✔ Tongwei Solar is the largest solar panel manufacturer
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✔ The second-largest manufacturer is JA Solar
✔ Six of the top seven largest solar panel manufacturers are Chinese companies
The price of solar panels might be going down, but the shipments and revenues of the largest solar panel manufacturers certainly aren’t.
So, who are these solar power giants? We’ll tell you who the top seven solar panel manufacturers are based on the amount of shipments they send out, and give you a few details about each one.
Most of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers are based in China, with six out of the top seven manufacturers being Chinese companies.
Rank
Company
Headquarters
2022 shipment capacity in gigawatts (GW)
1
Tongwei Solar
China
38.1
2
JA Solar
China
36.2
3
Aiko Solar
China
30.7
4
LONGi Solar
China
29.2
5
Jinko Solar
China
23.9
6
Canadian Solar
Canada
16.8
7
Trina Solar
China
14.5
Data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s 2023 Spring Report
Our rankings are based on the solar panel manufacturers’ number of shipments in 2022, since this is an indicator of the real world impact the companies have.
We’ll go over who the top manufacturers are, and give you a few details about them in the sections below.
Tongwei Solar is the world’s largest solar panel manufacturer; it shipped 38.2 GW of solar cells and solar panels in 2022. That’s the equivalent of over 100,000 typical 350 watt (W) solar panels.
On top of that, Tongwei Solar has an annual solar cell production capacity of 70 GW, and an annual solar panel production capacity of 14 GW.
The China-based company has over 40,000 employees and an average revenue of around 156 billion CNY (£17 billion), according to The Financial Times.
Tongwei exports its products to multiple countries, including the UK, Germany, France, the US, and Australia.
JA Solar is the second-largest solar manufacturer, based on shipments. In 2022, it shipped out 36.2 GW worth of solar cells and panels.
The Chinese company has over 32,000 employees, and has produced solar cells that have an efficiency of 25% (the average is 20%).
JA Solar stated that its annual sales revenue was 72.9 billion CNY (£8.04 billion) in 2022, a figure that’s likely to increase. Its revenue for the first half of 2023 has already grown by 43.5% compared to 2022, and is expected to rise further.
The company ships its products to over 135 countries, including the UK.
Aiko Solar is the third-largest solar manufacturer, shipping 30.7 GW of solar panels and cells in 2022. Since its founding in 2022, it’s exported over 100 GW of solar products.
The Shanghai-based company has over 9,140 employees and a revenue of 35.34 billion CNY (£3.88 billion).
Apart from solar cells and solar panels, the company also makes solar inverters, solar storage batteries, and mounting systems.
Aiko Solar also became a member of the United Nations Global Compact initiative in 2023, which is the world’s largest corporate sustainability scheme. Its members promote values centred around human rights and the environment.
LONGi Solar, another Chinese company, is the fourth-largest solar manufacturer.
The company has a revenue of around 128 billion CNY (£14 billion), which is the second highest revenue on this list.
However, LONGi loses out on the top spot since it shipped out less solar panels and cells over the course of 2022 than the top companies on this list, though it still managed to reach an impressive 29.2 GW.
On top of manufacturing solar equipment, LONGi is also developing equipment to produce green hydrogen, founding LONGi Hydrogen in 2021.
LONGi exports its products to 150 countries, and it also has production facilities in four nations, including its native China.
Jinko Solar is the fifth-largest solar manufacturer, shipping out 23.9 GW worth of solar panels and cells in 2022. Cumulatively, the company has shipped 165 GW.
In 2022, Jinko Solar made 83.53 billion CNY (£9.18 billion) in revenue, an increase of 105% compared to the previous year.
It has over 14 factories, including a manufacturing base in the US, and ships products to more than 160 countries.
Jinko Solar’s solar panels are available for domestic use, and have also been used in solar farms, including the world’s largest hybrid solar-hydro plant located in Yajiang county, in Eastern Tibet.
Canadian Solar is the sixth-largest solar manufacturer on our list, and the only one based in Canada (as you might have guessed) instead of China.
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In 2022, Canadian Solar shipped 16.8 GW of solar cells and panels, reaching 23 countries across six continents.
The Canadian company has 20,000 employees, and its 2022 revenue was $7.47 billion CAD (£4.42 billion).
As well as developing solar cells and solar panels, Canadian Solar also manufactures solar storage batteries for residential and commercial use.
Trina Solar is the seventh-largest solar manufacturer in terms of shipments. In 2022, it shipped the equivalent of 14.5 GW.
Its annual revenue is around 98.7 billion CNY (£10.87 billion), and it has over 23,000 employees.
Trina Solar doesn’t just make solar panels, they also make solar trackers (which move solar panels so they follow the sun), and solar storage batteries.
The company also specialises in developing smart solar technology, such as ‘smart micro-grids’, which are electric grids that automatically adjust electricity generation and distribution based on consumers’ usage.
Most of the largest solar panel manufacturers are based in China, and the country currently supplies 80% of the world’s solar panels, according to the International Energy Agency.
China is also winning the solar power race in terms of capacity; it has over three times the capacity of the other top three countries combined, based on the latest numbers from Our World in Data.
This could mean that countries and regions such as the UK, the US, and the European Union, who want to increase their use of solar power, might need to take a leaf out of China’s book and start manufacturing more solar panels domestically.
If you want more facts and stats about the state of solar power, check out our page on solar panels statistics.
The largest solar farm is Golmud Solar Park in China. Situated in the north-western Qinghai province, the solar farm has more than seven million solar panels, which have a combined capacity of 2.8 GW.
Project Solar is the biggest solar panel supplier in the UK, and is also one of the best solar panel installers . It’s been in business since 2011, and has completed over 45,000 solar panel installations nationwide.
There are a few solar panel manufacturers in the UK, including GB-Sol, Viridian Solar, and UKSOL. Not all of them manufacture all their solar panel parts in the UK, but all their panels are designed and assembled in the UK.
There are also a few companies that make non-traditional types of solar panels. Polysolar, for example, is a UK-based company that manufactures transparent solar panels. AES Solar makes solar thermal panels in the UK.
Jinko Solar (Zhejiang)
Located in Zhejiang Province, Jinko Solar is among the most reputable solar panel manufacturers in the world. Since its establishment in 2006, the company has set benchmarks in the solar industry. Their extensive product range includes high-efficiency monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Jinko Solar has been particularly lauded for its Eagle series, which offers durable and high-performing panels.
Jinko Solar’s commitment to innovation is evident in its products, as it consistently seeks to improve efficiency and durability. As a tier 1 solar panel manufacturer in China, Jinko Solar enjoys a global presence and caters to various market demands. The company’s dedication to sustainability and quality products positions it as a top choice for solar panel solutions.
Trina Solar (Jiangsu)
Trina Solar, based in Jiangsu Province, is a global leader in the solar industry. The company was founded in 1997 and has since become a household name in the solar panel market. Trina Solar offers an extensive product range, including high-performance monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, as well as innovative bifacial and smart panels.
Trina Solar is known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability. It operates as one of the top Chinese solar panel manufacturers and has made significant contributions to China’s solar panel production. Its Vertex series boasts ultra-high power output and efficiency, making Trina Solar’s panels some of the best in terms of performance and reliability.
JA Solar (Hebei)
Located in Hebei Province, JA Solar has been a prominent player in the solar industry since its inception in 2005. JA Solar specializes in the manufacturing of high-performance photovoltaic products. Its product range includes both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, as well as advanced PERC cells.
JA Solar has achieved several world records for the efficiency of its solar cells. The company is dedicated to technological innovation, and its products are known for high reliability and performance. It is one of the best solar panels manufacturers in China, and its high-quality products make it a preferred choice for global customers seeking solar solutions.
LONGi Solar (Shaanxi)
LONGi Solar, headquartered in Shaanxi Province, is one of the largest monocrystalline solar panel manufacturers globally. Established in 2000, LONGi Solar is known for its high-quality and efficient monocrystalline panels, and its product lineup includes the renowned Hi-MO series.
With a strong focus on R&D, LONGi Solar consistently develops innovative technologies to improve solar panel efficiency and reduce costs. As one of the top solar cell manufacturers in China, LONGi Solar’s products are widely used in both utility-scale and distributed generation projects, garnering international acclaim for their performance and value.
Suntech Power (Jiangsu)
Suntech Power, based in Jiangsu Province, is one of the top solar panel manufacturers in China. Founded in 2001, Suntech has been at the forefront of the solar industry for two decades. Its product range includes an array of photovoltaic panels, with a special focus on reliability and efficiency.
Suntech is known for its cutting-edge technology and high-quality products, which include the HyPro series of monocrystalline panels. With a global distribution network, Suntech has solidified its position as a leading solar panel manufacturer, offering solutions that cater to a wide range of applications, from residential to utility-scale projects.
Canadian Solar (Suzhou)
Though named Canadian Solar, this company’s manufacturing base is in Suzhou, China. Established in 2001, Canadian Solar has a wide product range including poly and monocrystalline photovoltaic modules. They are also one of the few companies that offer both traditional photovoltaic and flexible panels.
Canadian Solar is recognized for delivering high-quality and cost-effective products. Their BiKu modules, which are bifacial and generate power from both sides, are particularly popular. The company’s global presence and strong emphasis on R&D make it one of the most reliable solar panel manufacturers in China and the world.
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Risen Energy (Zhejiang)
Risen Energy is located in Zhejiang Province and has been a prominent solar panel manufacturer since its foundation in 1986. The company’s product range is extensive, including high-performance monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.
Risen Energy is dedicated to innovation and quality. Its products are known for their high efficiency and reliability. The company has a global reach and is renowned for its high standards and cutting-edge technology, making it one of the top choices for solar solutions
Talesun Solar (Jiangsu)
Talesun Solar, situated in Jiangsu Province, has made a name for itself in the solar industry since its inception in 2010. With a diversified product range, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, Talesun aims to cater to different market needs.
Talesun Solar has a significant global presence, and its products are known for high performance and durability. The company’s innovation-driven approach, combined with competitive pricing, makes it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality solar solutions.
GCL System Integration (Jiangsu)
GCL System Integration is based in Jiangsu Province and is part of the GCL Group, one of China’s largest conglomerates in the energy sector. Established in 1990, GCL System Integration offers a wide range of solar products, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.
With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, GCL System Integration is one of the leading solar panel manufacturers in China. The company’s products are known for their high efficiency, reliability, and competitive pricing, making them a popular choice for various solar projects.
BYD Solar (Shenzhen)
BYD Solar, headquartered in Shenzhen, is a global leader in renewable energy solutions. Founded in 1995, BYD has diversified interests, including solar panel manufacturing. The company offers a variety of solar panels, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline options.
BYD is recognized for its innovation-driven approach and commitment to sustainability. With a broad product range and high standards of quality, BYD Solar’s products are widely acclaimed for performance and reliability, positioning it as one of the top solar panel manufacturers in China.
EGing Photovoltaic (Jiangsu)
EGing Photovoltaic is based in Jiangsu Province and was established in 2003. The company offers a wide array of solar panels, including monocrystalline and polycrystalline types. EGing Photovoltaic has made a mark as one of the Chinese solar panel manufacturers committed to producing high-efficiency products.
EGing’s solar panels are known for their durability and high performance. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a spot amongst the best solar panels manufacturers in China. Its products are widely used in both commercial and residential installations, contributing significantly to renewable energy production.
HT-SAAE (Shanghai)
HT-SAAE, located in Shanghai, is a renowned company that was established in 1998. It is part of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and has a rich history in the solar industry. The company offers monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and bifacial solar panels.
As one of the top solar panel manufacturers in China, HT-SAAE is recognized for innovation and high standards of quality. The company’s products have been used in various large-scale solar projects around the world, and it continues to be a preferred choice for customers seeking high-efficiency solar panels.
Seraphim Solar (Jiangsu)
Seraphim Solar is based in Jiangsu Province and has been in the solar industry since 2011. The company specializes in the research, development, and production of solar PV products. Seraphim offers a variety of solar panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and bifacial modules.
Seraphim Solar’s commitment to innovation has led it to develop high-performance and reliable products. The company has a global reach and is particularly noted for its excellence in manufacturing processes, making it one of the reliable solar panel and inverter manufacturers in China.
Chint Solar (Zhejiang)
Chint Solar, situated in Zhejiang Province, is part of the Chint Group, a leading player in the Chinese industrial electrical equipment and new energy sectors. Established in 1984, Chint Solar has a broad range of products including monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.
Chint Solar is committed to producing high-quality solar panels. With advanced production techniques and a strong emphasis on R&D, Chint Solar has established itself as one of the leading solar manufacturers in China.
LERRI Solar (Xi’an)
LERRI Solar is located in Xi’an and is a subsidiary of LONGi Green Energy Technology. Established in 2007, LERRI Solar specializes in the production of high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels. Its product range is recognized for superior performance and reliability.
As part of LONGi, LERRI Solar shares a commitment to innovation and sustainability. It has made significant strides in solar technology and is one of the leading solar panel manufacturing companies in China with a focus on monocrystalline technology.
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