Solar panels

LONGi Hi-MO X10 Explorer solar panels

The panel we install is LONGi's Hi-MO X10 Explorer in the 475 W size (LR7-54HVH-475M), a rooftop panel built around back-contact cells.

What makes it different

Back-contact cells. On a back-contact panel the cell's electrical contacts sit behind it, so less of the front is covered and more of it can collect light. LONGi calls its version HPBC 2.0.

It holds up in heat. Panels lose output as they warm up, and this one is rated at -0.26% per °C above its 25°C test temperature. As an illustration, a cell running at 65°C on a hot Perth roof would be about 10% below its rated output.

It ages slowly. LONGi warrants less than 1% power loss in the first year and 0.35% a year after that, which still leaves 88.85% of the original output at year 30.

Dawn, dusk and shade. LONGi's product notes describe better low-light output and lower losses when part of a panel is shaded. We still design around shade on your roof rather than rely on that.

Built for the conditions

• Wind and load: tested to 5,400 Pa on the front and 2,400 Pa on the rear.
• Hail: tested with 25 mm hailstones at 23 m/s.
• Near the coast: this panel range is certified to the IEC 61701 salt mist standard. LONGi treats homes 50 to 500 m from the sea as seaside installs, which stay under warranty with corrosion protection and extra maintenance. Within 50 m of the sea the warranty does not apply, so tell us if you're that close.

How many fit on a roof

Each panel covers about 2 m². Fourteen panels make a 6.65 kW system and take up about 29 m². With a battery, a 5 kW inverter can carry up to 21 panels, about 43 m². The right number comes from your bill and your roof, and Western Power can limit the size at some addresses, so your quote is subject to a site visit and network approval.

Specifications