The International Solar Photovoltaics and Smart Energy (SNEC) Conference and Exhibition commenced in Shanghai, with Li Zhenguo, the Founder and President of LONGi, delivering a keynote speech titled “Building collaborative innovation ecosystem to Create a Zero-carbon World.” Li emphasized the industry’s mission to make photovoltaic technology more affordable and highlighted the importance of technological advancements in reducing the cost of solar power generation.
LONGi is actively pursuing an open innovation system, aiming to foster strong collaborations with educational institutions, industry peers, and supply chain partners to improve photovoltaic conversion efficiency and drive down electricity costs. Li Zhenguo outlined “LONGi’s four innovation methodologies” that have guided the company’s technological advancements throughout its history.
The first methodology emphasizes technological innovation based on the “First principle,” focusing on efficiency enhancement as a primary goal. The second methodology prioritizes customers and aims to provide reliable and high-quality products, ensuring an excellent user experience. The third methodology revolves around stable corporate values, with a strong emphasis on product reliability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term value creation for photovoltaic power plants. The fourth methodology centers on maintaining an open mindset and investing in scientific research and development to foster an open cooperation ecosystem.
LONGi’s innovation history spans several breakthroughs. Since 2014, the company has been at the forefront of overcoming key challenges in the solar industry. They were pioneers in the industrialization of RCz single crystal growth technology and successfully addressed the initial light attenuation issue of monocrystalline PERC in 2015. In 2017, LONGi introduced diamond wire-cutting technology for the slicing process and incorporated double-sided power generation technology into cell and module production.
Li Zhenguo highlighted that due to technological innovation, the cost of photovoltaic electricity has decreased significantly, from 4 yuan to less than 0.5 yuan, supporting future development and contributing to achieving “carbon neutrality.” Li Zhenguo expressed LONGi’s commitment to an open mindset, collaborative innovation, and the creation of a zero-carbon world.
Alongside increased investment in research and development, LONGi aims to foster exchanges and cooperation worldwide. Li emphasized that the technology driving future change or disruption in the photovoltaic industry may come from unexpected fields seemingly unrelated to solar energy.
As part of its commitment to open innovation, LONGi introduced the “STAR Innovative Ecological Cooperation Platform” during the SNEC event. The platform aims to establish a leading global green energy ecosystem, transmitting innovation trends, collecting global ideas, integrating solutions, connecting valuable resources, and promoting technological innovation in the global photovoltaic industry. Li Zhenguo stressed the importance of collaboration and likened it to the convergence of rivers forming vast seas, indicating that LONGi has harnessed the power of the entire industry chain through its technological innovation leadership.
In conclusion, Li Zhenguo’s keynote speech at the SNEC Conference and Exhibition highlighted LONGi’s dedication to driving cost reductions in the photovoltaic industry through technological innovation. The company’s commitment to an open innovation ecosystem and collaboration with various stakeholders underpins its efforts to create a zero-carbon world. By fostering partnerships and exploring advancements beyond the confines of the photovoltaic industry, LONGi aims to lead the way in shaping the future of renewable energy and supporting global efforts toward carbon neutrality.
