10 Leading Solar Panel Manufacturers in 2024

Solar energy has emerged as a crucial component of the global energy transition, driving innovation in solar technology.

As demand for renewable power grows, solar manufacturers are developing increasingly efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic products for a wide range of applications.

The solar industry continues to expand rapidly, with companies establishing manufacturing facilities and research centers worldwide.

This growth has led to a diverse array of high-quality solar modules suitable for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.

As technology advances, solar power is becoming more accessible and affordable for millions of people across the globe.

It’s worth noting that eight out of the top ten manufacturers are based in China, highlighting the country’s dominance in solar PV module production. Canadian Solar Inc., despite its name, is also closely tied to Chinese manufacturing capabilities.

Leading Solar PV Module Producers Worldwide

10. Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1999 and based in Seoul, South Korea, Hanwha Q CELLS is a leading manufacturer of high-quality solar PV cells and modules, serving commercial, residential, government, and utility markets.

The company has a global presence, with manufacturing, marketing, and R&D facilities in Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, and the United States.

Hanwha Q CELLS specializes in a range of solar solutions from cells and modules to downstream applications, including large solar power plants and solar systems for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.

The company’s innovative Q.ANTUM technology, based on PERC cell technology, has garnered recognition for enhancing efficiency and performance.

With production networks spanning China, Malaysia, South Korea, and the U.S., Hanwha Q CELLS continues to advance solar technology and expand its global impact.

9. Risen Energy Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Ningbo, China, Risen Energy has established itself as a pioneer in the solar industry.

The company operates globally, with offices and sales networks in key markets such as Australia, China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and the United States.

Risen Energy serves as a comprehensive solar solutions provider, offering everything from wafers and modules to off-grid systems, catering to a broad range of energy-intensive industries.

Risen Energy’s business solutions encompass product development (PD), Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), operations and maintenance (O&M), financing, and independent power production (IPP).

Their product portfolio includes energy storage solutions for utility, commercial, industrial, and residential applications, HJT (Heterojunction Technology) PV modules, monocrystalline PV panels, and quality control products.

In addition to solar modules, Risen Energy offers off-grid PV systems, solar lamps, and solar power stations.

8. First Solar, Inc.

First Solar, Inc. stands out as a leading American solar technology company and global provider of eco-efficient solar solutions, founded in 1999 in Temple, Arizona.

The company is known for its advanced thin-film PV modules and integrated power plant solutions.

Key features of First Solar’s technology include:

• Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules
• Lower carbon footprint compared to conventional crystalline silicon modules
• High performance in hot and humid climate

7. Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. has established itself as a significant player in the global solar PV module manufacturing industry. The company’s focus on innovation and quality has contributed to its strong market position, founded in 2001 in Wuxi, China.

Suntech’s product range includes:

• Monocrystalline modules
• Polycrystalline modules
• Bifacial modules

Monocrystalline modules are known for their higher efficiency, particularly in limited space, while polycrystalline modules offer a cost-effective solution for larger installations.

These modules are designed for various applications, from residential rooftops to large-scale solar farms. Suntech’s commitment to research and development has resulted in modules with improved efficiency and durability.

6. Astronergy Co., Ltd. (CHINT SOLAR)

Astronergy, a subsidiary of the CHINT group, was established in 2006 in Hangzhou, China. The company specializes in PV module production and power station development, with projects spanning multiple countries including Bulgaria, Japan, India, and the United States.

Astronergy’s product lineup includes:

• ASTRO 4 series
• ASTRO 5 series
• ASTRO 5s series
• ASTRO 6 series (both monofacial and bifacial options)

The company also offers a comprehensive “Solar System Total Solution” encompassing:

• Rooftop solar power stations
• Residential solar systems
• Large-scale ground-mounted installations
• Agriculture-complementary solar power stations
• Aquaculture-complementary solar power stations

Their rooftop solar solution, for instance, is designed to improve power generation efficiency and reduce indoor energy consumption across various roofing types.

5. Canadian Solar Inc.

Canadian Solar, founded in 2001 and based in Guelph, Canada, has grown into a major player in the solar technology and renewable energy sector. With 20 manufacturing facilities across Asia and the Americas, and subsidiaries in 23 countries, the company has a truly global footprint.

Their comprehensive product range includes:

• Solar modules
• Inverters
• System kits
• Energy storage solutions

Canadian Solar modules offer several advantages:

• Enhanced shading tolerance
• High module efficiency
• Lower LCOE and BOS costs
• Impressive hot spot performance
• Maximized rooftop space utilization

The company caters to utility, commercial, and residential applications. Additionally, Canadian Solar provides services such as asset management, EPC, O&M, and project development for solar plants.

4. JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd.

Established in 2005 in Beijing, JA Solar has built a robust global presence with 12 manufacturing bases and over 20 branches worldwide. The company produces a wide range of solar PV products, from silicon wafers to complete PV power systems.

JA Solar’s modules are installed in various settings across more than 120 countries, including:

• Large-scale ground-mounted power plants
• Residential rooftop systems
• Commercial and industrial applications

Key features of JA Solar’s PV modules include:

• MBB Half-Cell and MBB Bifacial PERC Half-Cell Double Glass designs
• Improved mechanical loading tolerance
• Higher output power
• Reduced shading loss
• Lower LCOE and resistive loss

The company’s consistent performance has earned it recognition on the Global Top 500 New Energy Enterprises and Fortune China 500 lists for multiple years.

3. JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Shanghai, JinkoSolar has established a vertically integrated production capacity. As of December 2021, the company boasted 12 global production facilities and 22 overseas subsidiaries.

JinkoSolar’s innovative technologies include:

• Half-cell solar cell design for improved shading tolerance
• 9 Busbar technology to decrease power loss
• Tiling Ribbon (TR) technology to eliminate inter-cell gaps

Their product portfolio features:

• Tiger Neo series
• Tiger Pro series
• Tiger series
• Cheetah series
• ESS solutions for various applications

JinkoSolar products offer benefits such as high compatibility, enhanced reliability, increased module efficiency, lower operating temperatures, and PID resistance.

2. Trina Solar Co., Ltd.

Trina Solar, established in 1997 in Changzhou, China, has evolved into a leading solar technology manufacturer. The company is known for its record-breaking solar cell efficiency and module power.

Trina Solar’s product lineup includes:

Utility-Scale Solutions

• Ultra-high power Vertex modules
• Reduced BOS costs and LCOE

Commercial Offerings

• TALLMAX modules
• UL-recognized quality standards

Residential Products

• Aesthetically pleasing designs
• Maximum efficiency
• Positive power tolerance

Trina Solar’s quality control extends across the entire supply chain, enhancing ROI and minimizing risks for their clients.

1. LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2000 and based in Xi’an, China, LONGi has established itself as a top-tier solar PV solution provider. The company offers a diverse range of products, including agriculture-solar systems, eco-friendly power stations, and building-integrated photovoltaics.

LONGi’s technological prowess is evident in its use of:

• Bifacial technology
• Diamond wire slicing
• PERC cell technology
• RCZ (Recharged Czochralski) technology

Their high-efficiency PV modules include:

• Hi-MO 4 for ground power plants
• Hi-MO 4m for commercial and residential applications
• Hi-MO 5 for large-scale ground installations

LONGi’s commitment to quality has earned them recognition as a “Top Performer” by PVEL for five consecutive years. Their modules are versatile, performing well in diverse environments from alpine grasslands to industrial settings.

Global Solar PV Market Trends and Projections

The solar photovoltaic (PV) industry experienced remarkable growth in 2023, with total capacity reaching 1,412 GW. This represents a significant increase from the 1,185 GW recorded in 2022. The sector’s expansion is driven by falling costs, supportive government policies, and technological advancements.

Key highlights of the market include:

• A 345.5 GW increase in total solar capacity from 2022 to 2023
• Strong growth in Asia-Pacific, particularly China, India, and Japan
• China’s addition of 100 GW in 2022, a 60% year-over-year increase
• European market growth of 21%, adding 47.1 GW capacity in 2022

The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a leader in the global solar PV market. Countries like China, India, and Japan have implemented various schemes and policies to boost solar PV installations. China’s aggressive expansion stands out, with its substantial capacity increase outpacing other nations.

Europe’s solar PV market has also shown robust growth, aligning with the REPowerEU plan and Green Deal Industrial plan objectives. The region’s 21% growth rate and 47.1 GW capacity addition in 2022 demonstrate its commitment to renewable energy adoption.

Bottom Line

As the solar PV industry continues to evolve, manufacturers from China, India, and Japan are playing crucial roles in expanding global renewable energy capacity. Their contributions, coupled with ongoing technological improvements and supportive policies, are expected to drive further growth in the coming years.

The solar PV market outlook indicates a positive trajectory, with projections suggesting a continued expansion of installed capacity worldwide. This growth is likely to be fueled by ongoing cost reductions, increased efficiency, and growing awareness of the importance of sustainable energy solutions.