BillionaireNet
family
Gao Jifan & family
Rank #2007
CHINAEnergySolar equipment

Gao Jifan & family

Net Worth
$1.922B
-2.11% (24h)
Gao Jifan, born in 1964, is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Trina Solar, a leading Chinese photovoltaics company. With a background in chemistry, Gao established Trina Solar in 1997, inspired by the Kyoto Protocol. Under his leadership, Trina Solar has become a global leader in solar energy innovation, consistently setting new world records in efficiency. Gao holds a Master's degree from Jilin University and a Bachelor's degree from Nanjing University. His career has been marked by significant achievements, including guiding Trina Solar to become the first PV and energy storage company listed on the STAR Market. Gao is also actively involved in industry leadership, serving as the former Chairman of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association and holding key roles in various energy-related organizations. His daughter, Gao Haichun, is also involved in Trina Solar as the co-chairman and president.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Gao Jifan was born in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Nanjing University (1985) and a master's degree in physical chemistry from Jilin University (1988). Inspired by the Kyoto Protocol and the U.S. Million Solar Roofs Initiative, Gao embarked on a career in the solar energy sector.

Rise to Success

In 1997, Gao Jifan founded Trina Solar. Under his leadership, Trina Solar has grown into a global leader in the photovoltaic industry. The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2006 before being privatized in 2017. The company's growth was fueled by the demand for renewable energy. Trina Solar was listed on the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange in June 2020. Gao has spearheaded numerous innovations and has led Trina Solar to break or set new world records for solar technology efficiency multiple times.

Key Business Strategies

Gao's strategic vision has driven Trina Solar's success. His key strategies include a focus on technological innovation, expansion into global markets, and vertical integration across the solar value chain. The company has manufacturing sites across China, Vietnam, and Thailand. His strategic investments in research and development have enabled Trina Solar to stay at the forefront of solar technology.

Philanthropy

Specific details regarding Gao Jifan's philanthropy are not readily available in the search results. However, as a leader in the renewable energy sector, his contributions likely extend to initiatives that promote sustainable energy practices and environmental conservation.

Career Timeline

2024

Published Research Paper

Led a research team that published a research paper in Nature Communications proposing a solvent engineering method for scalable fabrication of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells in the air

2020

Trina Solar Listed on STAR Market

Trina Solar listed on the STAR Market of Shanghai Stock Exchange.

2017

Trina Solar Privatized

The company was privatized.

2006

Trina Solar Listed on NYSE

Trina Solar listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

1997

Founded Trina Solar

Founded Trina Solar, which has grown into a global leader in solar energy.

Philanthropic Impact

EnvironmentalUndisclosed

Not available

Specific philanthropic initiatives not found in the search results. However, likely supports renewable energy and environmental causes.

Wealth Trajectory