The latest episode of Open Homes Australia revisited a HUGE solar system on a stunning home. The last we saw of this future-proof masterpiece was in season 6. The 40kW system uses LONGi 5m solar panels – garnering 160kWh of solar, on average, each day! The past year we beckoned the arrival of the new LONGi Hi-MO X6 solar panels – cementing LONGi as industry leaders.
Saying goodbye to electricity bills
While 40kW of solar may be out of reach for most suburban homes, maximising your solar output is the aim of the game. The Queensland home featured in this episode is on a sprawling property, with ample roof space across the house and sheds. While your home’s available roof space is likely much smaller, the average Aussie detached home can fit approximately 8kW of solar panels (average 28-40kWh per day). With the average Aussie home housing 3 people (average usage of 18-19kWh per day), an 8kW system could more than cover the average daily usage.
With improved solar technology, your home can produce more power than ever before. An 8kW system in 2014 would require around 26 panels (average solar panel wattage was 250 – 300W). In 2024, an 8kW system would require approximately 20 panels (average wattage is around 300 – 400W). That’s a massive reduction in required roof space for the same-sized system. The LONGi Hi-MO 5m panels featured in this episode were rated at 415W. Available today to Australian homes are the Hi-MO X6 Explorer and Scientist panels with exceptional efficiency and greater wattage. And the cherry on top is the fact that they carry the exact same dimensions! An 8kW system with 450W Hi-MO X6 Scientist panels could mean your home only needs 18 panels!
LONGi Hi-MO X6 solar panels
Hot on the tail of the incredible Hi-MO 5m series panel comes the Hi-MO X6 Explorer and Scientist series. These two series of panels, along with the X6 Guardian for commercial applications, round out exceptional new offerings under the Hi-MO X6 banner. Let’s take a closer look at the two series.
Hi-MO X6 Explorer
The Hi-MO X6 Explorer solar panels feature cutting-edge technology for unmatched efficiency, reliability, and performance. Here are the key features:
- High efficiency: The HPBC cell efficiency of the Hi-MO X6 Explorer panels is higher than 25.5%. This ensures optimal power generation capacity and a module efficiency exceeding 22%.
- Aesthetic appearance: The Explorer series simplifies complexity and redefines the aesthetic concept of photovoltaic modules. They look great while harnessing sunlight!
- Market-leading reliability: LONGi pioneers the adoption of full back welding technology in the Explorer panels, effectively improving resistance to micro-cracking. This ensures long-term stability and durability.
- Warranty: The Hi-MO X6 Explorer panels come with a 25-year performance warranty. This maximises product reliability and provides peace of mind for homeowners.
Hi-MO X6 Scientist
The Hi-MO X6 Scientist series by LONGi offers cutting-edge solar panels designed for high performance and reliability. These panels incorporate innovative features to enhance efficiency and durability. Here are some key features of the Hi-MO X6 Scientist panels:
- High efficiency: The HPBC+ cell efficiency of the Hi-MO X6 Scientist panels exceeds 25.8% and takes the module efficiency to 23% or more, making them one of the most efficient options available.
- Micro-crack resistance: LONGi pioneers the use of full back welding technology in these panels, effectively improving resistance to micro-cracking. This ensures long-term reliability even in challenging conditions.
- Aesthetic design: The Hi-MO X6 simplifies complexity and redefines the aesthetic concept of photovoltaic modules. Its clean design enhances the visual appeal of solar installations.
- Extended warranty: With an extra-long product and performance warranty of 25 years, the Hi-MO X6 Scientist panels maximise product reliability and provide peace of mind for homeowners.
LONGi panel comparison
What makes the Hi-MO X6 range exceptional is how they can pack a greater punch in the same size as their predecessor. Let’s compare the mid-range output module type for each series:
| Hi-MO 5m LR5-54HPH-415M | Hi-MO X6 Explorer LR5-54HTH-430M | Hi-MO X6 Scientist LR5-54HTH-450M | |
| Module Wattage | 415W | 430W | 450W |
| Dimensions | 1722 x 1134 x 30mm | 1722 x 1134 x 30mm | 1722 x 1134 x 30mm |
| Weight | 20.8kg | 20.8kg | 20.8kg |
| Max module efficiency | 21.3% | 22.0% | 23.0% |
| 25-year power warranty | 84.80% | 88.90% | 88.90% |
| Power Tolerance | 0~3% | 0~3% | 0~3% |
| First year degradation | <2% | <1.5% | <1.5% |
| Warranty | 12-year product, 25-year performance | 25-year product, 25-year performance | 25-year product, 25-year performance |
While the Hi-MO 5m solar panel still stands head and shoulders above many of its competitors, the Hi-MO X6 series shows us how advancements in cell technology further increase solar production for the same footprint.
Go solar with LONGi
As we’ve seen across two episodes this season of Open Homes Australia, LONGi Solar is poised to provide your home with the energy it needs. Reduce or eliminate your electricity bills with solar, and choose LONGi solar panels to maximise your investment.
If you’re ready to add solar to your existing home or new build, let Energy Matters help! Energy Matters is one of Australia’s most trusted for solar quotes due to our high customer satisfaction and industry recommendations. Get FREE quotes for a system with LONGi solar panels by clicking the button below.
