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Gao Jifan & family
Rank #2307
CHINAEnergySolar equipment

Gao Jifan & family

Net Worth
$1.773B
+4.68% (24h)
Gao Jifan, a prominent figure in the solar energy sector, is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Trina Solar. Born in 1965, Gao holds a Master's degree in physical chemistry from Jilin University and a Bachelor's degree in chemistry from Nanjing University. His estimated net worth is $2.2 billion. Gao's wealth stems from his leadership of Trina Solar, a leading global provider of solar modules and smart energy solutions. Over his career, Gao has led Trina Solar to achieve numerous milestones, including becoming the first PV and energy storage company listed on the STAR Market. He is known for his focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability within the solar industry.

How to read Gao Jifan & family's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Gao Jifan & family, we anchor the narrative to Solar equipment and Solar equipment, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.773B alongside global rank #2307, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (CHINA) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Gao Jifan was born on January 15, 1965. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Nanjing University in 1985 and a Master's degree in Physical Chemistry from Jilin University in 1988. Before founding Trina Solar, he gained experience managing two companies, including Wujin Xiehe Fine Chemical Factory and Guangdong Shunde Fuyou Detergent Plant.

Rise to Success

Inspired by the Kyoto Protocol and the U.S. Million Solar Roofs Initiative, Gao Jifan founded Trina Solar in December 1997. Under his leadership, Trina Solar has grown into a global leader in the photovoltaic industry. The company was the first PV and energy storage company listed on the STAR Market. Trina Solar's success is attributed to innovation, superior product quality, and vertical integration of production.

Key Business Strategies

Gao's business strategies have focused on innovation, research and development, and strategic partnerships. He has invested significantly in R&D, leading to significant breakthroughs in crystalline silicon cells and perovskite technologies. Trina Solar has also collaborated with leading universities and research institutes to advance photovoltaic research. The company's emphasis on quality has led to numerous awards and recognition. Gao has also focused on expanding manufacturing capacity. By the end of 2023, Trina Solar’s production capacity included 55GW for silicon wafers, 75GW for cells, and 95GW for modules.

Philanthropy

Specific philanthropy amounts for Gao Jifan could not be found in the search results. The company is committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Career Timeline

2022

Named one of Forbes China's Best CEOs

Gao Jifan was recognized as one of Forbes China's Best CEOs.

2020

Trina Solar Listed on SSE STAR Market

Trina Solar listed on the SSE STAR Market.

2006

Trina Solar Listed on NYSE

Trina Solar listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

1997

Founded Trina Solar

Founded Trina Solar, which has become a global leader in solar PV modules and solutions.

Philanthropic Impact

Corporate Social ResponsibilityUndisclosed

Not Specified

Trina Solar is committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. No specific philanthropy amounts were found.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Trina Solar32.00%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Gao Jifan was born on January 15, 1965. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Nanjing University in 1985 and a Master's degree in Physical Chemistry from Jilin University in 1988. Before founding Trina Solar, he gained experience managing two companies, including Wujin Xiehe Fine Chemical Factory and Guangdong Shunde Fuyou Detergent Plant.

Rise to Success

Inspired by the Kyoto Protocol and the U.S. Million Solar Roofs Initiative, Gao Jifan founded Trina Solar in December 1997. Under his leadership, Trina Solar has grown into a global leader in the photovoltaic industry. The company was the first PV and energy storage company listed on the STAR Market. Trina Solar's success is attributed to innovation, superior product quality, and vertical integration of production.

Key Business Strategies

Gao's business strategies have focused on innovation, research and development, and strategic partnerships. He has invested significantly in R&D, leading to significant breakthroughs in crystalline silicon cells and perovskite technologies. Trina Solar has also collaborated with leading universities and research institutes to advance photovoltaic research. The company's emphasis on quality has led to numerous awards and recognition. Gao has also focused on expanding manufacturing capacity. By the end of 2023, Trina Solar’s production capacity included 55GW for silicon wafers, 75GW for cells, and 95GW for modules.

Philanthropy

Specific philanthropy amounts for Gao Jifan could not be found in the search results. The company is committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Gao Jifan & family are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.