NetWorth
LeaderPortfolio
Jianhua
Lin Jianhua
Rank #1142
CHINA•Manufacturing•Solar panel components

Lin Jianhua

Net Worth
$3.693B
-5.5% (24h)
Lin Jianhua, a prominent figure in the solar panel components industry, currently holds the position of chairman at Hangzhou First Applied Material. His estimated net worth is $4.2 billion. Born in 1955, Lin's career began at a state-owned fertilizer factory before transitioning into entrepreneurship, co-founding Hangzhou First Applied Material Co., Ltd. in 2003 with his wife, Zhang Hong. Lin's source of wealth stems from his involvement in the solar panel components sector, with Hangzhou First Applied Material specializing in packaging films and other products for the solar power industry. Lin's career also includes extensive experience in academia, having served as president of Peking University (2015-2018), Zhejiang University, and Chongqing University. He is a respected leader in the manufacturing industry and Chinese higher education.

How to read Lin Jianhua'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 Lin Jianhua, we anchor the narrative to Solar panel components and Solar panel components, 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 $3.693B alongside global rank #1142, 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

Lin Jianhua was born in October 1955, in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China. His ancestral home is in Gaomi, Shandong. During the Cultural Revolution, he taught at a school in Jalaid Banner, Inner Mongolia. Lin earned a doctorate in chemistry from Peking University in 1986. He pursued further studies at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Iowa State University, and Ames Laboratory between 1988 and 1993.

Rise to Success

Lin's career took a turn when he transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship. In 2003, he co-founded Hangzhou First Applied Material Co., Ltd., alongside his wife, Zhang Hong. This venture became a key supplier in the solar power industry, specializing in packaging films and other products. The company's shares soared after going public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Lin and his wife, Zhang Hong, own the majority of the company.

Key Business Strategies

The success of Lin Jianhua is attributed to strategic decisions in the solar panel components sector. His company, Hangzhou First Applied Material, focuses on developing, manufacturing, and selling film products, including fusible films and solar cell films. This strategic focus, along with efficient supply chain management, has helped the company become a major player in the industry. Lin's leadership, combined with a strong market presence, has propelled his business to significant financial success.

Philanthropy

Information on Lin Jianhua's specific philanthropic initiatives is unavailable. Further research may reveal his involvement in philanthropic endeavors.

Career Timeline

2015-2018

President of Peking University

Served as President.

2013-2015

President of Zhejiang University

Served as President.

2010-2013

President of Chongqing University

Served as President.

2003

Co-founded Hangzhou First Applied Material Co., Ltd.

Co-founded the company with his wife, entering the solar panel components industry.

2001

President of College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering

Became president of College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at Peking University.

1995

Professor at Peking University

Became a professor at the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University.

1988-1993

Postdoctoral Research

Studied at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Iowa State University, and Ames Laboratory.

1986

Earned a Doctorate in Chemistry

Obtained a Ph.D. in chemistry from Peking University.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Hangzhou First Applied Material78.00%—

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Lin Jianhua was born in October 1955, in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China. His ancestral home is in Gaomi, Shandong. During the Cultural Revolution, he taught at a school in Jalaid Banner, Inner Mongolia. Lin earned a doctorate in chemistry from Peking University in 1986. He pursued further studies at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Iowa State University, and Ames Laboratory between 1988 and 1993.

Rise to Success

Lin's career took a turn when he transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship. In 2003, he co-founded Hangzhou First Applied Material Co., Ltd., alongside his wife, Zhang Hong. This venture became a key supplier in the solar power industry, specializing in packaging films and other products. The company's shares soared after going public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Lin and his wife, Zhang Hong, own the majority of the company.

Key Business Strategies

The success of Lin Jianhua is attributed to strategic decisions in the solar panel components sector. His company, Hangzhou First Applied Material, focuses on developing, manufacturing, and selling film products, including fusible films and solar cell films. This strategic focus, along with efficient supply chain management, has helped the company become a major player in the industry. Lin's leadership, combined with a strong market presence, has propelled his business to significant financial success.

Philanthropy

Information on Lin Jianhua's specific philanthropic initiatives is unavailable. Further research may reveal his involvement in philanthropic endeavors.

Data Sources & Methodology

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

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