Gao Jifan is a Chinese businessman, the self-made billionaire Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Trina Solar (SSE: 688599), a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) products and smart solar energy solutions. His career is rooted in science: 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.

Gao's entrepreneurial journey was inspired by global environmental policy: specifically, the Kyoto Protocol and the U.S. Million Solar Roofs Initiative. Recognizing the immense, long-term structural demand for clean energy, he founded Trina Solar in December 1997, committing to transforming solar technology from a niche product into a mass-market energy solution.

Gao Jifan's strategic vision was audacious: transform solar technology into an affordable, high-quality energy source. Under his leadership, Trina Solar became the first PV and energy storage company listed on China's STAR Market (Science and Technology Innovation Board). The company successfully integrated photovoltaic products, energy storage, system solutions, and digital energy services into a comprehensive offering.

Trina Solar achieved global technological dominance, having broken or set new world records 35 times in PV cell efficiency and module power. Gao is a major figure in global energy policy, serving as a founding member of the UNPD Private Sector Advisory Board and the former Chairman of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA). His wealth is secured by the company's dominance in the multi-billion dollar global solar and energy storage sector.

Gao Jifan's social impact is massive and structural, stemming from Trina Solar's role in accelerating the global clean energy transition. The company's affordable PV solutions make solar energy a viable option for governments and consumers worldwide, contributing significantly to reduced carbon emissions.

His personal philanthropy supports educational and scientific initiatives. His role as a World Economic Forum mentor and his involvement in the UNPD Private Sector Advisory Board position him as a global advocate for sustainable development and high-quality PV development.

Gao Jifan maintains the professional, intellectual style of a Chinese technology executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored business suits. His aesthetic is one of serious authority and stability, reflecting his deep scientific background and his commitment to sustainable energy.

Residing in Changzhou, China, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to scientific innovation, industrial scale, and the continuous growth of the global solar energy sector.