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As subject matter experts, we provide only objective information. We design every article to provide you with deeply-researched, factual, useful information so that you can make informed home electrification and financial decisions. We have:
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At EnergySage, we''ve rated thousands of solar panels made by dozens of manufacturers based on efficiency, power output, warranty, and other important specs that allow each panel to make the most possible electricity over the longest period.
In fact, some of these panels (and the inverters they connect to) are among the top-rated, most popular solar equipment on the EnergySage Marketplace.
Ohio-based First Solar is the largest manufacturer of solar panels in the U.S., producing about 50% more panels than the next-biggest American-made brand. The company mainly produces panels for commercial or industrial-scale installations, which means the individual panels are less efficient than those typically used on residential rooftops, where the goal is to place as much capacity as possible in the limited available space.
Qcells is the second-largest manufacturer of solar panels in the U.S., the second most-popular brand on the EnergySage marketplace, and one of the most popular residential solar panel manufacturers, American-made or otherwise.
While Qcells is based in South Korea, the company recently opened a solar panel manufacturing plant in Georgia. Although not all of their panels are American-made (at least, not yet), you''ll still be supporting American manufacturing by choosing Qcells.
Other notable names in American solar manufacturing include Solar4America, Silfab Solar, Heliene, Jinko Solar, and Mission Solar.
It''s worth pointing out that none of the American-made solar panels have cracked the very top tier of our performance rankings (those honors belong to Maxeon, REC, and Panasonic, each of which builds their panels in other countries).
But U.S.-made panels such as Qcells and Canadian Solar, are ranked close behind. Sometimes, as with QCells, U.S. panels cost less to install, which can mean a faster payback period on your investment – even if the long-term energy production over multiple decades might not be quite as robust.
Looking at the broader supply chain for solar components, there are 52 companies that manufacture those products in the U.S., according to the DOE. These components include inverters, controllers, racking systems, and more. Another 12 U.S. outfits can recycle old solar equipment.
One of the most notable companies here is Enphase, whose IQ series microinverters and controllers are wildly popular on the EnergySage Marketplace. About 74% of solar quotes on EnergySage in the first half of 2024 included Enphase microinverters — more than four times the number of the next-biggest inverter brand, Tesla. Enphase''s manufacturing is contracted out to third-party factories in Wisconsin (Foxconn) and South Carolina (Flex), according to the DOE.
All that said, the bulk of panels and components are not built in America. Even though the American-made panels listed above are assembled here, many of the components still come from abroad.
Four of the biggest manufacturers are headquartered in China and primarily manufacture equipment there (though one of them, Jinko Solar, does have an American manufacturing facility in Florida). The fifth largest manufacturer is a Canadian company, Canadian Solar, which also has a manufacturing facility in Texas.
More American solar manufacturing could be coming following incentives and investments earmarked in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. In fact, some of the biggest brands have already shifted some manufacturing efforts stateside: Canadian Solar opened a factory in Texas in 2023, and Trina Solar recently signed a lease for its first U.S. solar manufacturing facility, which will be located near Dallas.
If you want to make sure you get American-made panels, you might have to shop around for an installer that gives you that choice. Some solar installers work exclusively, or near exclusively, with specific brands, which may or may not have U.S.-based plants.
When you register for the EnergySage Marketplace, we''ll let our installer network know that you''re looking for equipment that''s made in America, and aim to get you multiple quotes. Our Energy Advisors can help you sort through your options. Learn more and sign up here.
Solar panels made in America are rapidly increasing in popularity. In addition to the United State''s growing ability to manufacture the components of solar panels, policy incentives, such as those that result in financial benefit for solar customers and tariffs on imported solar panels, have contributed to the rise in companies manufacturing their solar panels in America and consumers seeking them.
The United States solar industry employs around 250,000 people as of 2022 and is expected to see continued job growth year over year. Additionally, those who prioritize clean energy adoption and supporting U.S. manufacturing are driving the industry.
Finding 100% American-made solar panels can be complex. Whereas many American solar companies manufacture their solar panels overseas, even those that manufacture solar panels may not source all of the solar panel components from the U.S. To complicate matters, solar companies that are based in the United States may not manufacture their solar panels in the U.S., and companies that manufacture solar panels in America may have headquarters abroad.
According to EnergySage, the following U.S. solar panel manufacturers do some (or all) of their manufacturing in the United States, though they are not necessarily headquartered in the country.
It can be challenging to find solar panels that are 100% made in the United States, since even U.S.-based solar manufacturers often source materials abroad. Plus, there are other components you''ll need for a successful solar system — such as inverters or racking — that may not be fully USA-produced.
A few clear advantages of purchasing American-made solar panels are that you are supporting the U.S. economy and promoting job growth in the clean energy sector while adopting sustainable energy, of which the benefits are numerous. The disadvantages may arise in how much it costs: imported solar panels could come with a lower initial price tag.
About Small solar panel manufacturers
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Small solar panel manufacturers have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Small solar panel manufacturers for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Small solar panel manufacturers featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
