Longi Green Technology Energy, the world’s leading solar module manufacturer based in China, is aiming for a substantial reduction in its workforce, accounting for almost a third of its employees, as reported by Bloomberg News.
The decision comes in response to the prevailing challenges faced by the solar industry, including global overcapacity and a sharp decline in prices for solar cells, which have compelled manufacturers to operate at or below production costs.
According to Bloomberg’s report, Longi’s staff numbered approximately 80,000 last year, indicating a significant reduction from the company’s stated workforce of 60,601 employees as of April 2023, as listed on its official website.
This move underscores the adverse impact of plummeting prices on the solar manufacturing sector, prompting companies to reevaluate their operational strategies. Officials speaking at a recent gathering of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) highlighted the ripple effects of declining prices, citing instances of companies shelving planned investments and resorting to layoffs as a means of cost-cutting.
China’s total export of PV products, including silicon wafers, cells, and modules, rose 80.3 percent to exceeded $51.2 billion in 2022, according to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA).
PV exports to EU accounted for about half of China’s total PV exports, rising by 114.9 percent. Market demands in Spain, Germany, and Poland are growing steadily, the CPIA disclosed.
The decision by Longi Green Technology Energy to downsize its workforce reflects the broader challenges faced by solar manufacturers globally, as they grapple with market dynamics and seek to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly challenging landscape.