BloombergNEF (BNEF) has released its Global Photovoltaic (PV) Module Manufacturer Tier List for the second quarter of 2026, highlighting the world’s leading solar module manufacturers based on their bankability and ability to secure non-recourse debt financing from commercial banks. The Tier 1 classification is widely regarded as an important benchmark in the solar industry because it reflects the confidence of financial institutions in a manufacturer’s products and long-term business stability. To qualify, companies must operate their own production facilities and sell modules under their own brand names.
The latest rankings show that global solar module manufacturing capacity continues to be dominated by a group of large international companies. Jinko Solar and LONGi jointly lead the industry, each with an annual production capacity of 120 GW. Both companies also hold BloombergNEF Tier 1 status and have received AAA bankability ratings, demonstrating strong financial credibility and market acceptance.
Trina Solar ranks third with an annual manufacturing capacity of 100 GW and also carries a AAA bankability rating. JA Solar follows with 88 GW of capacity and a AAA rating, while Tongwei Solar completes the top five with 85 GW of annual production capacity and an AA rating.
Several other global manufacturers also secured places on the Tier 1 list. Canadian Solar, headquartered in Canada, has an annual module manufacturing capacity of 61 GW. Astronergy follows with 56 GW, while Risen Energy has 48 GW. AIKO Solar and TCL Zhonghuan operate capacities of 35.5 GW and 35 GW, respectively. GCL System Integration has a manufacturing capacity of 29.5 GW, while US-based First Solar has 24.4 GW and holds a AAA bankability rating. India’s Waaree Energies features on the list with 22.3 GW of capacity, followed by DMEGC Solar at 21 GW and Yingli Solar at 19.2 GW.
Apart from BloombergNEF’s Tier 1 recognition, several manufacturers continue to strengthen their positions through technological advancements and independent industry assessments. LONGi, for example, ranked first among 48 solar manufacturers evaluated by Wood Mackenzie across 10 countries and received a Grade A audit rating. The company has also maintained an AAA bankability rating in PV Tech’s assessments for the 25th consecutive evaluation period.
On the technology front, the latest Solar Cell Efficiency Table compiled by Professor Martin Green’s research team highlighted significant progress in photovoltaic performance. LONGi achieved verified conversion efficiencies of 27.8% and 28.13% for monocrystalline silicon solar cells. The company also recorded a two-terminal silicon-perovskite tandem cell efficiency of 35.2%, while its silicon module efficiency reached 26.4% and tandem module efficiency climbed to 31.4%. These advancements reflect the industry’s continued focus on improving efficiency alongside expanding manufacturing capacity to support growing global demand for solar energy.
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