the potential of solar technology in real-world applications.