Where Are Solar Panels Made?

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are typically made of silicon, which is a semiconductor material that is used to make transistors and other electronic components. The majority of solar panels are manufactured in China, due to the country’s large manufacturing base and government support for the industry.

However, there are also companies in Canada and the United States that are starting to make solar panels, and these companies are gaining market share. Some well-known companies with manufacturing facilities in the US include LG Solar, CertainTeed, Q CELLS, Silfab Solar, Jinko Solar, Solaria, and Tesla.

In 2020, the majority of solar PV modules imported to the United States came from Asia, with countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea being major sources. However, China’s imports accounted for only 1% of module imports to the U.S. at the end of 2020.

The solar modules are made from solar cells, which in turn are made from silicon wafers. China controls at least 60% of wafer manufacturing, with one company, Longi Green Energy Technology Co., being the largest solar company in the world and controlling 25% of wafer manufacturing.

The Top 10 Solar Manufacturers in The World

Based on solar panel shipment capacity in gigawatts (GW), here are the top 10 solar panel manufacturers in the world:

More: How Does a Solar Panel Work? | Solar Panel Types