Guide to American Solar Panel Manufacturers in March 2024

Although American-made solar panels are more expensive, there are some benefits to choosing a U.S. brand. You can support the domestic economy, help advance solar technology research and development, and reduce your carbon footprint by shortening the supply chain of your panels. Additionally, investing in renewable energy in the U.S. can help enhance energy security and strengthen the power grid.

But U.S.-made solar panels, especially those with exclusively American-made components, are difficult to find, and overseas production still leads the market. Panels produced overseas are not necessarily of poorer quality. Investing in solar energy — regardless of where your equipment is made — can help reduce your carbon footprint and offset electricity bills.

Quality Standards and Assurance

While there is debate over whether or not American-made solar panels are better quality than modules made overseas, it ultimately comes down to a consumer’s preference and price sensitivity.

The U.S. Department of Energy supports the development and quality of American solar manufacturers, overseeing national labs, investors and entrepreneurs.

All solar panel manufacturers test solar modules according to standard test conditions. Solar panel manufacturers test the efficiency, wattage and durability under universal conditions in industry-standard laboratories. As such, you can compare solar panels based on specifics like energy-efficiency ratings, regardless of the brand.

All the North American-made solar panels mentioned above include 25-year product warranties, which is longer than some overseas competitors. Andrei Gorinchenski from A1 Solar Store also notes, “Customer service [for U.S.-based solar companies] is much easier to go to, not that solar panel owners need much of it.”

Economic Impact and Job Creation

As the fastest-growing renewable energy source, solar power has a massive impact on the American economy. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the solar industry generated nearly $35 billion of private investment in the U.S. economy in 2022 alone.

The U.S. solar industry employs nearly 264,000 people in all 50 states. About 33,500 of these jobs are in solar manufacturing and 30,600 are in wholesale trade and distribution. Purchasing U.S.-made solar panels can support such jobs and boost local economies.

Supporting Domestic Innovation and Research

Government programs and funding support domestic innovation and research, which improve solar technology and infrastructure. When you purchase an American-made solar system, you can help domestic solar manufacturers develop innovations to make the technology more accessible, efficient and viable.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds domestic innovation and research in solar. SETO offers several incentives for solar innovation in the U.S., including the $3 million American-Made Solar Prize competition and other funding opportunities.

Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a $45 million investment in domestic solar manufacturing and a $20 million investment in researching solar panel disposal and recycling.

These funding opportunities have bolstered the ability of domestic solar manufacturers to develop new products and advance the U.S. solar market.

In this post, we will list the top solar panel companies and manufacturers in the US.

We (the general public) will probably move towards using more sustainable, renewable energy over the next decade, leading to growth for some of the biggest US Solar Panel Suppliers and Companies. In the past decade, US solar panel manufacturing has matured a great deal, with some companies failing to make it while others continue to grow and achieve success.

Historically, solar energy was a fringe interest of those who were environmentally aware. Now it is a viable option in new homes and renovations. As more businesses and government entities seek renewable energy reserves on-site, solar is also becoming a popular way to power self-contained systems. 

We have compiled a list of the top American solar energy companies today. The data is arranged by annual sales. Dashed lines indicate missing data.

List of 12 Top Solar Panel Companies and Manufacturers in the US in 2024

According to the factors that we will mention in this article, Here is the List of 12 Top Solar Panel Companies and Manufacturers in the US in 2024:

1. First Solar
2. NextEra Energy 
3. Suniva Inc.
4. Trina Solar
5. Hanwha Q CELLS
6. Global Solar
7. GreenBrilliance
8. SunSpark
9. SunPower
10. Tesla/Panasonic 
11. LG Solar
12. Silfab Solar
13. JinkoSolar

How We Selected Top 13 Solar Panel Companies and Manufacturers in the US in 2024

Choosing the right solar panel company can make a huge difference in the success of your solar panel installation project. With so many options available, it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable provider that offers high-quality products and excellent customer service.

At Linquip, we understand the importance of making an informed decision when choosing a solar panel company. That’s why we’ve spent countless hours analyzing more than 10 webpages and hundreds of companies and reviewers to bring you the top 10 solar panel companies and manufacturers in the US in 2024.

Our analysis considered factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranty, installation services, and price to determine which companies stood out as the best in the industry. We also consulted with our own expert team and relied on our previous experiences in the solar panel industry to ensure that our recommendations were based on real-world data and insights.

Whether you’re looking for a small scale residential system or a large-scale commercial installation, these top 10 solar panel companies have the expertise, experience, and resources to deliver high-quality products and exceptional customer service. We encourage you to carefully research and evaluate each company to find the one that best fits your unique needs and circumstances.

At Linquip, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your solar panel installation project. With our expert guidance and recommendations, you’ll feel confident in your choice and enjoy the benefits of solar energy for years to come.

List of Top Solar Panel Companies in the United States

First Solar

First Solar, headquartered in Arizona, founded in 1999, is the largest solar manufacturer in the US by capacity. It has opened a plant in Ohio that brings the total capacity of its US operations to 1.9 GW. In addition to being the largest manufacturer in the US, it is also the only one that makes thin-film modules. By far being the world’s leading company in this field, it manufactures cadmium telluride modules that are mostly used for large utility-scale projects.

NextEra Energy 

Founded in 1925, NextEra Energy is based in Juno Beach, Florida. As well as providing solar panels, NextEra Energy also owns two electric companies in Florida: Gulf Power Company and Florida Power & Light Company.

Founded in 2007, Suniva Inc. is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia. Among the leading American manufacturers of PV solar cells and modules, Suniva is known for its high efficiency and cost-competitive prices. The company is famous for its high-quality solar products, low-cost manufacturing technology, and long-term reliability.

Suniva Inc.

Suniva Inc., which is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, was founded in 2007. Their product line includes high-efficiency, cost-competitive solar cells, panels and modules.

Trina Solar

San Jose, California, is the US headquarters of Trina Solar. Established in 1997, the company produces solar cells, wafers, ingots, and solar modules. Trina Solar provides a wide variety of solar panels and solutions to suit the various demands of residential, commercial, and large-scale utility customers.

Hanwha Q CELLS

The factory of Hanwha Q CELLS is located in Dalton, Georgia, and took almost $200 million to construct. The Hanwha Group has a US Q CELLS plant that produces 12,000 solar panels a day and employs many Americans. The company also assembles Q.PEAK modules here, which utilize Q. Antum crystalline-silicon solar cells. Having its factory produce 1,700 MW of solar power, it is right behind First Solar and vying for the top spot.

Global Solar

Tuscon, Arizona, is the headquarters of Global Solar Energy, Inc. The company was founded in 1996. A thin-film CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide) solar module is what they produce. The panels are used for a variety of residential, commercial, and off-grid applications.

GreenBrilliance

GreenBrilliance is based in Sterling, Virginia. Since 2007, they have been providing solar panel systems to residential and commercial buildings and installing solar power electrical systems. 

SunSpark

SunSpark Solar Services offers residential and commercial solar installation solutions. In addition to working exclusively with LG, SunSpark uses high-quality solar suppliers with proven products with longevity. The company designs solar systems with the best products for businesses, landlords, and tenants to meet financial and renewable energy goals.

SunPower

Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. is based in San Jose, California. Their products include residential and commercial solar panels. Their rooftop solar panels are among the most efficient on the market. Both the A-Series and X-Series panels convert sunlight to electricity at a rate exceeding 22%. A division of the bankrupt company was purchased by SunPower in 2018 and quickly converted to SunPower solar panel manufacturing. Solar panels from the plant are expected to produce about 220 megawatts annually once it starts full-scale production in early 2019.

Tesla/Panasonic 

Panasonic and Tesla share this one since the two companies work together to produce solar power. The Buffalo, New York, the plant produces 1,000 MW of solar panels annually. In 2016, Tesla acquired SolarCity’s Buffalo plant. Panasonic joined Tesla for module production shortly after. It has also stated that the company will eventually manufacture Solar Glass tiles at this plant, but development takes place in the West.

LG Solar

LG Solar, a division of LG Electronics, is renowned for its high-efficiency and quality solar panels. Part of the larger LG Corporation, a South Korean multinational conglomerate, LG Solar leverages advanced manufacturing technologies and rigorous quality control processes. Their solar products are known for high performance, durability, and aesthetic design, making them a popular choice in both residential and commercial markets. LG Solar has made significant contributions to the solar industry, consistently pushing the envelope in solar technology innovation.

Silfab Solar

Silfab Solar is a North American solar panel manufacturer renowned for its high-efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels. With a strong focus on the residential market, Silfab combines automation and precision engineering to produce solar products known for their quality, reliability, and performance. The company has gained a significant reputation for its innovation and commitment to sustainability in the solar industry.

JinkoSolar

JinkoSolar is one of the world’s largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers. Headquartered in China, the company has a strong global presence, including significant operations in the United States. JinkoSolar is known for its wide range of photovoltaic products, including highly efficient monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. They cater to both residential and commercial markets, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and affordability in their products.

FAQs about Solar Panel Companies and Manufacturers

How to choose a solar panel manufacturer?

• Calculate the solar panel efficiency and contrast it with the 16–18% industry average.
• Compare the manufacturer’s warranties with the 10–25-year industry average.
• Efficiency is crucial, but the most effective panels aren’t necessarily the best value.  Compare cost to relative efficiency.

Can I mix solar panels from different manufacturers?

Even though it’s not a good idea, you should study each solar panel’s electrical characteristics (voltage, wattage, and amps) very carefully. The vendors are not the issue when trying to wire two panels made by separate suppliers.
What is the manufacturer’s warranty on solar panels?

Usually, panels have a 25-year performance warranty. Additionally, a 10- to 25-year product guarantee is included with solar panels. To find out what is covered and what might invalidate a warranty, you should carefully review any that you want to buy.
Which solar panel is best for industry?

As the most effective choice, monocrystalline solar panels are frequently used for bigger energy systems in commercial and residential buildings. Monocrystalline might nevertheless be employed in smaller systems because panel sizes do vary.

Do all solar panels produce the same energy?

Based on the number of watts they produce; solar panels are graded. Your solar installation will generate more power if it has a higher wattage rating. Depending on the size of the panel and how successfully it converts sunlight into electricity, household solar panels typically have power output ratings between 250 and 400 watts.

Who is the largest manufacturer of solar panels?

Currently, the largest manufacturer of solar panels in the world is JinkoSolar Holdings Co., Ltd. located in China. JinkoSolar is a leading solar module manufacturer with a global reach and a diverse range of products, serving businesses and consumers worldwide. The company has been in the solar energy industry for almost two decades, and they are known for their high-quality products and commitment to sustainability.

Some other notable solar panel manufacturers include Hanwha Q-Cells in South Korea, Panasonic in Japan, and Canadian Solar in Canada. These companies all have a significant impact on the global solar energy market and supply a large portion of the world’s demand for solar panels.

Who is the main manufacturers of solar panels?

There are many companies that manufacture solar panels, and the list of manufacturers is constantly changing as new companies enter the market and old ones exit. However, some of the main manufacturers of solar panels in the US and globally are:

1. JinkoSolar – China
2. Hanwha Q-Cells – South Korea
3. Canadian Solar – Canada
4. SolarWorld Americas – USA
5. Trina Solar – China
6. SunPower – USA
7. Yingli Green Energy – China
8. REC Solar – Norway
9. JA Solar – China
10. Panasonic – Japan

These companies are considered major manufacturers of solar panels in the industry, and they produce a significant portion of the world’s total solar panels. However, this is not an exhaustive list, and there are always new companies coming into the market. It’s important to do research and consider factors such as product quality, customer service, warranty, installation services, and customer reviews when choosing a solar panel manufacturer.

Which company made solar panel is best?

There is no one company that makes the “best” solar panel, as what is considered “best” will vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Some key factors to consider when evaluating the quality of solar panels include efficiency, durability, warranty, customer service, and overall value. It is important to carefully research and compare the different options available on the market, and consider factors such as price, location, and local regulations. Additionally, it’s essential to consult with an expert such as a professional electrician or a certified solar installer who can help guide you in making the right decision. Ultimately, the best solar panel is the one that meets your specific needs and provides a good balance of quality, value and performance.

What American companies are making solar panels?

There are several American companies that manufacture solar panels in the United States. Some of these companies include:

1. First Solar – Based in Arizona, First Solar is a leading producer of thin-film photovoltaic modules. The company specializes in solar panels for utility-scale projects and also provides financing and development for those projects.
2. Tesla – Tesla is an American renewable energy company known for its electric cars and energy storage systems. The company also produces solar panels and batteries for residential and commercial use.
3. SunPower – Based in California, SunPower is a leading provider of solar power systems for homes and businesses. The company produces solar panels, solar panels for commercial installations, and solar energy storage devices.
4. Sunrun – Based in California, SunRun is a leading residential solar installer that also produces solar panels. The company offers financing options and maintenance programs for its solar panels.
5. Sunnova Energy – Based in Florida, Sunnova Energy is a leading provider of residential solar and energy storage systems. The company installs its own modules manufactured in the United States, Canada, and South Korea.

These are just a few examples of the American companies that manufacture solar panels. It’s important to note that the solar panel industry is constantly evolving, and there are always new companies entering the market. It’s best to carefully research and compare the options available to determine the best fit for your needs.

Conclusion

Since solar panel manufacturer rankings are often based on the total volume of solar panels shipped by a company, being ranked top does not necessarily indicate they offer the best quality panels. While some small manufacturers are known for premium products, most larger manufacturers have grown by either making panels for the large-volume market or by concentrating on large-scale projects. The ability of a company to produce and sell a large number of its products demonstrates its credibility, building trust among consumers and installers alike.

As a solar shopper, it is imperative that you know how to differentiate between them to find the panel that is right for you and within your budget and specific need.

Get in touch with our Linquip Solar Cells & Panels Experts to learn more about how panels are ranked and how to select the right panel for your needs.

Download Top 13 Solar Panel Companies and Manufacturers in US PDF

You can download this article as a PDF so that you can access it whenever you like.

Watch Videos about Top 13 Solar Panel Companies and Manufacturers in US in 2024

For more information about Top Solar Panel Companies and Manufacturers, watch the following video.

Buy Equipment or Ask for a Service

By using Linquip RFQ Service, you can expect to receive quotations from various suppliers across multiple industries and regions.

Click Here to Request a Quotation From Suppliers and Service Providers

Read More on Linquip