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Longi leads global solar rankings, but trade barriers boost rival manufacturers
15/6/2026
News
Chinese manufacturers retain dominance in global solar production, but trade barriers are boosting competitors in key markets, Wood Mackenzie finds.
China’s Longi Green Energy has taken the top spot in Wood Mackenzie’s Global solar PV module manufacturer ranking 2026. The ranking assesses 48 manufacturers across 10 countries, representing 65% of global production capacity and 83% of shipments. Suppliers are evaluated on criteria including capacity utilisation; technology maturity; financial health; supply chain resilience; environmental, social and governance (ESG); and R&D.
Only the top 10 ranking, which actually includes 12 manufacturers because two manufacturers are named in two places, was released to the public. Of these, nine of the top 12 manufacturers are headquartered in China. However, suppliers targeting protected, high-barrier markets gained momentum, with India’s Adani Solar ranking sixth, Singapore-based Elite Solar eighth and South Korea’s Qcells 10th.
Chinese companies continue to dominate Wood Mackenzie's global solar PV manufacturer ranking
Source: Wood Mackenzie
1If the difference in the score is 0.4 or lower, the companies have been given the same rank.
‘Chinese manufacturers continue to lead globally on manufacturing scale, technology advancement and operational efficiency. However, severe financial pressure from ongoing oversupply is accelerating structural change across the sector,’ said Yana Hryshko, Head of Solar Supply Chain Research, Wood Mackenzie.
Tunnel oxide passivated contact modules (TOPCon) – cell technology designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of photovoltaics (PV) – accounted for more than 80% of shipments among the top 10 manufacturers in 2025, confirming that the transition to this technology is now effectively complete among leading suppliers. Mainstream TOPCon module efficiency reached 24.8% during the year.
Despite strong shipment volumes, persistent global oversupply continued to pressure profitability across the sector. Leading Chinese solar manufacturers recorded a combined loss of $5.5bn in 2025, while most non-Chinese manufacturers remained profitable due to stronger pricing conditions in protected markets.
Average manufacturing capacity utilisation among the top 10 manufacturers rose to 70% in 2025, up from 67% in 2024, signalling improving demand. Meanwhile, manufacturers continued diversifying production footprints outside of China in response to rising trade tensions and localisation requirements, with nine of the top 10 manufacturers now operating facilities in at least two countries.
