Women in Solar - Carina Liu, Head of Marketing MEA - Trina Solar
Carina Liu
Head of Marketing MEA, Trina Solar
About Carina
Carina Liu is an accomplished marketing leader with extensive experience in driving brand growth and strategic positioning across global markets. As the Head of Marketing for Trinasolar in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Carina leads the company’s regional marketing strategy, building impactful campaigns that strengthen Trinasolar’s presence, foster stakeholder engagement, and support the region’s clean energy transition.
Before joining Trinasolar, Carina served as Industry Director at UNISOC, where she played a key role in shaping market strategies and expanding the company’s industry footprint. Her diverse background across technology and renewable energy sectors enables her to navigate complex markets with a blend of analytical insight and creative vision.
Carina holds a dual MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and Fudan University, where she was part of the prestigious MIT-Fudan Lab (top 5%) and a recipient of the Entrance Scholarship.
Passionate about renewable energy and empowering women in leadership, Carina actively advocates for diversity and inclusion in the solar industry, helping to shape the next generation of leaders in the sector.
Please Introduce yourself and your role at Trina Solar
My name is Carina Liu, and I serve as the Head of Marketing for Trinasolar in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). I lead our regional marketing strategy, working closely with stakeholders to strengthen our brand presence, support business growth, and highlight Trinasolar’s role in advancing the clean energy transition across the region.
Can you share your journey into the solar industry? What was it that inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
My journey into the solar industry began with a strong desire to contribute to a purpose-driven sector; one that directly addresses climate challenges and shapes a more sustainable future. The MEA region, with its ambitious energy transition goals and rapid solar growth, offered an inspiring environment to make that impact. Joining Trinasolar allowed me to merge my marketing expertise with a mission that goes far beyond business: enabling access to clean, reliable energy and contributing to the region’s transformation.
Can you share a significant achievement or milestone in your career that you are particularly proud of? What made it special for you?
One of the milestones I am most proud of is driving marketing initiatives that elevated Trinasolar’s presence and influence across the MEA region. These efforts went beyond traditional campaigns, they sparked conversations around solar adoption, strengthened our engagement with key stakeholders in emerging markets, and even helped secure prestigious industry awards for the company. It’s been especially meaningful to witness how these initiatives contribute to greater awareness of renewable energy and support the region’s ambitions toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and not to be afraid of stepping into unfamiliar territory. This industry moves quickly, and adaptability is a true strength. I’d also emphasize the importance of building meaningful connections early on, relationships often open doors that expertise alone cannot. And above all, I’d remind myself to speak up, share my ideas with confidence, and trust the value I bring to the table.
How do you see the role of women evolving in the solar industry, particularly in leadership positions? What changes would you like to see?
There has been a noticeable shift toward greater diversity and inclusion in the solar sector, with more women stepping into leadership roles and gaining visibility at industry events. Companies are beginning to recognize that diverse teams bring innovation and resilience and qualities essential for a rapidly evolving industry like ours. But while progress is being made, there’s still a way to go. I’d like to see inclusion translate into true belonging through mentorship programs, flexible workplace policies, and leadership development initiatives tailored to support women. Seeing more women in executive roles will also be a powerful motivator for the next generation of professionals entering the industry.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in the solar industry or other renewable energy fields?
Embrace discomfort. Some of the best opportunities will feel intimidating at first, but they are often the ones that help you grow the most. Don’t wait for permission to share your ideas or take on challenges; step forward with confidence and make your voice heard. And invest in building a personal brand, whether by speaking at events, publishing insights, or actively engaging in industry conversations. Visibility and self-advocacy are key to thriving in this space.
About Trina Solar
Founded in 1997, Trinasolar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trinasolar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operations and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multi-energy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.
On June 10, 2020, Trinasolar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com.