Strong in heat, heavy for its output
Longi Solar Hi-MO 4 (LR4-72HBD 440~460M) modules combine bifacial construction with glass-glass lamination, enabling them to significantly increase energy yield, even when light reflects off the ground (such as light roofs, gravel, or membranes). The application of PERC monocrystalline cells in a half-cut configuration helps minimize losses due to partial shading and reduces the risk of hot spots, leading to more stable system performance under challenging conditions. A key advantage of this series is its resistance to LID and PID degradation, which is crucial for investors seeking reliable, long-term energy production. These modules are suitable for both commercial rooftop installations and large-scale PV farms, as well as tracker projects, where durability and long-term reliability are paramount. Against many competitive panels, they stand out through the practical combination of high glass-glass durability and the benefits of bifacial technology-without compromising daily operation.
Ranking
Signals from the data
Commercial and shaded-installations.
Weight-limited structures.
Top 19% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of -0.350.
Top 20% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs.
Bottom 4% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 53.1. Ranked 12,690th in the whole database.
Glass-glass lamination combined with bifacial technology can recover up to an additional 25% of energy from the rear side under high-albedo surfaces (rooftop, gravel, membrane), while the construction itself supports a 30-year service life.
The half-cut monocrystalline PERC cell layout reduces losses under partial shading and hot-spot risk, while annual power degradation below 0.45% and resistance to LID and PID ensure predictable energy yield throughout the module's lifetime.
LONGi Solar, operating since 2000, has consistently appeared on the BNEF Tier 1 list (confirmed as of Q1 2023), reflecting documented bankability and access to non-recourse bank financing - important for large commercial installations and utility-scale PV plants.
The manufacturer offers a 30-year linear power output warranty, exceeding the 25-year power warranties that were standard among most PERC-segment competitors at the time of this series' launch.
A maximum system voltage of 1500V combined with a Pmax temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C enables longer module strings and reduced BoS costs (wiring, inverters, mounting structures) - relevant for large-scale utility and tracker-based installations.
The Hi-MO 4 series was discontinued in 2023, meaning limited availability of replacement modules in case of failure and more difficult warranty claims over the remaining multi-year term - investors should plan for potential replacement with a different series in the event of repairs.
Efficiency of 20.2-21.2% is notably lower than comparable, newer N-type TOPCon modules (e.g. Phono Solar Draco or SunKean SKT440-460M12-96D4 reaching up to 23.02%), meaning lower power output for the same roof area.
The datasheet lists only Class C fire rating per UL790, while some newer competing modules offer Class A - this can restrict use on pitched roofs near other buildings where local codes require a higher fire safety class.
The standard product (materials and workmanship) warranty is only 12 years, whereas newer N-type module series on the market now offer 15-25 years of product warranty, reducing long-term investment security relative to current standards.
- At 20.7% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 450-500W modules
- Power density of 207.0 W/m² matches the PERC 450-500W median
- At -0.34%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 450-500W panels
- At 27.5 kg (3.0 kg above PERC 450-500W median of 24.5 kg), requires checking roof load capacity
- Bifacial design (70% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-10% yield on ground-mount or white roof
Specifications
Datasheet charts
Measured curves published by Longi Solar in this model's datasheet. A chart carrying a wattage was measured on that variant alone - only the ones that describe 450 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.
Found 234 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 325 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 352 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 1172 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here
About the Hi-MO 4 (LR4-72HBD 440~460M) series
These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.