LONGi Solar is one of the most widely recognised solar panel manufacturers in Australia. The brand is commonly seen on residential, commercial, and large-scale solar projects, largely due to its focus on monocrystalline technology, large manufacturing scale, and long-term global presence.
On Solar Choice Guide, we assess LONGi Solar panels from an Australian homeowner’s perspective. This page focuses on real-world performance, warranty considerations, and how LONGi panels compare within the mid-range segment of the Australian solar market.
LONGi is best known for specialising exclusively in monocrystalline solar technology and for being vertically integrated across much of the solar supply chain.
LONGi Solar – Company Background
LONGi Solar was founded in February 2000 under the name Xi’an LONGi Silicon Materials Corporation. The company initially focused on producing single-crystal (monocrystalline) silicon wafers, which are used by many major solar panel manufacturers worldwide.
Over time, LONGi expanded into solar cells and complete solar panels. Today, the company operates multiple manufacturing facilities across China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, with additional capacity under development in India.
LONGi is frequently cited as one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers by production volume. In 2022, the company was also listed in Forbes’ Global 2000, reflecting its global scale rather than product quality alone.
LONGi in Australia
LONGi Solar panels entered the Australian market around 2017 and have since gained significant market share. The company operates a local Australian office in Sydney, which is an important consideration for warranty support in a market where systems are expected to last 25 years or more.
Key Indicators (Australia)
| Indicator | LONGi Solar Panels |
| Bloomberg Tier 1 status | Yes |
| PV Evolution Labs Top Performer (2024) | Yes (multiple test categories) |
| Local office in Australia | Yes (Sydney) |
| Primary technology focus | Monocrystalline (PERC and newer designs) |
What does “Bloomberg Tier 1” actually mean?
Bloomberg’s Tier 1 ranking is not a measure of solar panel quality or performance. Instead, it reflects the financial bankability of a manufacturer based on its use in large, non-recourse financed solar projects.
For Australian homeowners, Tier 1 status simply indicates that LONGi is a large, financially stable manufacturer. It should not be treated as a guarantee of superior panel performance.
PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) Top Performer status
PV Evolution Labs (PVEL), supported by DNV, independently tests solar panel reliability under a range of accelerated stress conditions. Participation in PVEL testing is voluntary and manufacturer-funded.
In the latest PVEL reliability scorecard, LONGi panels were listed as top performers in several test categories, including:
- Damp heat
- Mechanical stress sequence
- Hail stress sequence
- PID
- LID + LETID
- PAN performance
It’s important to note that multiple LONGi models were tested, and results can vary between models. PVEL results are best viewed as an additional confidence signal rather than a blanket endorsement.
Why local presence in Australia matters
Many solar panel manufacturers enter the Australian market without establishing long-term customer support locally. This can make warranty claims difficult, particularly if the original installer is no longer operating.
LONGi’s Australian office provides a local point of contact, which reduces reliance on overseas support channels. For homeowners, this improves confidence that warranty claims can be handled within Australia if needed.
Types of LONGi Solar Panels Available in Australia
LONGi panels sold in Australia are approved by the Clean Energy Council, which is required for eligibility for the federal STC solar rebate.
LONGi’s residential and commercial panels are mainly grouped into three series.
Hi-MO 4 Series
The Hi-MO 4 series uses gallium-doped monocrystalline PERC cells, designed to reduce light-induced degradation (LID). These panels typically offer steady long-term output with an annual degradation rate around 0.55%.
Product warranties for this series are generally 12 years, which aligns with many mid-range panels in the Australian market.
Hi-MO 5 Series
The Hi-MO 5 series introduced higher operating current (around 13 amps), making these panels more compatible with common string inverters used in Australia.
This range includes standard frame colours as well as all-black options for homeowners concerned about appearance.
Hi-MO 6 Series
The Hi-MO 6 series represents LONGi’s newer generation of residential panels. Within this series, different models are designed to suit different priorities:
- Explorer – balanced efficiency and value
- Scientist – higher efficiency and longer warranty coverage
- X6 / X6 MAX variants – higher output and improved durability for performance-focused installations
Some Hi-MO 6 models offer product warranties of up to 25 years, which is becoming more common in the Australian market.
LONGi Solar Panel Specifications (Common Australian Models)
| Specification | Hi-MO 6 Explorer 440W | Hi-MO 6 Scientist 450W | Hi-MO X6 MAX Scientist 470–475W |
| Cell count | 108 cells | 108 half-cut cells | 108 half-cut cells |
| Cell type | Monocrystalline PERC | Monocrystalline PERC | Monocrystalline PERC |
| Power output | 440 W | 450 W | 470–475 W |
| Panel efficiency | ~22.5% | ~23.0% | ~23.3% |
| Annual degradation | ~0.4% | ~0.4% | <0.4% |
| First-year degradation | Not specified | Not specified | <1.0% |
| Dimensions | 1722 × 1134 × 30 mm | 1722 × 1134 × 30 mm | 1800 × 1134 × 30 mm |
| Weight | 20.8 kg | 20.8 kg | 21.6 kg |
| Product warranty | 15 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Temperature coefficient (Pmax) | -0.29% / °C | -0.29% / °C | -0.28% / °C |
| Country of manufacture | China | China | China |
Exact specifications vary by model number and production year. Always confirm the datasheet for the panel listed on your quote.
LONGi Solar Warranties in Australia
Solar panels in Australia come with two separate warranties: a product warranty and a performance warranty.
LONGi’s product warranty typically ranges from 15 years on many mid-range models to 25 years on selected Hi-MO 6 panels. The product warranty covers manufacturing defects and workmanship issues.
Performance warranties outline how much power loss is allowed over time. LONGi’s newer Hi-MO 6 Scientist models generally specify no more than 1% degradation in the first year, followed by around 0.4% per year thereafter.
While these figures are competitive, it’s worth noting that making a residential performance warranty claim can be difficult without long-term, high-quality system monitoring.
Pros and Cons of LONGi Solar Panels
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the world’s largest solar manufacturers by volume | Entered the Australian market later than some competitors |
| Vertically integrated manufacturing process | Many models still focus on mid-range pricing |
| Strong financial backing and global scale | Product warranty length varies by model |
| Local Australian office for support | Not positioned as a premium brand |
Are LONGi Solar Panels a Good Choice?
From Solar Choice Guide’s perspective, LONGi Solar panels are a solid option for homeowners seeking a reliable, mid-range panel from a financially strong manufacturer.
Their focus on monocrystalline technology, large-scale manufacturing, and local Australian presence makes them a sensible choice for many residential installations, particularly where value and long-term stability are priorities.
Example of a LONGi Commercial Solar Project
Numurkah Solar Farm – Victoria
- Commissioned: Q3 2019
- Application: Utility-scale solar farm
- System size: 128 MW
- Panel manufacturer: LONGi Solar
LONGi panels were selected for the Numurkah Solar Farm by French renewable energy producer Neoen. The project includes over 370,000 ground-mounted panels across more than 500 hectares and supplies renewable energy to major Victorian infrastructure, including Melbourne’s tram network.
Final perspective from Solar Choice Guide
LONGi Solar panels are widely used in Australia and are generally considered a dependable mid-range option. While they may not target the premium end of the market, their scale, warranty support, and consistent performance make them a practical choice for many Australian households.
As with any solar system, overall performance depends just as much on system design, inverter selection, and installation quality as it does on the panel brand itself.
FAQ :
Are LONGi Solar panels Tier 1?
Yes. LONGi Solar is classified as a Tier 1 manufacturer. This reflects the company’s size, financial stability, and use in large, bank-financed solar projects. Tier 1 status does not measure panel quality or efficiency, but it does indicate lower financial risk compared to smaller or less established brands.
How long do LONGi Solar panels last?
LONGi Solar panels are designed to operate for at least 25 years. Most models sold in Australia come with long performance warranties that guarantee the panels will continue producing a certain percentage of their original output over time. Actual lifespan depends on installation quality, climate conditions, and system design.
What warranty do LONGi Solar panels have in Australia?
Warranty terms vary by model. Many LONGi panels come with a 15-year product warranty, while some newer Hi-MO 6 models offer up to a 25-year product warranty. Performance warranties typically extend to 25 years or more, with newer models allowing lower annual degradation rates. Always check the exact model number and its Australian warranty document.
Are LONGi Solar panels suitable for Australian conditions?
Yes. LONGi panels sold in Australia are Clean Energy Council approved and designed to meet local standards. They are commonly installed in a wide range of Australian climates, including hot inland areas and coastal regions. As with all panels, correct mounting and airflow are important in hotter locations.
Are LONGi Solar panels made in China?
Yes. LONGi Solar panels supplied to Australia are primarily manufactured in China. This is standard across much of the global solar industry. Manufacturing location alone does not determine quality; factors such as quality control, product testing, warranty terms, and local support are more important.
How do LONGi panels compare to brands like Jinko or Trina?
In Australia, LONGi is often compared with other large Chinese manufacturers such as Jinko and Trina. These brands are generally similar in terms of reliability and value. Differences usually come down to specific models, warranty lengths, degradation rates, pricing, and availability rather than the brand name itself.
Are LONGi Solar panels a good choice for small roofs?
LONGi’s higher-efficiency panels, particularly in the Hi-MO 6 range, can be suitable for homes with limited roof space. Higher efficiency allows more capacity to be installed using fewer panels, although physical panel size and roof layout still need to be considered.
Why do LONGi Solar panel quotes vary in price?
Price differences usually relate to the specific panel model, inverter choice, system size, roof complexity, and installer costs. Even when LONGi panels are used, total system prices can vary significantly. This is why it’s important to compare quotes on more than just the headline price.
Should I choose LONGi Solar panels based on brand alone?
Not usually. While LONGi is a well-established and widely used brand, Solar Choice Guide recommends considering the full system. Panel model, inverter quality, system design, and installation standards often have a greater impact on long-term performance than small differences between reputable panel brands.