China's export of photovoltaic products surged 80.3 percent year-on-year to hit $51.25 billion last year, the China Photovoltaic Industry Association announced on Thursday.

The export value of solar modules was about $42.36 billion and the export volume was about 153.6 gigawatts, a year-on-year increase of 72.1 percent and 55.8 percent respectively, with both reaching record highs.

The export value of silicon wafers was about $5.07 billion, and the export volume was about 36.3 GW, a respective year-on-year increase of 107.2 and 60.8 percent.

The export value of solar cells rose 177.6 percent to reach about $3.81 billion, and the export volume increased 130.7 percent to about 23.8 GW.

Regionally speaking, China's exports of PV products all increased to varying degrees. Among them, the European market had the highest growth rate, with a year-on-year increase of 114.9 percent.

In 2022, Europe remained the major market of China's export of PV facilities, accounting for about 46 percent of total export value.

The association said silicon wafers and solar cells were mainly exported to Asian markets last year. In terms of module exports, the Netherlands still maintained its position as the largest market for export, with Poland and Portugal entering the top 10.