A Shanghai-based apparel company has successfully commissioned the city’s first rooftop solar power station using LONGi’s Hi-MO X10 modules, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy in the fashion industry.
Semir Apparel Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Zhejiang Semir Apparel Group, connected its rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system to the grid in February. The project, which spans the rooftops of two office buildings in Minhang District, covers an area equivalent to three standard football fields. With an installed capacity of 2.11MW, it is expected to generate approximately 2.5 million kWh of electricity annually.
The initiative is part of Semir’s efforts to integrate renewable energy into its operations. The company has adopted a model in which 85% of the electricity generated is consumed on-site, with any surplus power fed back into the grid. This energy will support the headquarters’ operations, cold-chain logistics, and the firm’s live-streaming base.
LONGi’s Hi-MO X10 modules, introduced in October 2024, utilise HPBC 2.0 cell technology, providing improved power generation efficiency and reliability. With a maximum output of 670W—30W higher than conventional TOPCon modules—the panels achieve a conversion efficiency of up to 24.8%, maximising energy output from the limited rooftop space.
A key feature of the Hi-MO X10 modules is their bypass diode technology, designed to mitigate power loss caused by shading. This innovation reduces overheating risks and ensures stable operation by lowering temperatures by over 28% compared to traditional solar cells.
The performance of the new solar installation has already exceeded expectations. Between 13 and 28 February, the system produced 134,500 kWh of electricity, averaging 5,190 kWh per day—8% higher than the predicted output.
Shanghai Semir Apparel Co., Ltd. is a major player in China’s fashion industry, owning the well-known “Semir” and “Balabala” brands, which lead the domestic casual wear and children’s clothing markets, respectively. The company’s adoption of solar energy aligns with broader sustainability efforts in the textile and apparel sector, which is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact.
LONGi, a global leader in solar technology, sees this project as a model for other fashion and textile enterprises looking to transition to renewable energy. The company aims to deploy similar solar solutions across the industry to support sustainable development.
With the success of the Semir rooftop project, experts suggest that more firms in the sector may follow suit, helping China accelerate its clean energy transition.