A significant partnership in the realm of solar-powered mobility has recently been formally announced. The prominent solar car racing entity, known globally as the Innoptus Solar Team, has entered into a strategic collaboration with LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a leading innovator in solar technology solutions.
This alliance has culminated in the unveiling of their latest high-performance solar vehicle, aptly named “Infinite Apollo.” This state-of-the-art solar car integrates pioneering advancements, specifically leveraging cutting-edge Back Contact (BC) cell technology and incorporating advanced flexible photovoltaic arrays. These technologies are crucial for maximizing energy capture and efficiency under demanding conditions.
The “Infinite Apollo” is engineered to be a highly efficient and exceptionally reliable platform, meticulously designed to tackle the rigors of competitive solar racing. It is set to compete in the highly anticipated Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) this August. This prestigious event serves as a global benchmark for evaluating the performance and durability of solar-powered vehicles across challenging terrains and varied weather conditions.
The collaboration represents a pivotal moment for both entities, marking their inaugural joint endeavor focused on pushing the boundaries of advanced photovoltaic technologies within a high-performance application context. By pooling their respective expertise – the Innoptus Team’s experience in designing, building, and optimizing solar race cars, and LONGi’s deep knowledge in solar cell and module technology – the partnership aims to drive innovation forward. The integration of BC technology offers advantages in terms of efficiency and aesthetics by placing electrical contacts on the rear of the solar cells, while flexible PV solutions enable seamless integration onto the car’s aerodynamic surfaces, maximizing the usable area for solar energy generation without compromising the vehicle’s design. This joint exploration highlights a shared commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions and demonstrating the potential of solar energy in extreme environments. The project serves not only as a competitive entry into a world-class race but also as a valuable research and development platform for future solar applications.
Cross-Industry Innovation: “Photovoltaic + Racing”
The Innoptus Solar Team is considered a powerhouse in solar car racing. Since its founding in 2002, it has won numerous international titles including BWSC championships. Known for maximizing energy efficiency, their cars achieved an impressive range of 780 kilometers on day one during the 2023 BWSC race—placing them at the forefront of transportation applications using solar technology.
As a global leader in solar tech innovation, LONGi has set multiple world records for single-crystal silicon cells and crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem cell efficiencies. As both a “double champion” in these mainstream photovoltaic tracks and holder of global crystalline silicon module efficiency records, LONGI continues to drive forward innovations rapidly industrializing BC technology.
In this partnership for BWSC 2025 competition cycle,LONGI will be Innoptus’ exclusive PV partner,fueling their eleventh-gen racer with state-of-the-art BC cell tech & VIPV flexible PV solutions enhancing core performance metrics like power generation & product reliability under extreme racing conditions.
“Solar car racing is ultimate testbed,” says Wout Rubbrecht head-Innoptus,“Cars need maintain high-efficiency amidst intense vibrations/extreme temps/curved surfaces.LONGI’s superior conversion rates/reliability/flexible solutions show us possibilities beyond limits.”
She Haifeng VP-LONGI adds,“Driving via solar may seem visionary,yet tech innovations reveal new potentials.LONGI joins forces w/Innoptus towards winning championships.”
Empowering Reliable High-Efficiency Energy w/LONGI BC Tech
Since 1987,BWSC biennially hosts world’s premier/longest-running solar race.Teams must drive PV-powered cars from Darwin(Australia north)to Adelaide(south)covering over 3000km.Extreme weather/complex roads demand stringent battery conversion/reliability standards.
To meet these,longgi collaborates w/Innoptus deeply leveraging highest mass-produced crystalline-silicon track-efficient BC cells:no front grids-perfectly blending w/car’s look.Peak efficiencies/superior low-light responses/power generation/better reliabilities enhance onboard PV components ensuring stable-high outputs despite speeds/extreme temps
Supported by TIRIS-silicon wafers’ flexible packaging,aerodynamic designs ensure optimal light absorption/power output providing continuous green power throughout BWSC’s ‘devil journey’
“Innoptus team exudes passion/goals,”says Zhang Haimeng VP-CSO-LONGI.“Our BC tech aims breaking boundaries;collaboration promises stronger clean energy drives.”
“Innovation embodies longgi,”adds Li Zhenguo-founder/president.“We honor every innovation/challenge ourselves.Past efforts aimed pinnacle PV fields-improving efficiencies/reducing LCOE.Future extends our innovations exploring more ‘PV+’possibilities bringing PV into everyone’s life.”