The Best Solar Panel Manufacturers: Top 12 Brands Compared

“High efficiency”, “long warranties”, “superior performance” – these are just some of the claims and promises of solar panel manufacturers. And if you’re on the way to investing in solar, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Choosing the wrong solar technology provider can cost you 25-30 years of investment. No one wants panels that degrade quickly, perform poorly in less favorable conditions, or come from a supplier that disappears the moment you need support.

Our resources have helped hundreds of Chicago homeowners, and they can now help you maximize your investment and avoid unnecessary costly mistakes, so you can confidently choose the PV system that will serve you for years. We know which manufacturers you can trust. Whether you are installing solar for your home, business, or a large-scale project, knowing the top brands helps you avoid costly mistakes from low-yield systems.

In this article, we list the top 12 solar PV panel manufacturers we vouch for. These 12 suppliers are known for their durability, warranty strength, and global reputation. So you can count on them for peace of mind before a high-value purchase.

Hanwha Qcells

Global headquarters in Seoul and large manufacturing in South Korea, Malaysia, and the U.S. (Georgia)

Hanwha Qcells is a top U.S. module maker by capacity. High-volume production, strong R&D, and a large U.S. residential market presence are their hallmarks, along with solid performance and reliable warranties.

Pros

• Qcells systems cost $2.7–$3.5 per watt installed, which is reasonably priced, around or slightly above national averages.
• Modern Qcells lines have competitive efficiencies and long-term performance.
• Strong global scale and U.S. factories
• Warranty confidence and local incentives
• Panels can help projects qualify for certain U.S. domestic content or “Made in USA” incentives.

Cons

• Not usually the absolute cheapest option
• Qcells has faced supply-chain disruptions and temporary production cuts

Pricing

• Often around the national average or slightly higher
• $2.8–$3.3/W in many U.S. quotes, depending on market and installer

Trina Solar

Changzhou, China

Trina is one of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers, offering high-volume, high-value Tier-1 panels used globally in residential, commercial, and utility projects.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Typically ~30% cheaper than top-end premium panels in some markets
• Many lines now offer 25-year product and up to 30-year performance warranties on newer high-end modules.
• Proven track record

Cons

• Mid-tier efficiency on some models
• Industry-wide price wars and financial pressure in China

Pricing

• Often $2.8–$3.0/W in U.S. residential contexts, slightly below or around average.

LONGi

Xi’an, China

LONGi is a global leader in monocrystalline wafers and modules.

Pros

• Affordable and strong efficiency
• Many modules have decent temperature coefficients and are optimized for real-world conditions (Hi-MO series).
• Strong bankability and global presence

Cons

• Some lines have slightly higher degradation rates than premium brands (e.g., 0.55%/year vs ~0.25–0.35% for ultra-premium modules).

Pricing

• Often mid-to-low price band, around $2.5–$3.0/W

Jinko Solar

Based in Shanghai, China, with factories across China and Southeast Asia

Jinko is the leading global module supplier by shipments as of 2024. Recently, the brand’s popularity has been growing in the United States.

Pros

• Tiger Neo modules can reach 22–23.8% efficiency.
• Advanced TOPCon tech that boosts low-light performance and overall kWh output
• Competitive pricing

Cons

• Jinko, like other Chinese giants, has suffered price crashes that have shaken the industry.
• Tiger Neo models vary by region; some markets show their “value” lines.

Pricing

• Around $2.9–$3.1/W in many markets

JA Solar

Beijing, China

JA Solar is among the top solar panel manufacturers and suppliers globally, consistently ranked top 2 worldwide by independent rankings for shipments and bankability.

Pros

• Very competitive cost per watt
• Strong efficiency
• N-type JA modules regularly rank among the top performers in independent tests.
• Around 0.4% per year degradation in many high-end lines

Cons

• Some ranges have 12 years of warranty, while premium brands have 20–25 years.
• Primarily made in China/Asia, so “locally made” incentives may not apply

Pricing

• Typically value-to-mid range, ~$2.7–$3.0/W

First Solar

Tempe, Arizona

First Solar is an American company that makes thin-film technology for utility-scale use. It works very well in hot, humid, and high-irradiance climates and degrades very little.

Pros

• Great for buyers needing domestic modules and IRA-related incentives
• Very low degradation
• Some Series 7 modules yield better over the long term.
• Better performance at high temperatures and in diffuse light than many silicon modules

Cons

• Mostly for utility-scale and large commercial projects, not residential rooftops
• Nameplate efficiency is lower than top crystalline silicon panels.

Pricing

• Pricing is negotiated at the project level; residential customers may have limited access or use EPCs rather than rooftop installers.

Canadian Solar

Global HQ now spanning Canada and Asia, plus manufacturing and assembly in China, Southeast Asia, and Texas, USA

Canadian Solar is one of the best solar panel manufacturers globally, offering a wide range from cost-effective to higher-spec TOPCon modules, plus inverters and storage.

Pros

• Good value pricing
• Wide product range
• Focus on the ethical supply chain

Cons

• Some reviewers note that Canadian Solar is not always the absolute top performer on efficiency.
• Not always the absolute performer in warranty compared with ultra-premium brands
• Product and warranty terms can vary significantly by region and model.

Pricing

• Panel-only: roughly $0.6–$0.9/W for modern modules in bulk, with installed systems ~$2.8–$3.0/W

REC Group

Headquartered in Singapore, with manufacturing in Singapore and a strong presence in Europe, the U.S., and Australia

REC was founded in Norway and is known for high-efficiency, premium-tier panels (Alpha, Alpha Pure-R) with strong warranties and excellent performance metrics.

Pros

• HJT (Heterojunction Cell Technology) – high performance and efficiency across many models
• Typically, 25-year product and performance warranties
• Low annual degradation (around 0.25%/year on some lines)
• Very strong reputation among installers
• Reliable, long-term premium brand, especially in harsh climates
• Sustainable company

Cons

• More expensive
• Not as widely stocked as mass-market Chinese brands in some regions

Pricing

• Installed: roughly upper-mid to premium, $3.1–$3.6/W

Astronergy

Hangzhou, China

Astronergy is part of CHINT Group, one of the leading solar panel manufacturers with very competitive pricing and strong results in independent testing.

Pros

• Tier-1 PV module maker listed by Bloomberg NEF
• High scores in reliability and performance testing
• Low cost per watt
• A global sales footprint in over 140 countries and regions

Cons

• Formerly called “budget Tier-1” — great value but not as top-tier as premium brands.
• Jinko, Trina, and Qcells may be better known to homeowners.

Pricing

• Panel-only: often $0.6–$0.8/W in bulk; installed systems vary but typically fall into value tiers.

Tongwei

Chengdu, China

Tongwei (TW Solar) is one of the world’s largest solar panel producers of polysilicon, cells, and modules.

Pros

• TW modules often exceed 20% efficiency.
• Have appeared in top-performer lists (e.g., for power and stress testing)
• Tongwei can potentially benefit from industry restructuring and maintain long-term competitiveness.
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Brand recognition with retail consumers is still catching up vs names like Jinko or LONGi.
• The wider Chinese solar sector is under pressure on margins and prices

Pricing

• Panel-only: In many markets, TW Solar is priced similar to or slightly below other Tier-1 Chinese brands, pushing solid value per watt.

Suntech

Wuxi, China

Suntech is historically one of the earliest globally recognized solar brands (founded by an Australian engineer).

Pros

• Modules are known for being physically tougher than average.
• High efficiencies up to ~22.5% on newer lines
• Top performer in several PV Evolution Labs tests for reliability

Cons

• Standard product warranties are 12 years, shorter than those of ultra-premium brands.
• Suntech can be harder to find than Trina/Jinko/JA, limiting consumer choice.

Pricing

• Mid-range, solid value brand with regionally varying installed $/W but competitive with Trina/Jinko.

Risen Energy

Ningbo, China

Risen Energy is known for high-efficiency PERC and HJT modules, strong value, and notable R&D achievements (e.g., tandem perovskite-HJT cells).

Pros

• High performance and durability
• Top performer across all seven PV Evolution Labs stress tests in recent reporting (thermal cycling, hail, PID, etc.)
• Strong R&D credentials – achieved 30.99% efficiency in HJT–perovskite tandem cells, demonstrating a serious technology pipeline.

Cons

• Product warranties can be shorter than some premium peers.
• Still not as well-known to homeowners as brands like Canadian Solar or Qcells.
• Local installer support varies

Pricing

• Often described as affordable but good quality, it sits in the value-to-mid range in many markets.

Make a Worthwhile Investment With the Right Solar Panel Manufacturer

Installing a solar system is costly, but it typically pays off well over time if you choose a trusted solar panel manufacturer. There are dozens of options on the market, but comparing the industry’s leading suppliers can help you have a clearer picture of which brand delivers your energy needs and long-term goals.

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