Guide to American Solar Panel Manufacturers in May 2024 – MarketWatch
Although American-made solar panels are more expensive, there are some benefits to choosing a U.S. brand. You can support the domestic economy, help advance solar technology research and development, and reduce your carbon footprint by shortening the supply chain of your panels. Additionally, investing in renewable energy in the U.S. can help enhance energy security and strengthen the power grid.
But U.S.-made solar panels, especially those with exclusively American-made components, are difficult to find, and overseas production still leads the market. Panels produced overseas are not necessarily of poorer quality. Investing in solar energy — regardless of where your equipment is made — can help reduce your carbon footprint and offset electricity bills.
Quality Standards and Assurance
While there is debate over whether or not American-made solar panels are better quality than modules made overseas, it ultimately comes down to a consumer’s preference and price sensitivity.
The U.S. Department of Energy supports the development and quality of American solar manufacturers, overseeing national labs, investors and entrepreneurs.
All solar panel manufacturers test solar modules according to standard test conditions. Solar panel manufacturers test the efficiency, wattage and durability under universal conditions in industry-standard laboratories. As such, you can compare solar panels based on specifics like energy-efficiency ratings, regardless of the brand.
All the North American-made solar panels mentioned above include 25-year product warranties, which is longer than some overseas competitors. Andrei Gorinchenski from A1 Solar Store also notes, “Customer service [for U.S.-based solar companies] is much easier to go to, not that solar panel owners need much of it.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
As the fastest-growing renewable energy source, solar power has a massive impact on the American economy. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the solar industry generated nearly $35 billion of private investment in the U.S. economy in 2022 alone.
The U.S. solar industry employs nearly 264,000 people in all 50 states. About 33,500 of these jobs are in solar manufacturing and 30,600 are in wholesale trade and distribution. Purchasing U.S.-made solar panels can support such jobs and boost local economies.
Supporting Domestic Innovation and Research
Government programs and funding support domestic innovation and research, which improve solar technology and infrastructure. When you purchase an American-made solar system, you can help domestic solar manufacturers develop innovations to make the technology more accessible, efficient and viable.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds domestic innovation and research in solar. SETO offers several incentives for solar innovation in the U.S., including the $3 million American-Made Solar Prize competition and other funding opportunities.
Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a $45 million investment in domestic solar manufacturing and a $20 million investment in researching solar panel disposal and recycling.
These funding opportunities have bolstered the ability of domestic solar manufacturers to develop new products and advance the U.S. solar market.
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