JA Solar vs Jinko Solar - solar panel manufacturer comparison
Jinko Solar has the broader catalog (637 vs 504 models). JA Solar leans bifacial (47% of lineup).
Both catalogues are read from the manufacturers' own datasheets. A brand is not scored against the market here, only against the other brand on this page.
The two companies
JA Solar is a global leader in the manufacturing of high-performance photovoltaic products. Founded in 2005, the company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells solar cells and modules. JA Solar's products are used in ground-mounted power plants, commercial & industrial rooftop PV systems, and residential rooftop...
- Founded
- 2005
- Headquarters
- Beijing, China
- Annual capacity
- 100+ GW/year
- Employees
- 37,289
- Listed
- SZSE: 002459
- Tier 1 bankable
- Yes
JinkoSolar is a global leader in the solar industry, manufacturing and distributing solar products and solutions to a diversified international customer base. They have a vertically integrated solar product value chain. The company is committed to providing clean, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions worldwide.
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Shanghai, China
- Annual capacity
- 130.0 GW/year
- Employees
- 33,830
- Listed
- NYSE: JKS
- Tier 1 bankable
- Yes
Catalogue against catalogue
An average over a catalogue describes the range a manufacturer publishes, not the module you would buy. A brand with two flagship panels and eighty older ones averages worse than one that has retired its back catalogue.
What each of them builds
Jinko Solar skews to higher efficiency: 29% of lineup is 23%+
Jinko Solar offers more 600W+ panels (26% of lineup)
Dominant cell tech: <strong>PERC</strong> (49%)
Dominant cell tech: <strong>TOPCon</strong> (41%)
The flagships
Written summary
JA Solar and Jinko Solar are the two largest Chinese solar module manufacturers and direct rivals for the top position in global shipment rankings. JA Solar was founded in 2005 and is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE), while Jinko Solar - founded in 2006 - trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), giving it broader exposure to international institutional investors. Both carry Tier 1 bankability status, making them acceptable to project finance lenders worldwide. In 2024, Jinko Solar shipped approximately 93 GW of modules, commanding roughly 13% of the global market and retaining the number one position, while JA Solar shipped around 77 GW for an approximately 11% market share and third place globally. Jinko's declared production capacity stands at 130 GW versus JA Solar's 100+ GW, reflecting the former's more aggressive capacity expansion in recent years.
Technologically, the two manufacturers are at different stages of their generational transition. JA Solar's portfolio remains dominated by PERC (p-type) cells, which account for over 52% of its models - a mature and cost-effective technology that suits installers looking for reliable, value-oriented residential panels. Jinko Solar has moved further toward n-type TOPCon cells (roughly 39% of its catalog) and holds a certified TOPCon cell efficiency record of 27.79%, with its Tiger Neo series reaching up to 24.8% module efficiency and a best-in-class temperature coefficient of -0.308%/°C. As a result, the average efficiency across Jinko's catalog (22.0%) is meaningfully higher than JA Solar's (20.9%), and average panel power is 511 Wp versus 442 Wp. JA Solar counters with a higher share of bifacial models (44% vs. 32%), making it a competitive option for ground-mount and flat-roof installations where rear-side irradiance gain matters. For residential rooftop projects where cost-per-watt and panel availability drive decisions, JA Solar's broad PERC lineup is a practical choice with strong European distribution. Jinko Solar is the stronger pick for utility-scale ground-mount and commercial C&I projects where per-square-meter yield, low temperature degradation, and long warranty terms - Jinko averages 28.5 years versus JA Solar's 27.9 years - justify a closer look at the premium n-type TOPCon tiers.
Generated by Claude Sonnet · 2026-05-07
Other brand comparisons
Shop prices: See 393 JA Solar offers · See 171 Jinko Solar offers
Comparisons are computed from manufacturer datasheets held in the ComparePV database and may not reflect a brand's complete current lineup. Nothing on this page is paid placement.