Chinese solar exports surged to a record 68 GW in March 2026, doubling from February levels, as countries accelerated clean energy adoption amid rising oil and gas prices triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran. Data analyzed by Ember shows the March total surpassed the previous record set in August 2025 by 49 percent and is equivalent to Spain’s entire installed solar capacity.
The spike reflects an urgent global response to the energy crisis, with many markets rushing imports ahead of a 9 percent increase in export tax rebates effective April 1. A total of 50 countries recorded all-time highs in Chinese solar imports, while another 60 reached six-month peaks, Euan Graham, senior analyst at Ember, said in the report.
Asia and Africa led the surge, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the increase. Exports to Asia doubled to 39 GW, while Africa recorded a 176 percent jump to 10 GW. India saw imports rise 141 percent, adding 6.6 GW, while Malaysia increased 384 percent and Lao PDR grew 108 percent. In Africa, Nigeria surged 519 percent, Kenya 207 percent, and Ethiopia 391 percent, each exceeding 1 GW of monthly imports for the first time.
Other regions facing high fossil fuel costs, including Japan, Australia and the European Union, also recorded strong growth. The Middle East remained an exception due to disruptions in trade flows linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
A structural shift is also underway in the solar supply chain. China’s exports of solar cells and wafers reached 36 GW in March, rising 108 percent and overtaking panel exports, which increased 91 percent to 32 GW. This trend reflects growing manufacturing and assembly capabilities in importing countries across Asia and Africa.
Beyond solar, China’s broader cleantech exports including batteries and electric vehicles rose sharply. Total exports of solar, batteries and EVs increased 70 percent year-on-year and 38 percent month-on-month in March 2026. Battery exports alone climbed 44 percent from February to reach $10 billion, driven by demand in the European Union, Australia and India for energy storage solutions.
According to Ember’s Global Electricity Review 2026, rapid solar expansion is already reshaping energy markets. Solar generation growth in 2025 displaced gas-fired power equivalent to all LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz, while the global electric vehicle fleet reduced oil demand by 1.8 million barrels per day, about 13 percent of U.S. crude production.
The data highlights how solar, batteries and EVs are increasingly acting as a buffer against fossil fuel volatility, with countries accelerating investments in clean energy infrastructure to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on traditional fuels.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
