Powering tomorrow together

In a rapidly evolving solar energy landscape, innovation and performance are key drivers of progress. Two global leaders – LONGi, a pioneer in solar technology, and Sibelco, an innovator in industrial minerals – are both partners of the

to push the boundaries of solar photovoltaic (PV) performance and sustainability.

The two companies, centered around the supply of high-purity quartz (HPQ) and advanced solar cell manufacturing, is propelling the development of next-generation solar solutions. This joint sponsorship of the Innoptus Solar Team was set to defend their world title in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and showcase the power of

innovation and material excellence in motion.

As proud partners, we would like to extend our congratulations to the Belgian Innoptus Solar Team for their 3rd place in the race. Their dedication, innovation, and resilience throughout the +3000 km journey across the Australian outback were nothing short of inspiring. Finishing just some minutes behind the winners and number two is a true testament to this incredible performance, teamwork, and spirit of sustainable engineering.

At the core is Sibelco’s high purity quartz (HPQ), a critical raw material in the manufacture of LONGi’s high-performance monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Sibelco’s HPQ is globally recognized for its exceptional purity, thermal stability, and reliability – all essential qualities for the stringent demands of the solar PV industry.

Leveraging this material, LONGi continues to set global benchmarks. The company holds world records for both monocrystalline silicon cell efficiency and crystalline silicon–perovskite tandem cells, affirming its role as a dual-technology frontrunner in the global solar sector.

Sibelco ensures a consistent supply of the highest-quality quartz, which is vital for pushing the limits of solar cell efficiency. Sibelco’s reliability and focus on innovation make them an important supplier in LONGi’s value chain.

LONGi’s leadership in back-contact (BC) solar cell technology – which enhances light absorption and energy conversion – brings even higher demands on material quality. Sibelco’s HPQ meets these advanced requirements, providing the ultra-low impurity levels necessary for sophisticated cell architectures and wafer production.

This commitment to innovation will be on display at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, where the Belgian Innoptus Solar Team will unveil their 11

generation solar car, Apollo. As the team’s exclusive solar partner, LONGi is equipping the vehicle with high-efficiency BC cells and co-developing vehicle-integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) flexible modules.

And as a Golden Partner of the Innoptus team, Sibelco is contributing not only materials expertise but also a shared commitment to sustainable innovation.

“By supporting the Innoptus Solar Team, we’re investing in the future of solar energy, sustainable mobility, and next-generation talent,” said Jair Rangel, Sibelco EVP Commercial High Purity Quartz and South America. “Together with LONGi, we are demonstrating how materials science and solar technology can work hand in hand to drive real-world change.”

LONGi’s use of Sibelco’s HPQ supports its broader mission of delivering clean, accessible energy to all. The superior quality of Sibelco’s HPQ ensures:

At the same time, Sibelco’s mining and processing practices are grounded in strong environmental stewardship, including circular economy principles and energy-efficient operations.

Sibelco and LONGi are great example of how cross-industry collaboration can accelerate the global transition to renewable energy. By uniting material purity with technological excellence, the two businesses are shaping the next generation of solar solutions – from industrial-scale installations to high-performance solar race cars.

As global demand for clean energy continues to grow, Sibelco and LONGi are co-creating a cleaner, brighter future.