Top 7 China Solar Panel Manufacturing Companies 2025
China dominates the global solar photovoltaic manufacturing chain, producing over 80% of the world's solar panels. The industry has undergone rapid technological evolution, transitioning from P-type PERC cells to more efficient N-type architectures including TOPCon, HJT and back-contact technologies. Chinese manufacturers have driven module costs down by over 90% in the past decade, making solar energy the cheapest source of new electricity generation in most markets. The seven companies profiled here represent the global leaders in module shipments, cell efficiency and manufacturing scale.
LONGi Green Energy
Founded 2000
LONGi, headquartered in Xi'an, Shaanxi, is the world's largest solar technology company by revenue, exceeding 130 billion yuan in 2024. The company is vertically integrated from monocrystalline silicon ingots through wafers, cells and modules. LONGi's proprietary HPBC 2.0 technology achieves mass-production cell efficiency above 26.5%. The company has set over 20 world records for solar cell and module efficiency.
JinkoSolar
Founded 2006
JinkoSolar, based in Shanghai, is the world's largest solar module shipper with module shipments exceeding 85 GW in 2024. The company's Tiger Neo series using N-type TOPCon cells achieve mass-production efficiency above 26.1%. JinkoSolar has invested heavily in overseas manufacturing with facilities in Vietnam and the United States. The company serves major utility-scale projects across Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
Trina Solar
Founded 1997
Trina Solar, headquartered in Changzhou, Jiangsu, is a global leader in PV modules, tracking systems and smart energy solutions. Module shipments exceeded 80 GW in 2024. The company's Vertex series using i-TOPCon technology achieves efficiency above 25.8%. Trina Solar pioneered smart module technology with integrated optimizers and has a strong position in utility-scale solar projects worldwide.
JA Solar
Founded 2005
JA Solar, based in Beijing, is among the world's largest solar module manufacturers with module shipments exceeding 200 GW cumulatively. The company's DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules using N-type TOPCon cells achieve mass-production efficiency above 26%. JA Solar has invested heavily in overseas manufacturing with facilities in Vietnam and the United States.
TCL Zhonghuan
Founded 1958
TCL Zhonghuan, based in Tianjin, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of monocrystalline silicon wafers with over 180 GW annual capacity. The company supplies wafers to major cell and module producers globally and has expanded into N-type wafer production. Revenue exceeded 60 billion yuan in 2024.
Canadian Solar (CSI Solar)
Founded 2001
Canadian Solar, headquartered in Changshu, Jiangsu, is among the world's largest solar module and energy storage providers. The company's TOPHiKu 7 series modules use N-type TOPCon technology with efficiency exceeding 26%. Canadian Solar has shipped over 120 GW of modules and operates manufacturing facilities in China, Canada, Vietnam, Thailand and Brazil.
Risen Energy
Founded 1986
Risen Energy, based in Ningbo, Zhejiang, is a comprehensive new energy enterprise spanning PV modules and energy storage. The company's Hyper-ion series modules achieve efficiencies above 26% using heterojunction (HJT) technology, making it one of the earliest mass producers of HJT modules in China.
Comparison Table
| Company | HQ Location | 2024 Shipments (GW) | Top Technology | Module Efficiency | Integration Level | Global Presence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LONGi | Xi'an, Shaanxi | 90+ | HPBC 2.0 | 24.5%+ | Full chain | 160+ countries |
| JinkoSolar | Shanghai | 85+ | TOPCon | 26.1%+ | Full chain | 160+ countries |
| Trina Solar | Changzhou, Jiangsu | 80+ | i-TOPCon | 25.8%+ | Full chain | 150+ countries |
| JA Solar | Beijing | 75+ | TOPCon | 26.0%+ | Full chain | 140+ countries |
| TCL Zhonghuan | Tianjin | Wafer focus | N-type wafer | N/A | Wafer dominant | 50+ countries |
| Canadian Solar | Changshu, Jiangsu | 50+ | TOPCon | 26.0%+ | Modules+Storage | 130+ countries |
| Risen Energy | Ningbo, Zhejiang | 35+ | HJT | 26.0%+ | Modules+Storage | 100+ countries |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of the world's solar panels does China produce?
China produces over 80% of global solar panel supply, including approximately 97% of polysilicon, 98% of silicon wafers and 85% of solar cells. Chinese manufacturers shipped over 500 GW of modules in 2024, with the top seven companies alone accounting for around 350 GW of this total.
What is the difference between TOPCon and HJT solar cells?
TOPCon and HJT are both N-type cell architectures. TOPCon is currently more widely adopted due to lower manufacturing cost and compatibility with existing PERC production lines. HJT offers slightly higher theoretical efficiency limits and better temperature coefficients. Most Chinese manufacturers have chosen TOPCon as their primary N-type technology for 2025.
Which Chinese company makes the most efficient solar panels?
LONGi holds the record for the highest mass-produced module efficiency at 24.5% with its HPBC 2.0 technology. JinkoSolar's Tiger Neo TOPCon modules achieve over 26.1% cell efficiency. In laboratory settings, LONGi has demonstrated perovskite-silicon tandem cells exceeding 34.6% efficiency.
Are Chinese solar panels subject to trade tariffs?
Chinese solar panels face anti-dumping and countervailing duties in the United States and the European Union. In response, major manufacturers have established manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asia to bypass these tariffs. The US Inflation Reduction Act has also prompted some Chinese companies to invest in US-based production.
What is the future of perovskite solar cells in China?
Perovskite-silicon tandem technology is considered the next major breakthrough. LONGi, Trina Solar and several Chinese startups have demonstrated tandem cell efficiencies above 30%. Commercial production of tandem modules is expected to begin by 2027. The Chinese government has invested heavily in perovskite research through national key R&D programs.