Prior to a short time ago, the bulk of photovoltaic solar panels marketed in the United States were not manufactured in the United States. Nonetheless, a number of Asian solar businesses, most notably those from China, have begun relocating their operations and producing solar panels in the United States.
Why? The 2018 implementation of import tariffs by the Trump administration affects solar panels and industrial supplies. To encourage domestic production, former President Donald Trump imposed a 30% tariff on imported solar panels and the cells required to produce them. As a result, a number of solar energy businesses established new facilities in the United States. President Biden imposed taxes on imported solar equipment by four years in February 2022.
This list of American solar manufacturers features many of the most popular solar brands available in the United States, including Hanwha Qcells, Jinko Solar, Silfab Solar, Mission Solar Energy, and Solaria.
Here is a list of the top five solar panel manufacturers in the United States.
Top 5 solar panel manufacturers
| Company | USA location | USA market share | Best solar panels | Product warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanwha Qcells | Georgia | 16.3% | Q. PEAK DUO BLK ML-G9+ | 25 years |
| Jinko Solar | Florida | 2.2% | EAGLE 4 JKM390M-6RL3B | 12 years |
| Silfab Solar | Washington | 4.3% | Elite SIL-380 | 25 years |
| Mission Solar | Texas | 3% | MSE330SR8K | 25 years |
| Solaria | California | 2.3% | PowerXT-400R-PM | 30 years |
1. Hanwha Qcells
Hanwha Qcells (previously Hanwha Q CELLS), created in 1999, is a subsidiary of Hanwha Solutions, headquartered in South Korea, and has its regional offices in Irvine, California.
The Tier 1 firm runs a 1.7 gigawatt (GW) solar panel manufacturing facility in Dalton, Georgia, which commenced operations in February 2019. The business announced a $160 million investment in REC Silicon through its parent company. The 2021-announced investment will assist Qcells in acquiring low-carbon ingredients for solar cells and wafers.
Within the Q.PEAK DUO Series, Qcells offers high-performance mono passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar panels for residential applications. The firm creates utility-scale solar projects around the United States.
We propose the Qcells Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G9 solar panel for its excellent efficiency and performance in low-light environments. This robust solar panel is perfect for locations that endure snow and wind.
- Jinko Solar
Jinko Solar is a solar panel manufacturer situated in Shanghai, China. The Tier 1 company, founded in 2006, has a worldwide presence consisting of six production facilities and fifteen subsidiaries. The firm makes solar panels in Jacksonville, Florida, in the United States.
Under the Eagle Series, Jinko Solar manufactures diamond half-cell solar panels with an output of 400 watts or more.
Research and development (R&D) is Jinko Solar’s major operational priority. In fact, the company’s R&D division owns many world records in the field of crystalline silicon solar panels. The company has made a number of important contributions to local communities and organisations around the United States over the years.
The EAGLE 4 JKM390M-6RL3B polycrystalline panel from Jinko Solar is highly recommended for residential solar systems owing to its durability and constant performance.
- Silfab Solar
Silfab Solar supplies the North American solar sector from its Ontario, Canada headquarters. The firm makes solar panels in Bellingham and Burlington, Washington, in the United States. These facilities have a total production capacity of 800 megawatts (MW).
The company offers residential back-contact mono PERC solar panels under the Prime and Elite lines.
Silfab has more than four decades of expertise in the solar sector, as well as a relationship with Titan Solar Power that focuses on developing residential solar installations and has existed since 2018. Through numerous investments, Silfab has expanded its operations and manufacture of solar modules.
The Silfab Elite SIL-380 solar panel is an excellent option for modest to substantial household systems. The sleek look of the high-quality panel makes it suitable for a range of roofs.
- Project Solar
In San Antonio, Texas, Mission Solar Energy (Mission Solar) manufactures solar panels. Since its founding in 2013, the business has expanded to accommodate the needs of both residential and commercial clients. OCI Company, headquartered in South Korea, is Mission Solar’s parent company.
The organisation specialises in monocrystalline p-type PERC solar panels. These items are certified to meet industry standards for quality and performance. The company does not provide inverters or battery storage devices.
Mission Solar is an emerging U.S. manufacturer of solar panels with a bright future. To far, the organisation has had a good influence on the San Antonio region by creating several jobs and business prospects.
The MSE330SR8K is Mission Solar’s greatest solar panel due to its durable construction and excellent power output. This panel’s all-black style allows it to fit in with contemporary dwellings.
- SolariaLatest solar panel manufacturing trendsSolaria’s 40 MW solar panel manufacturing facility is situated in Fremont, California. The company primarily developed solar panels for utility projects before shifting its attention to the home solar industry. Solaria was established in 2000 and presently possesses over 250 patents relating to solar panel technology.
This solar panel producer specialises in producing shingled monocrystalline panels for residential use. These panels are tightly packed with cells in an overlapping arrangement, allowing the units’ efficiency to surpass 20% when in operation. Solaria’s success depends on the development of high-performance PowerXT solar panels. It lacks battery storage and converters.
Solaria’s PowerXT-400R-PM solar panel is the best option for homeowners seeking a high-quality, all-black product. The 400-watt panel comes with a 30-year warranty for dependability, giving homeowners peace of mind.
Latest solar panel manufacturing trends
Several important developments will affect the future of solar and renewable energy in the United States.
Congress enacted the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022, increasing the federal solar tax credit from 26% to 30%, where it will remain until the end of 2032. Additional tax credits are available for utility-scale projects. The 30% tax credit is accessible for all types of solar energy projects, including residential solar panel installations.
In the future years, we should thus anticipate an increase in the development of photovoltaic (PV) power stations and solar farms. This is excellent news for regions with ageing electrical grids or failing power infrastructure. Cities in need of renewable energy sources due to the growing popularity of electric vehicles can also profit from these projects.
In response to the growing demand for solar power projects and the prolongation of tariffs on imported solar equipment, the nation’s leading solar producers are anticipated to expand their domestic production and operations. Solar panel technology will continue to advance in several areas, including power production, efficiency, profile, and weight. As demand for high-performance PV modules continues to rise, mono PERC modules will be one of the leading options for residential solar.
In related news, LG stated in February 2022 that it will cease production of solar panels. As a leading manufacturer of solar panels in the United States, the move stunned many. LG’s departure will leave a significant void in the solar market, which will undoubtedly be filled by competitors vying for market share.