S&P recently published its Tier 1 ranking for 2025. This annual assessment (unlike Bloomberg’s quarterly ranking) provides a clear picture of the reliability and quality of the leading manufacturers in the solar energy sector.
The ranking is based on the following criteria:

1. Market presence: number of markets worldwide and project relevance
2. Market share: global and per market
3. Production capacity and actual shipped volumes
4. Global distribution: presence in various markets to limit dependencies
5. Financial stability: profitability, debt levels, and continuity
6. ESG criteria: sustainability and social responsibility

The following 14 manufacturers have been classified as Tier 1 by S&P:

• Astronergy
• Canadian
• First Solar
• GCL
• Jinko
• DMEGC
• Longi
• Tongwei
• Trina
• Hanwha
• JA Solar
• Risen
• Seraphim
• TCL

To be classified as Tier 1 a manufacturer must meet at least four of the six criteria. The exact threshold values have not yet been publicly shared by S&P.

For more information, you can view the full S&P Global report at https://www.spglobal.com/commodity-insights/en/news-research/blog/energy-transition/090925-tier-1-cleantech-companies-pv-wind-turbine-bess