Deciding Who Qualifies
The following is a list of solar panel manufacturers that have become recognised as being top of their industry. They are chosen because they are making most sales or expanding quicker than others. The reasons they are so successful are varied. It could be the way they operate their production chain or their commitment to finding solutions through innovative technology that will improve quality and drive costs down. It’s probably a combination of many things but the popularity and reputation that has made them top sellers, earns them a place in the top ten solar panel manufacturers.
Top 10 Solar Panel Manufacturers
1. First Solar: The largest manufacturer of thin film solar panels and the fastest growing provider of solar modules in the world. First Solar have produced the first thin film PVs to reach 2GW in real-life conditions.
2. Suntech: This Chinese corporation is the biggest producer of crystalline solar panels in the world. Their products undergo the most stringent testing by prominent certification bodies and meet or exceed the highest international standards.
3. Sharp: A Japanese multinational corporation established in 2012 and well-known worldwide for a range of electronic products. Sharp Solar has been a leading manufacturer of solar panel systems for some years and, in terms of revenue, number one manufacturer in 2010.
4. Q-Cells: This Germany based company was only established in 1999 but has already grown into one of the world?s leading solar panel manufacturers. Their vast range of products includes crystalline and thin film modules and they are committed to driving down costs in order to make solar power more competitive.
5. Yingli: With a HQ in China, Yingli has over ten offices worldwide and sell their solar products across Europe, Asia and the US. They boast one of the largest vertically integrated strategies, which means their production line is smoother, faster and more efficient than most.
6. JA Solar: Based in Ningjin, China, this company was only founded in 2005. They produce a wide range of solar modules for use in a variety of conditions and will also customise products, if required.
7. Kyocera: A multinational Japanese corporation established as far back as 1959 when they started manufacturing ceramic insulation. Kyocera Solar Corporation was created in 1996 to accommodate the increase in sales of their PV solar energy products. This part of the business is carried out in Germany and is a world leader in the manufacture of polycrystalline PV cells and modules.
8. Trina Solar: Another top Chinese manufacturer helping to maintain quality and reduce cost by operating a vertically integrated supply system.
9. SunPower: A US corporation that has announced plans to reduce solar energy system costs by 50% by 2012 in order to compete with retail electric rates.
10. Gintech: Taiwan?s most profitable solar cell manufacturer has been watching its global sales almost double as property developers look to benefit from government solar energy incentive schemes.
Their Success Can Benefit Everyone
Each of these companies has their own emphasis on priorities. For some it is the use of technology to enable them to use materials that are more durable, efficient and better for the environment. Others are aiming to find ways to reduce the cost and make the process accessible to more people. These goals benefit everyone in the long term.
Why Being a Well Established Manufacturer Is Important
Like most things to do with the environment, small actions taken now can go a long way to achieving greater things in the future. Those installing solar panels as part of a government incentive scheme won?t see the financial benefits for some years. It?s important that the manufacturers of their systems are going to be around for the full extent of the 25 year warranties that are offered.
