Chinese solar technology giant Longi Green Energy Technology Co Ltd announced two new world records for solar cell efficiency recently, further cementing China's leading position in the global photovoltaic industry.

The breakthroughs include a 33 percent conversion efficiency for a commercial-size (260.9 square centimeters) silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell and 26 percent efficiency for a crystalline silicon module, it said.

The announcements, officially confirmed by the United States' National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which is affiliated with the US Department of Energy, were made during an international photovoltaic power generation conference in Shanghai.

The company remains committed to developing groundbreaking technology and relentlessly driving improvements in converting solar energy to electricity in order to produce green, renewable and cost-effective photovoltaic energy, it said.

Industry experts believe these achievements highlight the technological prowess of Chinese PV companies as they reshape the industry landscape and accelerate the transition toward a zero-carbon future.

Technological advancements by Chinese PV firms like Longi are crucial for driving down the levelized cost of electricity derived from solar power, making it an even more competitive and attractive energy source globally, said Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University.

"The relentless innovation coming out of China's PV sector is a game-changer. These efficiency gains translate directly into lower costs and greater deployment potential, accelerating the global energy transition away from fossil fuels," he said.

"This focus on research and development is expected to further widen the gap between Chinese PV technology and that of other regions, reinforcing China's dominance in the sector for the foreseeable future."

According to Li Zhenguo, founder of Longi, the dual breakthroughs are the best proof of the company's continuous investment in R&D and its commitment to pushing the limits of efficiency.

"We will continue to drive photovoltaics to become the main source of energy globally," he said.

"Photovoltaics are becoming the main energy source across the world, but the industry still needs to solve challenges such as energy storage and grid integration. Only through collaborative innovation can clean energy truly benefit everyone," he said.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn

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