AIKO and LONGi: leaders at 25% efficiency, and what we choose for your roof

AIKO and LONGi share first place, at 25% efficiency, in the October 2026 edition of the TaiyangNews TOP SOLAR MODULES ranking. It is an important technological benchmark for anyone choosing solar panels. The ranking analyses documented, commercially available models according to its own methodology; it is not a comparative laboratory test of every panel in existence. See the TaiyangNews ranking and criteria.

For you, the useful question is what this performance delivers on the roof. At Nectaria you will find in stock the AIKO 650 W, with 24% efficiency, and the LONGi 480 W, with 23.5% efficiency. We will also be bringing in 25% AIKO models. These are different efficiency levels, which must always be tied to the specific model purchased.

What panel efficiency means

Efficiency shows how much of the light energy reaching the panel surface is converted into electrical energy under the measurement conditions. A higher percentage means more power from the same area. That is why efficiency matters when the available roof space limits the number of panels.

Power in watts and efficiency answer different questions. Power indicates a panel's rated output. Efficiency helps you compare how well the area is used. A larger panel can have more watts without automatically being more efficient than a more compact one. The LONGi datasheets illustrate this difference: the 480 W model has 23.5%, while the 510 W model in the EcoLife family reaches 25%. Hi-MO X10 datasheet and EcoLife 510 W datasheet.

Why 25% performance says something about the manufacturer

The ability to make a series-production panel this efficient is a signal of a company's technological development. This is why we present AIKO and LONGi together. You can assess both the brand and the specific product, based on documents and published results.

The technological signal does not replace checking each model. Peak efficiency alone does not prove the service life or annual yield of an entire product range. The choice still depends on the datasheet, the applicable warranty and the design of your installation.

AIKO confirms series production of its 675 W Comet modules with efficiency above 25%. For LONGi, the EcoLife Pro / Hi-MO S10 datasheet identifies the LR7-54HJD-510M variant, at 510 W and 25%. These are different products from the two models currently available at Nectaria. AIKO's announcement on series production and LONGi documentation.

Contacts on the back of the cell: the simple explanation

AIKO uses the name ABC and LONGi uses HPBC for certain technologies with electrical contacts on the back of the cells. Moving these contacts frees the front of the cell from the metal grid and leaves more surface area for capturing light. The front also looks more uniform. AIKO's technology explained and LONGi's overview.

We don't turn this explanation into a universal promise of extra annual yield. Any percentage of additional production must be tied to the model being compared and to the test conditions. For your choice, we apply the same precision from the power stated in the quote to the model delivered.

Which panels we have in stock

AIKO 650 W, 24% efficiency

The model in the Nectaria range has a rated power of 650 W and 24% efficiency. It is an option worth considering when the project can accommodate the panel format and aims for high power per module. See the AIKO 650 W panel.

Upcoming 25% AIKO models will complement the range. We do not present the current 650 W panel as a 25% model. You can follow the AIKO collection and ask us about availability of the variant that suits your project.

LONGi Hi-MO X10 480 W, 23.5% efficiency

The LONGi LR7-54HVD-480M uses HPBC 2.0 and, according to the official datasheet, comes with a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year power warranty, under the manufacturer's terms. The stated dimensions are 1800 × 1134 × 30 mm. These figures help check how the panels fit on the roof. LONGi model datasheet.

See the LONGi 480 W panel. The choice between it and AIKO is made on the actual roof plan and the system configuration, not just by comparing the wattage.

Nectaria's experience with AIKO projects

Nectaria has been active since 2011 and holds ANRE C1A and C2A certifications. One reference project is an industrial hall in Alba County: 520 kWp of rated panel power, built with 807 AIKO panels. This example shows our installation experience with the brand, without turning the result of one project into an estimate for another building.

In 2024, Nectaria received the Supreme Residential Installation Excellence Award at AIKO's gala at Intersolar München and was named an AIKO strategic partner. We import directly, by the container, and distribute equipment to installation companies across Romania. Customers and installers can pick up goods from our warehouse in Alba Iulia.

Start from your project

For the initial discussion, have the available roof dimensions ready and tell us whether you want panels only or a complete system. Ask for the quote to identify the model and the power variant. This way you can compare the same configuration from equipment selection through to delivery, including if you are interested in the upcoming 25% AIKO models.

For a complete choice, look at systems without batteries or systems with batteries. The rest of the installation matters too: read our guide to solar cable and connectors.

Call 0723 172 359 or message us on WhatsApp. We will help you choose between AIKO and LONGi and check the model, availability and the right configuration. For business-to-business cooperation, see our page for installers.