America's best solar powered kit companies: a guide to market leaders and options

At TOPBULL, we've taken an in-depth look at thousands of solar panels and crafted a rating system for them based on efficiency, power output, warranty length, and a host of other key specifications. Our goal is to screen consumers for quality products that will consistently deliver maximum power output over the long term.

If you're eager to support American jobs and energy independence here at home, you'll be pleased to find a wide selection of American-made solar panels on the market. These panels, along with the inverters they come with, are highly regarded and popular solar equipment that not only performs well, but also demonstrates unwavering support for U.S.-based industries and technologies.

Who is the largest solar manufacturer in the United States

First Solar Inc. is the undisputed leader in the U.S. solar manufacturing industry, thanks to its superior technology and extensive market presence. The company has not only made remarkable achievements in the research and development and production of solar panels, but also enhanced the performance and reliability of its products through continuous innovation and optimization. with its advanced manufacturing technology and highly efficient production lines, First Solar has provided a large number of high-quality solar energy products to customers around the globe, and made great contributions to the promotion and application of renewable energy.

high-quality U.S. solar manufacturers

In the United States, besides First Solar, there are many other excellent solar manufacturers. The following is a list of U.S. solar manufacturers, which includes some well-known companies and their main products:

Each of these manufacturers has unique strengths and characteristics in the solar energy sector, providing the market with diverse options.

Status of U.S. solar companies' products in the solar market

Market Share:

The U.S. has a relatively low share of the global solar market. Over the past years, the average annual installed PV capacity in the U.S. has only been about 12GW, less than 10% of the global total.
The U.S. global share has been further reduced by the rapid growth of countries such as China. In 2023, for example, China's installed PV capacity reaches 216GW, far exceeding that of the United States.

Installed capacity growth:
Despite its relatively low market share, the U.S. has seen its installed PV growth rise over the past few years. According to some forecasts, the U.S. will have 32GW of installed PV capacity in 2023, while it is expected to reach 38GW in 2024.
This growth is partly attributed to U.S. policy incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides incentives for renewable energy sources such as solar.

Market Structure:
Within the U.S. market, solar power has gradually increased its share of total electricity generation. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable energy sources supplied more than 22.7% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2023, of which solar power accounted for 5.6%. This percentage is expected to continue to grow in the coming months.

Should I choose U.S.-based solar or overseas solar products?

Advantages of local solar products in the United States

1. Policy incentives: The United States in recent years through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other policies for the local solar industry to provide a generous federal subsidies, so that the U.S. made photovoltaic panels and other clean energy equipment more competitive. This subsidy policy not only reduces the procurement cost of project developers, but also helps promote the development of the U.S. clean energy industry.
2. Quality Assurance: The "Made in USA" label signifies high quality, reliability and compliance with U.S. market requirements. For project developers, choosing local products can better meet the needs of the local market and reduce the risk of product quality problems.
3. Promote Employment: The development of a local solar industry in the U.S. can help create more jobs and promote economic growth. For Americans concerned about local economic development and employment opportunities, this is an important consideration.

Advantages of Overseas Solar Products

1. Price Competitiveness: Some overseas solar products may offer a better price/performance ratio, especially in the context of a highly competitive global market. The solar industry in countries such as China is developing rapidly, providing a large number of reasonably priced products of reliable quality.
2. Technological Innovation: Some overseas solar companies are leading the way in technological innovation and are able to offer more efficient and reliable solar products. For Americans seeking technological advancement, this may be an important consideration.
3. Market Choice: The global solar market offers a wealth of product choices, and Americans can choose the solar products that best suit their needs and budgets around the world.

When choosing solar products, consumers and companies need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of local and overseas products. Local products usually have shorter supply chains and faster response times, and are better able to meet local market needs and regulatory requirements. In addition, local companies tend to have a better understanding of local climatic and environmental conditions and can provide more appropriate solar solutions. However, overseas products may offer better value for money and more advanced technology. Some internationally recognized brands have accumulated rich experience and technological advantages in the solar energy field and are able to provide higher quality products and better services. Therefore, when choosing, you need to weigh the specific needs and budget to choose the most suitable product for you.

How to judge the good and bad solar system components

Judging the good and bad solar system components need to focus on the following aspects:

1. Manufacturer's reputation and strength: choosing well-known brands and manufacturers with good reputation can ensure the quality and reliability of the products. Consumers can learn about the reputation and strength of the manufacturer by checking relevant information, consulting professionals or referring to user reviews.
2. Product performance parameters: Pay attention to the conversion efficiency, durability, wind and snow pressure resistance and other performance parameters of the product. Conversion efficiency is one of the important indicators of solar system performance, which reflects the ability of solar panels to convert light energy into electricity. Durability is related to the service life and stability of the product. Performance parameters such as wind and snow pressure resistance determine the product's ability to adapt to harsh environments.
3. Certification and testing: Check whether the product has passed the relevant certification and testing. Such as UL, TÜV and other certification bodies of certification and testing, can prove that the product meets certain standards and requirements. These certifications and tests provide an important reference for consumers and help reduce the risk of purchase.
4. Price and cost-effectiveness: In terms of price, you need to weigh it against your own budget and needs. Although price is not the only measure, too high a price may increase the purchase cost, while too low a price may mean a reduction in product quality. Therefore, you need to consider the performance, quality, price and other factors when choosing the product, and choose the cost-effective product.

If you want to buy American solar kits, how to get them

The purchase of American solar kits can be realized in many ways:

1. Directly contact the manufacturer or distributor: Consumers can contact the manufacturer or distributor through the official website, telephone, e-mail and other ways to learn about the product information and purchase channels. This way can directly obtain first-hand product information, which helps consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.
2. Solar Installers: Many professional solar installers provide sales and installation services for solar kits. Consumers can consult with local solar installation companies to learn more about their products and services. These companies usually have rich experience and professional technical teams that can provide consumers with comprehensive solutions and quality services.
3. Online shopping platforms: Some online shopping platforms also offer solar kits for sale. Consumers can browse and compare different products on the platform and choose the right one for purchase. However, you need to carefully read product descriptions, user reviews and other information before purchasing to ensure that you are purchasing a product from a formal channel.