China’s Solar Exports Hit Record 68 GW Amid Energy Crisis
The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has significantly affected global energy markets, primarily by escalating oil prices and destabilising supply chains. This turmoil has sparked a notable increase in electric vehicle sales and prompted a reconsideration of diesel fuel usage across various industrial sectors worldwide.
Recent data, however, highlights that solar energy is also reaping the benefits of the current energy crisis. In March, China, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) production, achieved a record 68 gigawatts (GW) in solar exports, doubling the amount from the previous month.
Record Solar Exports from China
Analysis from Ember, utilising data from Chinese customs, indicates that March’s solar exports were equivalent to Spain’s total installed capacity and surpassed the previous record established in August 2025 by a remarkable 49 per cent.
The findings reveal that 50 countries, including Australia, set new records for solar imports from China in March. This surge was partly driven by China lifting export tax rebates on April 1, which consequently raised solar panel costs by 9 per cent.
Significant Increases in Exports
In March 2026, exports to Africa surged by 176 per cent from February, reaching 10 GW, while exports to Asia also doubled, hitting 39 GW. Together, these two regions accounted for three-quarters of the increase in exports.
Ember’s report noted, “Other markets severely impacted by rising oil and gas prices, such as Japan, Australia, and the EU, also reached new records.”
India led the list for solar imports in March with 11.3 GW, followed closely by Indonesia with 6.2 GW. Australia ranked 19th with just under 1 GW of imports, marking an all-time high at 0.95 GW. Additionally, 60 countries recorded their highest import levels in six months.
Shift in Export Types
Interestingly, it is not solely solar modules that are being exported at unprecedented rates. Ember points out that the export of PV cells and wafers has also been increasing, surpassing panel exports as of October 2025, since more panels are now being assembled outside of China.
The analysis suggests, “Many nations in Asia and Africa are not only enhancing their solar installations domestically but are also advancing along the solar value chain, developing their own manufacturing and assembly capabilities.”
According to the data, solar panel exports climbed by 91 per cent from February, reaching 32 GW in March, while exports of solar cells and wafers rose by 108 per cent to 36 GW.
Insights from Industry Experts
Senior analyst at Ember, Euan Graham, commented, “Current fossil fuel price shocks are accelerating the solar surge.” He further stated, “Solar has already positioned itself as a driving force in the global economy, and the current energy crisis is enhancing its momentum.”
Graham highlighted that countries are importing solar panels at unprecedented rates and are simultaneously developing their domestic assembly and manufacturing capabilities to respond to the rising global demand.
