There is a kind of company that will never be the rock star of an industry. Unlike the luminaries that rise and fall precipitously, these quiet fortunes start from humble beginnings and progress slowly and steadily. Rarely do they make headlines, but they are able to dodge risks and survive the worst crises.

Changzhou-based Trina Solar Ltd is one such company.

Among the four biggest photovoltaic product manufacturers, Trina, along with the rest of the PV industry in China, is on a road to recovery: In the third quarter, the company saw its first net profit in several years.