The company’s analysts rated 13 of the world’s biggest module suppliers against nine metrics such as market presence, momentum, innovation and financial position.

Trina Solar – the world’s largest module supplier by shipments last year – scored top on market presence, said IHS Markit as it released its PV Module Supplier Scorecard.

However, US thin-film giant First Solar came out top in the market momentum stakes thanks to its regional strength and emphasis on R&D.

All five industry leaders ranked above average for market presence and momentum.

One big name that failed to make the leaders list was Canadian Solar, which IHS Markit said had scored poorly on momentum, despite its strong presence in the market.

REC Solar, GCL System and LG Electronics were among a group of “challenger” companies that showed strong momentum.

Edurne Zoco, senior manager for solar research at IHS Technology, said: “This scorecard takes into account a company’s current market and financial position, as well as its potential to cope with the next wave of challenges faced by the solar industry.”