Aiko vs LONGi, and other common questions

Both are strong choices. Aiko's ABC (All Back Contact) technology gives a completely uniform black front surface and among the highest mass-production efficiencies available (up to 25.6%), which suits buyers prioritising aesthetics and maximum output per square metre. LONGi is the world's largest solar manufacturer by volume, offers a tiered range from value (Hi-MO 6) to premium back-contact (Hi-MO X10), and backs every panel with a 25-year product / 30-year performance warranty. Budget-focused buyers often lean LONGi Hi-MO 6; buyers wanting the highest-efficiency, most uniform-looking roof often lean Aiko or LONGi Hi-MO X10.

Yes. South Africa went over 400 consecutive days without national load shedding as of mid-2026, but the financial case for solar stands on cost savings alone: Eskom tariffs have risen more than 400% since 2010, and NERSA-approved increases continue through 2027/28. Analysts also warn of renewed national supply risk from 2027–2028 as coal capacity retires faster than new renewables come online, and localised load reduction still affects specific areas. Solar locks in your electricity cost for 25+ years regardless of tariff or grid outcomes.

ABC is a cell design, pioneered at scale by Aiko, where all electrical contacts are placed on the rear of the cell instead of the front. This removes the metal gridlines that normally shade part of the front surface on conventional panels, increasing usable active area (up to roughly 97%) and giving the panel a uniform black appearance with no visible grid pattern.

HPBC (Hybrid Passivated Back Contact) is LONGi's back-contact cell architecture, used in its Hi-MO X10 and Hi-MO 9 ranges. Like other back-contact designs, it moves electrical contacts to the rear of the N-type wafer, removing front-side shading and producing a clean, all-black module appearance alongside high conversion efficiency.

LONGi backs its Hi-MO range with a 25-year product warranty and 30-year performance warranty, with degradation of around 1% in the first year and roughly 0.35–0.4% per year after that. Aiko's ABC modules carry manufacturer warranties in a similar range; exact terms depend on the specific model and order, so always confirm the current warranty certificate for your batch before purchase.

Load Shedding Solar supplies Aiko and LONGi modules to homeowners, businesses, and installers across South Africa. If you don't already have an installer, we can connect you with vetted installation partners as part of your quote.

Total system cost depends on panel wattage, quantity, inverter and battery choice, and installation complexity, so it varies significantly per site. As a reference point, a 100kW commercial system has been reported to achieve roughly a 2.5-year payback at current municipal tariffs of around R3.20/kWh. Contact us with your usage or roof size for a specific, itemised quote.