
Zhong Baoshen and Eric Luo, LONGi Chairman and VP respectively, have taken part in the 2025 edition of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, sharing with high profile attendees the solar industry’s latest developments and future trends.
In a keynore presentation, Zhong focused on the ‘remarkable’ development achieved by the PV industry, not only in terms of exponential growth, but also its significant role in the ongoing process of global energy transition, commenting: “From 1954 to 2022, it took 68 years to surpass the first terawatt, while the second terawatt was achieved in just two short years. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that, by 2030, the global installed capacity of solar PV will exceed 4,000 gigawatts. I personally believe it will surpass 5,000 GW.”
The cost of solar PV systems has dropped to approximately 1/820 of what it was in 1975. Luo highlighted the world records set by LONGi in 2024, including a 27.30% efficiency for monocrystalline silicon cells and a 34.6% efficiency for crystalline silicon–perovskite tandem cells, emphasizing that the company’s relentless commitment to technological innovation has not only boosted conversion efficiencies, but also reduced the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). These efforts have significantly bolstered the global push towards achieving net-zero emissions.
While achieving technological innovation, LONGi has also actively promoted innovation in intelligent manufacturing, Luo continued, adopting new technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), big data, artificial intelligence and digital twins in its so-called ‘Lighthouse’ factory.
Ten years ago, the energy sector was confronted with the ‘Energy Trilemma,’ which suggested that environmental protection, economic viability and energy security could not be achieved simultaneously. However, rapid technological advancements in solar PV have completely transformed this situation, with PV now having become one of the most reliable, affordable and sustainable base energies in the global energy system.
Luo believes that solar energy will in the future become increasingly intertwined with technologies such as energy storage, transportation, architecture and smart grids.
“Through continuous innovation in the integration of these technologies, we can attract more industries to collectively drive the global energy system towards a more intelligent and sustainable future. Solar photovoltaics will pave the way for a cleaner, more efficient and more reliable energy future,” Luo went on.
“The future of solar energy will not only exceed expectations, but will also become a key force for the harmonious development of the global economy and environment. Let us work together to contribute more possibilities to the realization of the global net-zero goal, ” Zhong concluded.