The US has a thriving solar panel manufacturing industry. Earlier, the US solar market relied on imported solar panels from around the world. The major reason was the cost competitiveness of foreign-made panels. However, policy changes in the last few years have shifted the industry dynamics. There’s no significant cost advantage whether you buy a US-made solar panel or an imported one. However, the market depends on global trends and prices to consumers are fluctuating.
Today, there are numerous solar panel manufacturers in the US. Many foreign companies have also started manufacturing operations within the US. The demand for solar panels is ever-increasing, and people are embracing the benefits of solar energy in terms of climate protection and costs. This blog views US solar panel manufacturers from a broader perspective; you’ll find a list of top manufacturers, current solar market trends, and more. Let’s dive deep;
Top 3 Solar Panels Manufacturers in the US
The list of Top 5 Solar Panel Manufacturers in the US is based on the volume of sales. All these companies sell american-made solar panels in the US markets. However, the ownership of companies may be traced back to foreign countries. They produce american-made panels, but they’re not necessarily US companies.
1. First Solar
First Solar serves the utility market with its advanced CdTe thin-film solar panels. It has a huge production facility in Ohio. The company had overbooked its production capacity in past years. The demand is continuously increasing, and sales are on an upward trajectory. The company plans to start a new production facility in Alabama. They may enter the residential market with tandem solar panels soon.
2. Qcells
Sounds familiar? Qcells is the market leader in the residential solar panel category. The company is part of the Korean solar panel manufacturer Hanwah Solutions. It currently has a manufacturing plant in Georgia, which serves the entire US market demand for Qcells panels. Their popular product is mono PERC, one of the most reviewed solar panels sold in the US. The company has a 2.5 billion dollar expansion plan for the US.
3. Silfab Solar
Silfab is leading the solar manufacturer market in the US with hi-tech solar panels, their recent elite solar series has created a huge buzz. The company has two manufacturing facilities in Washington state. The headquarters is based in Ontario, Canada, but most manufacturing and sales are in the US. Silfab has expansion plans for the US, it’s working to integrate another manufacturing facility in South Carolina to cater to geographically distributed demand.
Latest US Solar Panel Market Updates
The government is fully supporting the solar manufacturing industry in the US with their manufacturer-friendly policies. In recent developments, some programs under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 have provided tax incentives to US solar panel manufacturers. The 48C ITC offers tax credits for properties to be used for the production of solar panels. It’s the reason numerous manufacturers have commenced their expansion plans.
Not just that, the government is also giving a 10% bonus tax credit to consumers who install US-made solar panels under section 48D of ITC. These decisions are changing consumer preferences about solar products. An American should consider a domestically produced solar panel to support the local industry. Our American brethren are employed in these industries, and these companies contribute to the US economy.
According to Reuters, solar manufacturers have announced ten billion dollars in investments after the Inflation Reduction Act. The number of employees in the industry will increase by 17000. Although the market is currently struggling, it’s expected to stabilize with government support to US solar panel manufacturers. The major challenge to US manufacturers is global price decline due to excess production.
Why Choose Made-in-US Solar Panels?
As an American, the best way to contribute to the economy is by buying US-made products. The money will stay in the US and be used for economic growth. It will pay for the American employees working in these companies. With investment in R&D, solar technology will advance, and America will become the global leader in renewable energy technologies.
Isn’t it enough reason to choose made in US solar panels? Let’s find some more practical factors that will make you select american-made solar panels.
Quality Assurance and High Standards
US regulatory bodies have high standards for solar panel quality. The US Department of Energy controls the solar panel industry and sets standards for quality, efficiency, and reliability. The strict checks on manufacturers assure high quality in american-made solar panels. This may not be the case in other countries; the regulatory bodies have inefficient systems.
When you buy a US-made solar panel, the quality is guaranteed. It’s why most US manufacturers provide 25 years of warranty with their solar panels. Other imported solar panels don’t come with long warranties. The testing of US-made solar panels is also done in the US climatic conditions, which increases their reliability.
Customer Service and Reachability
Most foreign companies selling solar panels in the US don’t have customer service centres. It creates trouble when you have to claim a warranty or come across other issues. The replacement and repair both take a long time. Considering the dependability of solar panels and high upfront costs, it becomes a headache.
Moreover, reachability to foreign manufacturers is another problem. Usually, there are distributors and first and second-tier suppliers in the supply chain. You’ll find yourself in a whirlpool when trying to get your issues resolved. In the US-manufacturer case, the service centres are within the US, and reachability is quite easy. You’ll not be directed to different channels to get your issues resolved.
Government Incentives
The government has recently announced tax incentives for consumers installing US-made solar panels. You can get a 10% tax incentive for using solar panels manufactured in the US. Although it isn’t a significant benefit, the government is trying to encourage US citizens to buy American-made products. The tax incentive was announced under section 48D of ITC. You can get this benefit from the government.
It’s fairly possible that the government will announce more tax incentives and rebates on US-made solar products. You should stay ahead to benefit the most.
Current Market Solar Panel Rates in the US
The solar panel rates are subject to constant variability. Most solar panels in the US are imported, and their rates depend on macro environment factors like global trends, transports costs, supply disruptions, etc. The US-made solar panels have relatively stable rates, but they’re more expensive than imported ones.
If you go to buy an imported solar panel, maybe a chinese one, the rate will be around $0.70 and $0.80 per watt. Remember, the rates are variable, you should check the current market rate on the Internet. These rates don't include the installation costs and other indirect costs like transportation.
The rates for american-made solar panels are slightly higher. The solar panel will cost you around $0.80 to $1.10 per watt. With installations, the costs will go up to $2.85 per watt on average. The difference in rates of local and imported panels is due to a number of factors, like taxes, imports, etc.
Do I Need a Home Battery Backup for Use with Solar Panels?
Yes, a home battery backup is necessary for use with solar panels. You cannot access solar energy 24/7, the battery backup allows you to store power and use it later. The battery backup will give you energy independence to stay off-grid for as long as you want. It’s also helpful during supply disruptions and electrical failures.
BLUETTI is a world-leading manufacturer of advanced solar technology. It has brought a revolution by providing portable power solutions for complete energy independence. The company was started from Nevada and currently operates in the global market. Let’s explore different BLUETTI solar panels that are available for sale.
BLUETTI AC300 + 2*B300 Home Battery Backup
The BLUETTI AC300 + 2*B300 Home Battery Backup is designed to keep you off-grid with solar power. It has an expandable capacity from 3,072Wh to 12,288Wh. The battery backup can fulfil all your power needs seamlessly. It comes with advanced LiFePO4 battery packs having high efficiency and longer life up to 3500 charge cycles. The battery backup supports multi-recharge for added convenience, you can charge it through solar, grid supply, or any other power source.
You can also use the dual-recharge (AC+Solar) facility for fast recharging. The EPS option is enabled to provide an uninterruptible power supply. The system stays on stand-by and automatically starts when the power disconnects. There’s more: you can control and monitor the system through a smart mobile application, which shows battery levels, charging, and other critical metrics.
BLUETTI EP500Pro Solar Power Station
The BLUETTI EP500Pro Solar Power Station is a portable power solution for indoor and outdoor use. It has a sleek design with a wheelbase for easy manoeuvrability. The total power capacity stands at 5120Wh to cater to all your power needs. It has built-in ports to connect multiple devices. The power station supports flexible recharging, you can use solar or grid supply.
Moreover, it has advanced LiFePO4 battery packs to ensure durability and longevity. The housing is IP65-rated for protection against water and dust. You can use the BLUETTI PV420 Solar Panel to recharge the power station. The panel is highly durable and efficient, it has an ETFE coating to prevent weather damage. The design is portable and foldable, just like the power station. They both make a good combo!
Wrapping Up
This marks the end of our comprehensive blog on US solar panel manufacturers. It has touched on different aspects to give you a brief overview of the industry, top players, current market trends, and the future. The American solar panel market is evolving, the dynamics are more likely to change after government intervention. Hopefully, the US will become the next big player in the global solar panel industry.
