LONGi Pioneers Back Contact Solar Technology in the UK Through Landmark Partnership with Cero Generation

Image: LONGi

LONGi has announced its instrumental role in bringing back contact (BC) solar technology to the United Kingdom for the first time, through a strategic partnership with leading pan-European renewable energy company Cero Generation. As the exclusive module supplier for the 59 MW solar component of Cero’s flagship Bramley Project—a 115 MW co-located solar and battery energy storage system (BESS)—this marks LONGi’s inaugural deployment of BC technology in the UK and its first collaboration with Cero Generation.

The Bramley Project, supported by a £200 million green financing package secured by Cero Generation, represents a major milestone in the transformation of the UK’s energy infrastructure. Construction is set to begin in Autumn 2025, with LONGi’s Hi-MO 9 BC modules and Sungrow’s battery storage systems deployed under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) management of Metlen. As the first solar installation in the UK to utilize BC technology—widely regarded as the most advanced photovoltaic (PV) solution—the project sets a new standard for performance and sustainability.

Leon Zhang, President of LONGi Europe, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “The Bramley Project transcends conventional solar deployments – it’s a declaration that BC technology has arrived as Britain’s energy future. By selecting Hi-MO 9 for this trailblazing venture, Cero Generation demonstrates how visionary partners accelerate grid decarbonization through technological leadership.”

Marta Martinez Queimadelos, CEO of Cero Generation, added: “LONGi’s cutting-edge BC modules align perfectly with our commitment to EU Taxonomy-compliant infrastructure. This collaboration ensures Bramley delivers maximum environmental impact while pioneering next-generation solar technology in the UK market.”

Designed to thrive in the UK’s variable climate, LONGi’s Hi-MO 9 modules deliver industry-leading performance, with up to 24.8% module efficiency and a low temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C. The technology’s enhanced low-light response and superior degradation resistance maximize energy output, ensuring strong returns on Cero’s green financing while contributing to broader community and sustainability goals:

Creation of 80+ local construction jobs
A £50,000 community fund supporting regional initiatives
EU Taxonomy certification, confirming alignment with rigorous environmental standards

As the first project within Cero’s 360 MW UK co-located solar and storage portfolio, Bramley sets a precedent for the integration of back contact technology in large-scale renewable developments. By combining LONGi’s advanced solar modules with BESS infrastructure, the project provides essential grid flexibility and reinforces the role of solar-plus-storage systems in achieving the UK’s net-zero ambitions.