The solar power industry has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, driven by falling costs and increased demand for renewable energy globally. Some of the world‘s largest technology and energy companies have established leading solar businesses manufacturing photovoltaic panels, inverters and other system components. This article profiles the 10 largest solar panel makers based on market capitalization and revenue.
1. JinkoSolar – Market Cap $2.85B
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in China, JinkoSolar is currently one of the world‘s top solar module suppliers. The company manufactures and sells high-efficiency solar panels for residential, commercial and utility-scale applications globally. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products to over 100 countries, covering Europe, Americas, Middle East and the Asia Pacific region. With production capacity exceeding 20 gigawatts (GW) per year, JinkoSolar frequently ranks among as a top solar module manufacturer worldwide. Its high-efficiency mono PERC and bifacial panels have enabled some record-breaking solar projects, including the Sweihan solar plant in Abu Dhabi. JinkoSolar continues substantial investments in R&D to improve solar efficiency and remains committed to promoting solar accessibility through competitive pricing.
2. Canadian Solar – Market Cap $2.86B
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Canadian Solar is one of the veterans of the solar industry. This solar module manufacturer operates facilities in Canada, China, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico and several other countries, reflecting its global reach. Canadian Solar offers an extensive range of solar panels and complete systems to meet utility, commercial, residential and specialty needs. Some of its key innovations include solar modules embedding bifacial cells, designed to generate power from reflected irradiation. Canadian Solar also continues to push solar efficiency boundaries with its lineup of cutting-edge panels for various applications. With nearly 14 GW module shipment worldwide in 2020, it retains strong market presence across major regions in Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA. Known for its cost-efficient production, Canadian Solar delivers proven solar technology at competitive prices.
3. SunPower – Market Cap $3.97B
SunPower is a leading American solar company that specializes in manufacturing the world’s highest efficiency crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and panels. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley, SunPower produces advanced solar solutions for residential, commercial and power plant systems. SunPower panels hold the record for efficiency in traditional silicon solar panel technology, utilizing patented back contact solar cell technology to achieve high performance. With experience deploying over 30 million solar panels globally, SunPower maintains unmatched solar expertise that it leverages for innovation. The company provides complete turnkey services for solar projects internationally, having worked with top global brands to meet their solar power and sustainability commitments.
4. Sharp Solar – Market Cap $4.56B
Sharp Solar is the solar subsidiary of Japanese electronics giant Sharp Corporation, which has invested in solar technology for over 50 years. Located in Osaka, Sharp Solar has a sales and support presence spanning across Europe, Australia, Malaysia, UAE and many other countries. A leader in renewable tech, Sharp holds the record for developing the world‘s most efficient solar panel—converting over 47% of light into electricity. In addition to manufacturing high-efficiency solar modules, Sharp Solar also produces complete solar systems with integrated storage and monitoring. Its advanced solar products power homes, businesses and large-scale solar farms internationally. As an experienced player in the solar sector, Sharp Solar continues to drive innovations to improve solar cell efficiency and make solar more accessible.
5. First Solar – Market Cap $13.47B
A leading thin film solar manufacturer, First Solar is headquartered in Arizona and produces cadmium telluride (CdTe) technology solar modules. Founded in 1999, First Solar operates factories in the United States, Germany, Malaysia, Vietnam and India with an annual capacity exceeding 10 GW. Unlike conventional solar panels based on crystalline silicon, First Solar’s thin film panels possess advantages like lesser weight, ease of installation and superior performance in higher temperatures—making them well-suited for utility-scale installations in hot regions. As a predominant utility-scale developer, First Solar maintains extensive expertise in designing and constructing large solar farms worldwide. It also provides complete EPC and O&M services for solar projects spanning multiple continents. With sustainability at its core, First Solar solar panels have among the lowest carbon and water footprints in the PV industry.
6. Trina Solar – Market Cap $19.94B
Established in 1997 and headquartered in China, Trina Solar is a leading global PV module manufacturer. Operating large-scale production facilities in China and around the world, Trina has delivered over 100 GW of high-performance solar modules worldwide. Utilizing the latest manufacturing technologies, Trina specializes in high-efficiency monocrystalline PERC and bifacial solar cells integrated within durable modules. Trina Solar panels have been widely deployed for rooftop installations and ground-mounted solar farms across Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific and Africa. Committed to innovative R&D, Trina continues to launch next-gen solar technologies, like the new high-power Vertex modules and trackers for utility plants. Trina Solar aims to promote solar accessibility through high-quality, reliable products offered at competitive prices.
7. Kyocera Solar – Market Cap $20.71B
Kyocera Solar represents the solar energy business division of Japanese electronics multinational Kyocera. Established in 1959, Kyocera manufacturers solar panels, custom solar systems and smart energy storage solutions. The company leverages six decades of experience in renewable energy and advanced ceramic technologies to create high-quality solar products. Kyocera Solar modules are engineered for long-term reliability and efficiency gains—equipped with advanced cell cooling and weather-resistant build. Operating production plants in Japan, Mexico and China serving markets worldwide, Kyocera specializes in residential, commercial and industrial solar installations. It also partners with utilities and independent power producers globally to build mega solar farms. Kyocera offers turnkey delivery of complete solar power solutions tailored for specific needs.
8. LONGi Solar – Market Cap $57.92B
Founded in 2000 and based in China‘s solar manufacturing hub Xi‘an, LONGi Solar has grown into the world‘s largest solar technology company over the past two decades. LONGi is dedicated to manufacturing high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon wafers and cells for solar modules using state-of-the-art production methods and equipment. Its product portfolio encompasses ingots, wafers, cells, modules and even complete solar systems. With capacities exceeding 65 GW annually, LONGi provides its high-performing solar components to leading module assemblers and project developers around the world. LONGi Solar also maintains extensive global presence, with offices across Asia, Europe and the Americas to support its international clientele. The company’s wafer technologies have set multiple world records for cell conversion efficiency till date.
9. Risen Energy – Market Cap $2.44B
Founded in 1986 and based in China, Risen Energy is a Tier 1 solar module supplier and project developer shipping over 70 GW of PV modules worldwide. Risen manufactures a wide spectrum of crystalline silicon solar cells and modules for rooftop, commercial and ground mount applications. With local sales teams across Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas, it caters to diverse solar needs globally. Risen has heavily invested in solar farms and partnerships to grow its downstream project business as well. Supplying solar components for some of the largest solar parks across continents, Risen Energy remains focused on delivering high value to customers. Continued investments in pushing efficiency boundaries with cutting-edge cell designs further strengthen its solar capabilities.
10. JA Solar – Market Cap $4.13B
JA Solar is a leading manufacturer of high-performance solar modules and cells, founded in China in 2005. Operating from 8 production facilities globally, JA Solar ships over 10,000 solar panels everyday to over 100 nations. Its product portfolio encompasses advanced high-efficiency monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon solar cells and modules, with strong reliability. JA Solar also operates solar farms and power plants across Asia, Europe and America. Committed to product innovation through its R&D centers, JA Solar has achieved numerous breakthroughs in enhancing solar cell efficiency. Its R&D efforts focus on efficiency gains as well as promoting environmental design—balancing performance with sustainability. With extensive certifications and over 5000 patents, JA Solar delivers proven solar technologies around the world.
These leading solar giants dominate the industry today owing to their massive production capacities, latest manufacturing technologies and high-efficiency solar products serving key markets across the globe. Their expanding module factories and substantial R&D programs focused on next-gen solar continues to widen accessibility to solar energy for meeting the world‘s clean power targets. For businesses and homeowners looking to adopt solar, these reputed solar brands offer exceptional quality panels and complete system solutions catered for diverse needs. Their innovations in advancing panel efficiency and reliability provide superior solar performance over long lifetimes. As adoption of solar energy surges globally, these top solar companies continue to shine bright lighting the world‘s renewable energy future.
