Billionaire Profile
Lin Jianhua
Global Rank
#1069

Image: Phylogeny Figures | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Lin Jianhua

CEO, Solar panel components
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.043B
Estimated based on Solar panel components stock value as of April 21, 2026
+0.19% (24h)
Age
70
Source
Solar panel components
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

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.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

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 Milestones

1986

Earned a Doctorate in Chemistry

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

1988-1993

Postdoctoral Research

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

1995

Professor at Peking University

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

2001

President of College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering

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

2003

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

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

2010-2013

President of Chongqing University

Served as President.

2013-2015

President of Zhejiang University

Served as President.

2015-2018

President of Peking University

Served as President.