As demand for solar energy soars, more people are investing in American-made solar panels. The U.S. solar industry reached a major milestone in Q1 2024, according to the U.S. Solar Market Insight Q2 2024 report, surpassing 200 gigawatts (GW) of total installed capacity. This growth was driven by a record 11 GW of new domestic solar manufacturing capacity coming online - the largest quarterly increase ever. The country now has over 26 GW of annual solar module production ability, with projections of installing another 40 GW in 2024.
Purchasing U.S.-made solar equipment supports domestic manufacturing and jobs while potentially qualifying buyers for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
This comprehensive guide explores the top American solar panel brands, the advantages of choosing domestic panels, and how to select the best option for your solar system—whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint, save on utility bills, or maximize government incentives.
While many American solar manufacturers produce great, high-quality, well-performing panels, here are our top three.
We’ve gone through the leading manufacturers, choosing and ranking them based on the following factors:
US Production Location: Dalton, GA | Headquarters: South Korea
Here’s how they do on the four factors:
Product Warranty: 12 years, with the option to upgrade to 25 years on select models
Performance Warranties: 25-year linear warranty at 86%
Efficiency: 20.6% to 21.4%
Price: $$
US Production Location: Jacksonville, FL | Headquarters: China
Here’s how their solar panels stack up:
Product Warranty: 12 years
Performance Warranties: 25-year linear warranty at 83.1%–84.8%
Efficiency: 19.78% to 21.16%
Price: $$
US Production Locations: Bellingham & Burlington, WA | Headquarters: Canada
Here’s what you can expect from Silfab panels:
Product Warranty: 12 years for all; 25 years if installed by a registered Silfab installer
Performance Warranties: 30-year linear warranty at 82.6%
Efficiency: 20.2% to 21.4%
Price: $$
While imported solar panels are often cheaper upfront, investing in American-made equipment offers several compelling advantages:
Economic Impact: The U.S. solar industry employs over 264,000 people across manufacturing, installation, and other roles. Purchasing domestic panels directly supports job creation and economic growth in this booming sector.
Tax Incentives: Under the Inflation Reduction Act, systems with at least 40% U.S.-made components qualify for an additional 10% federal tax credit, making American panels more cost-effective long-term. (The specifics of how the 40% will be calculated still need to be released, but we would assume it would include solar panels, inverters, and other system components.)
Innovation: Government funding and incentives drive domestic solar R&D, leading to more efficient, accessible, and sustainable solar technologies from U.S. manufacturers like First Solar and Silfab.
By choosing American-made solar, you'll save money via tax credits, help secure economic growth, and contribute to energy innovation at home.
With new federal incentives and a growing number of domestic manufacturers, now is an excellent time to invest in American-made solar panels. Follow these steps to select the best U.S. panels for your home or business:
By following these steps, you can confidently select high-quality, cost-effective American-made solar panels backed by robust warranties and top-notch customer support.
And if you want help selecting the best panels for your solar installation, talk to our team.