China's solar panel makers plunge to first combined net loss

Worsening capacity glut drags down prices and creates friction with Europe

20250506N Solar panels Ningxia

Chinese companies account for more than 80% of global production capacity in the solar industry. © Reuters

KOHEI FUJIMURA

DALIAN, China -- Seven leading Chinese solar panel makers logged a combined net loss last year for the first time in comparable data going back to 2017, as heavy investment in new production left supply far outstripping demand.

Chinese companies control more than 80% of global capacity in the solar industry, from silicon and wafers to cells and panels. Nine of the top ten panel makers by production volume are Chinese. The seven of those manufacturers that are publicly listed and focus on panel production booked an aggregate net loss of 27 billion yuan ($3.7 billion).

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