11 Best Solar Panel Manufacturers

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.

Key Solar Panel Manufacturing Technologies

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 TOPCon Efficiency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

• High-efficiency and temperature coefficients for maximum energy production
• 25-year product warranty and 92% power output guaranteed after 25 years (source)
• Aesthetic all-black designs available
• Strong focus on quality and durability

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

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

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

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Panel Brand

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.

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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.

&#; Tongwei Solar is the largest solar panel manufacturer

&#; The second-largest manufacturer is JA Solar

&#; Six of the top seven largest solar panel manufacturers are Chinese companies

The price of solar panels might be going down, but the shipments and revenues of the largest solar panel manufacturers certainly aren&#;t.

So, who are these solar power giants producing some of the best solar panels on the market? We&#;ll tell you who the top seven solar panel manufacturers are based on the amount of shipments they send out, and give you a few details about each one.

The world&#;s largest solar panel manufacturers

Most of the world&#;s largest solar panel manufacturers are based in China, with six out of the top seven manufacturers being Chinese companies.

Data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory&#;s Spring Report

Our rankings are based on the solar panel manufacturers&#; number of shipments in , since this is an indicator of the real world impact the companies have.

We&#;ll go over who the top manufacturers are, and give you a few details about them in the sections below.

1. Tongwei Solar &#; China

Tongwei Solar is the world&#;s largest solar panel manufacturer; it shipped 38.2 GW of solar cells and solar panels in . That&#;s the equivalent of over 100,000 typical 350 watt (W) solar panels.

On top of that, Tongwei Solar has an annual solar cell production capacity of 70 GW, and an annual solar panel production capacity of 14 GW.

The China-based company has over 40,000 employees and an average revenue of around 156 billion CNY (£17 billion), according to The Financial Times.

Tongwei exports its products to multiple countries, including the UK, Germany, France, the US, and Australia.

2. JA Solar &#; China

JA Solar is the second-largest solar manufacturer, based on shipments. In , it shipped out 36.2 GW worth of solar cells and panels.

The Chinese company has over 32,000 employees, and has produced solar cells that have an efficiency of 25% (the average is 20%).

JA Solar stated that its annual sales revenue was 72.9 billion CNY (£8.04 billion) in , a figure that&#;s likely to increase. Its revenue for the first half of has already grown by 43.5% compared to , and is expected to rise further.

The company ships its products to over 135 countries, including the UK.

3. Aiko Solar &#; China

Aiko Solar is the third-largest solar manufacturer, shipping 30.7 GW of solar panels and cells in . Since its founding in , it&#;s exported over 100 GW of solar products.

The Shanghai-based company has over 9,140 employees and a revenue of 35.34 billion CNY (£3.88 billion).

Apart from solar cells and solar panels, the company also makes solar inverters, solar storage batteries, and mounting systems.

Aiko Solar also became a member of the United Nations Global Compact initiative in , which is the world&#;s largest corporate sustainability scheme. Its members promote values centred around human rights and the environment.

4. LONGi Solar &#; China

LONGi Solar, another Chinese company, is the fourth-largest solar manufacturer.

The company has a revenue of around 128 billion CNY (£14 billion), which is the second highest revenue on this list.

However, LONGi loses out on the top spot since it shipped out less solar panels and cells over the course of than the top companies on this list, though it still managed to reach an impressive 29.2 GW.

On top of manufacturing solar equipment, LONGi is also developing equipment to produce green hydrogen, founding LONGi Hydrogen in .

LONGi exports its products to 150 countries, and it also has production facilities in four nations, including its native China.

5. Jinko Solar &#; China

Jinko Solar is the fifth-largest solar manufacturer, shipping out 23.9 GW worth of solar panels and cells in . Cumulatively, the company has shipped 165 GW.

In , Jinko Solar made 83.53 billion CNY (£9.18 billion) in revenue, an increase of 105% compared to the previous year.

It has over 14 factories, including a manufacturing base in the US, and ships products to more than 160 countries.

Jinko Solar&#;s solar panels are available for domestic use, and have also been used in solar farms, including the world&#;s largest hybrid solar-hydro plant located in Yajiang county, in Eastern Tibet.

6. Canadian Solar &#; Canada

Canadian Solar is the sixth-largest solar manufacturer on our list, and the only one based in Canada (as you might have guessed) instead of China.

In , Canadian Solar shipped 16.8 GW of solar cells and panels, reaching 23 countries across six continents.

The Canadian company has 20,000 employees, and its revenue was $7.47 billion CAD (£4.42 billion).

As well as developing solar cells and solar panels, Canadian Solar also manufactures solar storage batteries for residential and commercial use.

7. Trina Solar &#; China

Trina Solar is the seventh-largest solar manufacturer in terms of shipments. In , it shipped the equivalent of 14.5 GW.

Its annual revenue is around 98.7 billion CNY (£10.87 billion), and it has over 23,000 employees.

Trina Solar doesn&#;t just make solar panels, they also make solar trackers (which move solar panels so they follow the sun), and solar storage batteries.

The company also specialises in developing smart solar technology, such as &#;smart micro-grids&#;, which are electric grids that automatically adjust electricity generation and distribution based on consumers&#; usage.

Summary

Most of the largest solar panel manufacturers are based in China, and the country currently supplies 80% of the world&#;s solar panels, according to the International Energy Agency.

China is also winning the solar power race in terms of capacity; it has over three times the capacity of the other top three countries combined, based on the latest numbers from Our World in Data.

This could mean that countries and regions such as the UK, the US, and the European Union, who want to increase their use of solar power, might need to take a leaf out of China&#;s book and start manufacturing more solar panels domestically.

If you want more facts and stats about the state of solar power, check out our page on solar panels statistics.

FAQs

Where is the largest solar farm in the world?

The largest solar farm is Golmud Solar Park in China. Situated in the north-western Qinghai province, the solar farm has more than seven million solar panels, which have a combined capacity of 2.8 GW.

Who is the biggest solar panel supplier in the UK?

Project Solar is the biggest solar panel supplier in the UK, and is also one of the best solar panel installers. It&#;s been in business since , and has completed over 45,000 solar panel installations nationwide.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website High Efficiency 72 Cell Solar Panel Factory.

Are there any solar panel manufacturers in the UK?