The world’s ten largest solar module suppliers experienced a significant downturn during the first half of 2026, with total shipments falling by 31% compared to the previous year. According to data from InfoLink Consulting, the leading manufacturers collectively delivered approximately 181.39 GW of capacity. This decline reflects a broader structural adjustment within the solar industry, characterized by excess capacity, high inventory levels, and a shift in focus from pure shipment volume toward technological differentiation and strategic market positioning as companies navigate a challenging global landscape marked by supply-demand imbalances.
LONGi Green Energy and JinkoSolar shared the top spot in the rankings, while Trinasolar and JA Solar secured the third and fourth positions. Together, these four companies maintained a dominant market presence, accounting for 59% of the total shipments analyzed. However, the performance gap between the top-tier and second-tier manufacturers narrowed by 4% to 5% compared to the same period in 2025. The list, which expanded to 11 companies due to a four-way tie for eighth place, saw notable changes, including the entry of AIKO and the inclusion of TCL Zhonghuan following its consolidation with DAH Solar.
A major trend identified in the report is the pivot toward international markets, which now account for 60.1% of shipments—an 18 percentage point increase over the previous year. This shift is largely attributed to softening domestic demand in China and the influence of export tax rebate policies. While TOPCon remains the dominant technology, representing 83% of shipments, BC modules have gained significant traction, reaching nearly 30 GW and capturing 16% of the total market share. Analysts suggest that to move beyond product homogenization, manufacturers must now prioritize niche markets and long-term customer engagement.