Chinese Solar Exports Hit Record 68 GW Amid Energy Crisis

Chinese solar exports reached a record 68 GW in March 2026, doubling from February levels. The surge was driven by a global rush to reduce fossil fuel dependency following a war between the United States and Israel against Iran, which closed the Strait of Hormuz and spiked oil and gas prices. At least 50 nations set all-time import records, with significant growth in India, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The Government of China also triggered a rush of purchases by ending export tax rebates for solar products on April 1, 2026, which would have increased costs by 9%.

A structural shift is emerging in the supply chain, as exports of solar cells and wafers (36 GW) surpassed panel exports (32 GW), indicating that importing nations are building domestic assembly capabilities. Other Chinese cleantech exports, including batteries and electric vehicles, rose 70% year-on-year in March.

In Europe, the conflict triggered a similar spike in rooftop solar demand. In Germany, Britain, and the Netherlands, homeowner demand more than doubled. German wholesaler Solarhandel24 tripled its net sales in March, while Enpal reported a 30% year-on-year increase in orders. The Government of the United Kingdom introduced new measures to boost solar adoption to decouple electricity costs from volatile gas prices. SolarPower Europe reported that solar energy saved the European Union approximately $130 million daily during the first 17 days of the conflict by avoiding fossil fuel imports.