The solar industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by increasing environmental awareness, falling costs, and supportive government policies. At the heart of this booming industry are the solar cell panel manufacturers, whose innovations have made solar energy more accessible and efficient than ever before. As we look ahead to , a handful of leading companies are poised to dominate the market, offering cutting-edge technologies and a range of solutions for homeowners and businesses alike.
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Among the top contenders are Solar N Plus JinkoSolar, JA Solar, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, Risen Energy, Longi Solar, Qcells, REC, Panasonic, and LG. These industry giants have invested heavily in research and development, pushing the boundaries of solar cell efficiency and durability. With a diverse array of panel types, from monocrystalline to thin-film, these manufacturers cater to a wide range of needs and budgets, ensuring that solar power remains an attractive and accessible option for energy consumers worldwide.
The solar panel manufacturing industry employs various technologies to produce panels with different efficiencies and characteristics. The two main types of crystalline silicon panels are:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels: Made from a single silicon crystal, monocrystalline panels are typically more efficient but also more expensive. They have a uniform black appearance and are known for their high-efficiency ratings, often ranging from 15-22% (Source).
Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Constructed from multiple silicon crystals, polycrystalline panels are less expensive but slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels, with efficiencies typically ranging from 13-16% (Source). They have a distinctive speckled blue appearance.
Another category is thin-film solar panels, which are made from thin layers of photovoltaic materials like amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium gallium selenide. While less efficient than crystalline silicon panels, thin-film panels are lightweight, flexible, and can be integrated into building materials (Source).
To increase efficiency, manufacturers have developed advanced technologies like PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) and heterojunction designs. PERC cells feature a rear reflective layer to capture more sunlight, while heterojunction cells combine crystalline silicon with amorphous silicon for improved performance.
Solar N Plus is at the forefront of TOPCon technology, achieving industry-leading efficiency rates with their N-type TOPCon solar cells. The company has reached an average cell conversion efficiency of 26.25% in mass production &#; setting a new benchmark for the solar industry.
Our cutting-edge TOPCon solar modules boast impressive efficiency rates of up to 23.2%. The ENF Solar 720W TOPCon module, for example, delivers maximum power output of 720W thanks to its high-efficiency N-type TOPCon cells. With minimal surface area required, these panels enable homeowners and businesses to maximize their energy production from a limited rooftop space.
JinkoSolar is one of the world&#;s largest solar panel manufacturers and a leading Tier 1 brand from China. The company has a significant global market share, ranking among the top solar panel producers. Source
JinkoSolar offers a range of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels with efficiencies typically ranging from 16% to 22%. Their flagship Tiger Series panels feature PERC and other advanced technologies for higher efficiency and performance. The company is known for its focus on innovation and ongoing R&D efforts.
Pros of JinkoSolar panels include competitive pricing, strong warranties, and a reputation for reliable performance. Cons may include potential supply chain constraints and varying customer service experiences across regions. Source
Pricing for JinkoSolar PV systems typically falls in the range of $2.25 to $2.97 per watt, making them a solid value option in the residential solar market. Their panels are widely available and compatible with most racking and inverter systems.
JA Solar is a major Chinese solar panel manufacturer founded in and headquartered in Beijing. The company has a significant global market share, ranking among the top 10 solar panel producers worldwide. As of , JA Solar held around 5% of the global solar module market share (Source).
JA Solar offers a range of monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar panels with efficiencies typically ranging from 16% to 22%. Their panels utilize PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) and other advanced technologies to boost efficiency and performance. JA Solar&#;s flagship panel line includes the JAM72S10 series with efficiencies up to 22.3%.
Pros of JA Solar panels include competitive pricing, a solid 25-year power output warranty, and a reputation for reliable performance. Cons may include slightly lower efficiencies compared to some premium brands, and a less extensive global service network than larger manufacturers.
In terms of pricing, JA Solar panels are considered a budget-friendly option in most markets. Their panels typically cost between $0.50 to $0.70 per watt before incentives and installation costs (Source). This makes them an attractive choice for homeowners and businesses looking for cost-effective solar solutions.
Trina Solar is a leading solar panel manufacturer based in China. As of , the company holds a significant market share in the global solar industry, with its panels being widely used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
Trina Solar is known for its innovative panel designs and high-efficiency technologies. Their popular Honey series modules utilize advanced PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) and half-cut cell technologies, resulting in increased energy output and improved performance in shaded conditions. These panels boast efficiency ratings of up to 21.5%, placing them among the most efficient options on the market. Additionally, Trina Solar offers a range of monocrystalline and polycrystalline panel options to cater to different project requirements and budgets.
One of the key advantages of Trina Solar panels is their exceptional build quality and durability. The company offers industry-leading product and performance warranties, providing peace of mind for customers. However, it&#;s worth noting that Trina Solar panels tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum compared to some competitors.
Overall, Trina Solar is a fantastic choice for homeowners and businesses seeking high-quality, efficient solar panels backed by a reputable manufacturer. Their cutting-edge technologies, strong warranties, and commitment to innovation make them a top contender in the solar panel market. Pricing for Trina Solar&#;s residential panels typically ranges from &#;0.50 to &#;0.80 per watt, depending on the specific model and project size.
Canadian Solar is a major global manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules and provider of solar energy solutions. As of , they held around 3% of the global solar module market share (Source).
Their solar panels range in efficiency from 15.88% to 20.6%, with their highest efficiency HiDM6 modules reaching up to 23.81% conversion efficiency (Source). Canadian Solar utilizes both mono and polycrystalline silicon technologies as well as PERC and heterojunction cell designs.
Pros of Canadian Solar panels include competitive pricing around $2.60 per watt, a solid 15-year materials warranty, and a reputation for reliable performance. Cons may include slightly lower efficiency compared to premium brands and a less aesthetically appealing design.
JinkoSolar is a leading solar panel manufacturer based in China. According to Wood Mackenzie, JinkoSolar held a 16.5% global market share for solar modules in , making it one of the largest suppliers worldwide. The company offers a range of monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar panels with efficiencies up to 22.38% for their flagship N-Type modules.
Key pros of JinkoSolar panels include high efficiency, reliable performance backed by a 25-year linear power warranty, and competitive pricing. On the downside, some customers have reported inconsistent quality control and customer service issues. JinkoSolar&#;s solar panels typically range from $0.60 to $0.90 per watt before incentives and installation costs.
JinkoSolar utilizes advanced technologies like PERC, multi-busbar, and half-cut cell designs to boost energy output and reliability. The company has also pioneered N-type bifacial panels that can generate power from both sides. Source
JinkoSolar is a major Chinese solar panel manufacturer and one of the largest suppliers globally. As of , the company holds around 15% market share for solar modules worldwide. JinkoSolar produces both monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon panels using PERC and other advanced cell technologies to boost efficiency up to 22.5%.
Pros of JinkoSolar panels include high efficiency, reliable performance, and competitive pricing around $0.40-$0.60 per watt (Source). Downsides are that warranties are middle-of-the-road, and some question Chinese manufacturing quality control.
Overall, JinkoSolar represents a solid value choice for homeowners and businesses looking for cost-effective, high-wattage solar panels from an established brand. Their large global production allows them to meet demand at relatively low price points.
Qcells, a subsidiary of the South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group, is a leading global manufacturer of solar cells and modules. With a market share of around 5%, Qcells is a significant player in the solar panel industry.
Qcells offers a range of high-efficiency monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, with efficiencies ranging from 19% to over 22%. Their flagship Q.PEAK DUO series utilizes half-cut cell technology and a multi-busbar design, resulting in higher energy yields and improved performance in shaded conditions. Ecowatch highlights that Qcells panels boast an above-average efficiency rating of 20.6%.
Pros of Qcells solar panels include their high efficiency, excellent temperature coefficients, and robust build quality. They also offer industry-leading product and performance warranties of up to 25 years. On the downside, Qcells panels tend to be more expensive than some competitors, with prices ranging from $0.80 to $1.20 per watt, depending on the model and project size.
REC is a Norwegian solar panel manufacturer with a strong reputation for premium quality and high-efficiency modules. While not among the largest producers globally, REC has carved out a solid niche in the residential and commercial markets for their innovative panel designs and industry-leading product warranties.
REC&#;s current market share hovers around 1-2% globally, but they are a top-selling brand in several European countries. Their flagship Alpha Series panels utilize heterojunction cell technology and can achieve efficiencies up to 21.9%, among the highest on the market. The Alpha Pure-R variant adds a sleek full-black design for enhanced aesthetics.
Key pros of REC panels include:
Potential cons are their higher price point and limited availability compared to larger manufacturers.
REC&#;s premium Alpha Series panels typically cost $0.90-$1.20 per watt before incentives, placing them on the higher end of the market. However, their long warranties and high efficiency can offset the upfront investment over the system&#;s lifetime.
Panasonic is a renowned Japanese electronics company that has been manufacturing solar panels since . While not among the largest solar panel producers globally, Panasonic is known for its high-efficiency and aesthetically pleasing modules, catering to the residential and commercial markets.
Panasonic&#;s solar panels utilize proprietary heterojunction technology, which combines a thin layer of amorphous silicon with monocrystalline silicon cells. This design offers higher efficiency and better temperature performance compared to conventional crystalline silicon panels. Panasonic&#;s current residential solar panels boast efficiencies ranging from 19.7% to 21.7%.
One of the key advantages of Panasonic solar panels is their sleek, all-black appearance, which appeals to homeowners seeking a more attractive rooftop installation. Additionally, Panasonic offers industry-leading product and performance warranties, with a 25-year warranty on the panels themselves and a 25-year linear performance warranty.
On the downside, Panasonic solar panels tend to be more expensive than many of their competitors, with prices ranging from $18,682 for an 8.91 kW system to over $40,000 for larger, high-end installations according to Panasonic&#;s website. However, their higher efficiency and long warranties may justify the premium pricing for some customers.
LG Electronics is a major South Korean multinational corporation that manufactures a wide range of electronics, including solar panels. LG has a significant market share in the solar industry, particularly in the residential and commercial sectors.
LG&#;s flagship solar panel line is the NeON 2 series, which features monocrystalline cells with CELLO technology for improved efficiency and reliability. The NeON 2 panels boast efficiencies up to 21.7% and a temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, helping maintain performance in high temperatures. LG also offers the NeON R series with an all-black aesthetic for residential installations. Source
Key pros of LG solar panels include their high efficiency, sleek design, and strong 25-year product and performance warranties. On the downside, LG panels can be more expensive than some competitors. The LG320N1C-G4 320W panel has a typical price range of $0.80-$1.00 per watt before incentives. Source
When selecting a solar panel brand, several factors should be considered to ensure you get the best value and performance for your investment. One of the most crucial aspects is efficiency, which determines how much of the sun&#;s energy the panel can convert into electricity. Higher efficiency panels produce more power per square foot, allowing you to maximize your energy output while minimizing the required roof space. Efficiency ratings can vary significantly between manufacturers and technologies, so be sure to compare.
Another important consideration is the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Most reputable brands provide a 25-year performance warranty that guarantees a certain level of power output over time, as well as a separate warranty covering defects and workmanship. Longer warranties can provide peace of mind and protect your investment. Additionally, look for manufacturers with a proven track record and financial stability to ensure they&#;ll be around to honor their warranties.
Of course, price is a major factor for most homeowners and businesses. While premium brands with cutting-edge technologies tend to be more expensive upfront, they can often make up for the higher cost through increased energy production and longer lifespans. However, more budget-friendly options may be suitable for those with limited funds or smaller energy needs. Be sure to consider the total cost of ownership over the system&#;s lifetime, not just the initial purchase price.
For some buyers, aesthetics play a role in their solar panel selection. While most panels have a similar sleek, black-on-black design, some manufacturers offer unique options like all-black panels or panels with a distinctive textured surface. These aesthetic choices can affect curb appeal and may be important for homeowners concerned about their home&#;s appearance.
Reliable customer service is also crucial, as you&#;ll likely need support from the manufacturer at some point during the multi-decade lifespan of your solar system. Look for companies with a reputation for responsive and helpful customer service, as well as an extensive network of authorized installers and service providers.
Finally, consider compatibility with other components like inverters and racking systems. While most panels are designed to work with common industry standards, some manufacturers may have unique requirements or optimized pairings that can affect performance and ease of installation. Your solar installer
Until recently, the majority of photovoltaic solar panels sold in the United States weren&#;t actually made here. However, events of the past several years have resulted in the expansion of some U.S.-based manufacturers and the building of new U.S. facilities by large Asian solar companies.
Steep tariffs on foreign-made solar materials imposed in and (and extended in ) kept inexpensive Chinese solar panels on a roughly even playing field with American products. Now, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has turbo-charged the U.S. solar manufacturing sector. Several gigawatts of new solar production capacity will be built in the country over the next several years.
By volume, the current top 5 solar panel manufacturers in the United States are:
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First Solar
Qcells
Silfab
Jinko Solar
Mission Solar
American-made solar panels may not always come from American companies, but they are built by American workers. Here&#;s more information about five of the biggest, best companies that make solar panels in the USA.
The top five solar panel manufacturers in the U.S. are First Solar, Qcells, Silfab, Jinko Solar, and Mission Solar.
These companies produce high-performance solar panels for residential, commercial, and utility-scale installations.
Several other companies are planning to build large solar manufacturing plants in the United States in the coming years.
Other companies, such as Maxeon and Canadian Solar, manufacture some products just north or south of the U.S. border.
Company
USA location(s)
Current USA manufacturing capacity
Top-performing solar panel
First Solar
Ohio, Alabama
2.4 GW
Series 7 TR1
Qcells
Georgia
1.7 GW
Q. PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+
Silfab Solar
Washington
800 MW
Elite SIL-380
Jinko Solar
Florida
400 MW
EAGLE 72HM G5b
Mission Solar
Texas
300 MW
MSE PERC 66
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Currently the largest manufacturer of solar modules in the United States, First Solar mostly makes CdTe thin-film products aimed at the utility-scale solar sector. FirstSolar is famous for its commitment to recycling its old products and for booking orders of well over ten times its annual production capacity.
First Solar is working on expanding its already large facilities in Ohio and is also building a new plant in Alabama. The company also said it plans to work with SunPower on a new tandem solar panel for homes that could reach the market by . The &#;tandem&#;, in this case, refers to a layer of specially-tuned CdTe thin film placed on top of traditional crystalline silicon solar cells.
Qcells (formerly Hanwha Q CELLS), which was founded in , is a subsidiary of South Korea-based Hanwha Solutions with a regional headquarters office in Irvine, California. It currently supplies more residential solar panels in the U.S. than any other company.
The Tier 1 company currently operates a 1.7 gigawatt (GW) solar panel manufacturing plant in Dalton, Georgia, that began production in February . In and , the company announced an investment of $2.5 billion in plans to expand its solar business in a multitude of ways. The end goal of that expansion is to create a fully domestic solar supply chain, from raw poly-silicon production to the manufacturing of solar silicon wafers, solar cells, and finally, modules.
Based on the quality and value of its high-performance mono PERC solar panels and its commitment to the U.S. market, Qcells leads the SolarReviews rankings of the top 10 solar panel manufacturers for the residential market.
Silfab Solar is a privately-held solar company based in Ontario, but the company actually has more employees in the United States. In the U.S., the company manufactures solar panels at two facilities in Washington with a combined manufacturing capacity of 800 megawatts (MW).
In , Silfab introduced its latest Elite series solar panel, which uses an innovative conductive backsheet to channel power from the solar cells, rather than wire busbars that can reduce power output. The company also announced plans to begin manufacturing its own solar cells in a new facility it plans to build in South Carolina.
In response to tariffs filed under President Trump, Shanghai-based Jinko Solar opened a 400-MW solar panel manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Florida, in . The Florida plant is important to serve the U.S. market but represents a small portion of the company&#;s 70+ GW worldwide manufacturing capacity.
Jinko has yet to announce plans to expand its manufacturing base in the United States. Still, the company may be inspired to do so in the near future, as its Chinese rival LONGi has announced plans to build a 5 GW solar module factory in Ohio.
Mission Solar has been manufacturing solar panels in San Antonio, Texas, since . A subsidiary of a Korean company called OCI, Mission now assembles 300 MW of solar panels each year. By its 10-year anniversary in , it plans to have expanded to 1 GW of annual manufacturing capacity in Texas.
Mission&#;s current products utilize p-type monocrystalline PERC solar cells. These products offer acceptable performance and are certified to standard regulations for reliability. Still, they don&#;t rise to the levels of efficiency seen among their competitors' products, and the company hasn't yet adopted newer technologies like half-cut solar cells and cell shingling that offer increased efficiency in the same area.
In August , Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which introduced the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit (45X MPTC) and expanded the Section 48C Advanced Energy Project Investment Tax Credit (48C ITC). These programs provide economic incentives to manufacture solar materials in the United States.
The 45X MPTC provides tax credits to manufacturers that make clean energy components like solar panels, and the 48C ITC provides tax credits for the purchase and commissioning of property that will be used for manufacturing. Manufacturers of solar components can choose to receive tax credits under one&#;but not both&#;of these programs.
In addition to the manufacturing tax credits, the IRA included a 10% bonus investment tax credit under section 48D for installations that use &#;domestic content.&#; This provides additional demand from solar installers for products made by U.S. companies.
Since the passage of the ITC, several solar companies have announced plans to expand or build new facilities in the United States. In addition to the announcements from First Solar, Qcells, LONGi, and Silfab covered in the sections above, companies like REC Silicon, JA Solar, and Hounen have also announced major U.S. manufacturing facilities.
One American company, SEG Solar, opened a 2-gigawatt manufacturing facility in Houston Texas in August of .
Due to the IRA and some forward-thinking companies, the future of American solar manufacturing is bright.
As homeowners shop for solar, they are nearly as likely to be offered American-made panels than products from anywhere else. Soon, so many solar panels will be made in the U.S. that it may become uncommon to see imported products on the market.
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