China solar module exports in 2024 increased by 13% YoY to around 236 GW, according to InfoLink Consulting
Barring Europe, there was growth for Chinese manufacturers across all geographies
In December 2024, Chinese solar module exports rose 9% MoM and 3% YoY to around 16.63 GW
Solar module exports from China increased 13% year-on-year (YoY) in 2024 to 235.93 GW, with the inclusion of around 16.62 GW in December 2024 which was a month-on-month (MoM) growth of 9%. Chinese exports to individual countries namely Brazil, the Netherlands, India, Saudi Arabia and Spain accounted for close to 42% of the global market.
InfoLink Consulting had previously pegged 2023 Chinese solar modules exports at 207.99 GW (see China Exported 208 GW Solar Modules Globally In 2023).
Europe was the largest destination for China solar module exports in 2024 at around 94.4 GW, even though the numbers declined 7% YoY from 101.48 GW in the previous year. While the Netherlands led the shipments in 2024 in the continent with a 40% share, Spain followed next with its 11% share in the European market import volume. In December 2024, Chinese exports to Europe increased by 12% YoY and 37% MoM to 5.63 GW.
Pakistan was the surprise element in 2024 as the country bought approximately 16.91 GW of solar modules last year, representing 127% YoY growth over 7.47 GW. It was the largest Asia Pacific market for Chinese manufacturers in 2024, followed by neighboring India’s 16.73 GW. The region was responsible for 68.11 GW of Chinese solar module imports in 2024, up 26% from 53.93 GW. In December, the shipments of 4.56 GW dropped 30% YoY and 10% MoM.
In the Americas, Brazil was the biggest individual market for Chinese modules in 2024 as it took in 22.5 GW capacity out of a cumulative 33.28 GW shipped to the region, which was an increase of 10% YoY. Chile came in 2nd with 2.48 GW. In December, Chinese shipments of 3.16 GW were 18% higher YoY and 1% less MoM.
Chinese solar module exports of approximately 28.79 GW to the Middle East in 2024 represented the largest geographical increase of 99% compared with the 14.46 GW InfoLink estimate for the previous year. Saudi Arabia accounted for 58% of the total import volume of the Middle East market with 16.55 GW, followed by the UAE’s 16% or 4.51 GW. In December, the region accounted for close to 1.97 GW of Chinese solar module exports.
Africa is slowly increasing its presence on the radar of Chinese solar companies. The latter’s solar module exports to the continent increased 43% to around 11.36 GW in 2024, compared to 7.94 GW in 2023. South Africa took in 3.81 GW, accounting for 34% of the total volume last year, followed by Morocco’s 1.13 GW. In December, Chinese exports to the market totaled 1.31 GW.
The growth in Chinese solar module exports in 2025 isn’t certain, even though their reach in all the markets, barring Europe, improved in 2024.
“Looking ahead to 2025, we still need to pay attention to the impact of policy changes such as Europe's weak economy, India's efforts to strengthen local production capacity, and Brazil's adjustment of tariffs on imported modules on the global solar market. In addition, there is also the possibility of continued growth in demand in emerging markets including the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, which deserves follow-up attention,” they explain.
For 2025, InfoLink forecasts an annual growth rate of 4% to 9% for the global market, but the actual situation may change depending on market developments in Q1.
Earlier, InfoLink had pegged the annual solar PV market demand in 2024 between 469 GW and 533 GW. Analysts expected 2025 demand to grow by 5% to 7% up to 492 GW to 568 GW (see 2024 Global Solar PV Market Demand Projected To Reach Up To 533 GW).
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