Photovoltaic (PV) cell plays crucial role to utilize the solar energy. The regional differences in the PV industry have created unbalanced flows of PV cells. This paper examined patterns of the PV cells international trade from spatial and temporal perspectives. Data sources are regional monetary importexport tables and the world renewable energy statistics in 1996-2015. Based on the Haggett's cognitive model of spatial structure, the patterns and evolution characteristics are identified with an aid of ArcGIS. This study revealed most PV cells exporters are distributed in East Asia and Southeast Asia intensively whereas relatively balanced exports are presented in Europe and North American in recent years. Most PV cells are flowing from east to west while the pattern of PV cells international trade has transformed from single-pole to multi-pole. Meanwhile, the international trade intensity of PV cells grew steadily at the global scale, and evolution features of PV cells trades varied from region to region. Economics conditions, incentive policy and producers' demand are three critical factors. These findings provide a useful reference for identifying the intensity, orientation, main connections and development trend of traders. Moreover, the PV industrial practitioners can benefit from this research to develop corresponding international business strategies. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.