Overview
- China shipped a record 68 GW of solar hardware in March 2026, doubling February’s total and surpassing the previous high by 49 percent, according to Ember.
- Exports of solar cells and wafers climbed to 36 GW and overtook finished panels at 32 GW, signaling a shift to local module assembly as countries seek jobs at home and steadier supply.
- At least 50 countries set all‑time import records, with Africa up 176 percent to 10 GW and Asia doubling to 39 GW, while the Middle East lagged because the Strait of Hormuz was closed.
- Battery exports also jumped to $10 billion in March, up 44 percent from February, with strong demand from the EU, Australia, and India as grids add storage.
- The spike reflects geopolitics and policy, as war‑driven oil and gas prices pushed buyers toward electrification and China’s April 1 rebate change lifted panel costs by about 9 percent.