Solar Manufacturers Expanded Global Operations and Capacity
Canadian Solar and LONGi have scaled manufacturing and diversified into energy storage to counter market cyclicality.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Public Companies
Live Poll
Should the solar industry prioritize high-efficiency manufacturing standards over lower production costs?
Canadian Solar, Jinko Solar, and LONGi Green Energy reported mid-year 2026 activities, highlighting increased global shipment volumes and the commencement of domestic manufacturing. These shifts reflect a broader push by major solar firms to secure regional market share and stabilize margins.
Why it matters
Operators must monitor these supply-side shifts as they indicate how major manufacturers are restructuring to navigate cyclical solar demand and qualify for localized subsidies. Managing inventory against these evolving global shipment patterns is now critical for maintaining procurement predictability.
LONGi recorded over 3 GWh in signed energy storage orders, while Canadian Solar activated a 2 GW high-efficiency HJT cell factory. Overseas shipment increases varied by region, led by a 36% rise to the Americas, 34% to Europe, and 20% to the Asia-Pacific region.
The players
Canadian Solar
A global solar manufacturer that produces PV modules and energy storage systems at scale.
LONGi Green Energy
A major vertically integrated solar power company specializing in monocrystalline silicon wafers and PV modules.
Jinko Solar
A prominent manufacturer of solar modules that provides energy storage solutions to international markets.
The details
Canadian Solar has launched a 2 GW HJT cell facility in the United States, utilizing a joint venture structure to tap into local production incentives. Meanwhile, LONGi is pivoting toward a full-stack integration strategy that bundles PV modules with energy storage systems to capture higher margins. Jinko Solar is simultaneously addressing brand integrity by coordinating with authorities to mitigate the impact of counterfeit modules on its supply chain.
Timeline
First half 2026: LONGi signed 3 GWh of energy storage orders.
July 2026: Canadian Solar US factory commenced production.
September 30, 2026: Companies released investor relations records.
October 2026: Canadian Solar US factory reaches full capacity.
January 2027: New national PV efficiency standard becomes effective.
Market Landscape
Canadian Solar’s domestic production launch directly follows the regulatory incentives established by the Inflation Reduction Act's domestic content requirements. This movement mirrors a wider industry trend of regionalizing supply chains to capture regional tax benefits.
Procurement teams should account for regional shipment volatility as manufacturers prioritize markets with higher growth, such as the Americas and Europe. Monitoring the shift toward bundled PV-storage offerings is essential for businesses evaluating long-term infrastructure investments.
The takeaway
Manufacturers are currently aggressively hedging against cyclical volatility through diversification and local manufacturing. Operators should audit current solar supply contracts to ensure vendor protection protocols are updated against the recent rise of counterfeit equipment.
What happens next
Canadian Solar expects its US facility to reach full capacity in October 2026, while the industry awaits the effective date of the new national PV efficiency standard in January 2027.
Further reading
For broader trends in sector performance, review the latest reports on Public Companies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Energytrend.
Live Poll
Should the solar industry prioritize high-efficiency manufacturing standards over lower production costs?
