Last updated: 5 December 2023

American-Made Solar Panels vs Chinese for Your Home

Q: What makes US-produced solar panels superior?

American-made solar panels are generally more efficient than those made in China, meaning they generate slightly more electricity from the same amount of sunlight. However, efficiency does not guarantee quality, as the assembly process plays a crucial role regardless of the manufacturing location.

Q: What makes Chinese-produced panels superior?

Chinese manufacturers dominate global solar panel production, with 78% of solar cells produced in 2019 originating from China. Chinese-made panels are often slightly cheaper than other brands, making them more affordable. Furthermore, Chinese companies are investing in research and development, improving panel efficiency.

Q: How many solar panels does the USA create every year?

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact yearly number of solar panels produced by the USA. However, in terms of capacity, as of the end of 2022, the United States had a combined installed capacity of 142.3 gigawatts (GW) from photovoltaic and concentrated solar power sources. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a roadmap aiming to achieve a target of 50 GW of annual solar manufacturing capacity by 2030.

Q: How many solar panels does China create every year?

The exact number of solar panels manufactured by China is still being determined. In 2022, China experienced significant growth in solar wafer and solar cell exports, with a 61% increase in solar wafers and a 131% increase in solar cells compared to the previous year.

Solar energy has gained significant traction as a clean and sustainable power source, driving the global demand for solar panels. When it comes to solar panel manufacturing, two major players dominate the market: the United States and China.

The American-made solar panels vs Chinese ones debate has been going with discussions centred around efficiency, quality, and market dominance.

Whether you are an environmental enthusiast, simply curious about the global solar industry or already choosing solar panels for your apartment, this article will walk you through how to identify the best solar panels manufacturers.

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Find Out More in Our Guide

Which countries make the best solar panels?
Advantages of Chinese-made solar panels
Disadvantages of Chinese-made solar panels
Advantages of American-made solar panels
Disadvantages of American-made solar panels
How many solar panels are made per country?
Conclusion
FAQ

Which countries make the best solar panels?

The best solar panels are produced by several countries, including China, the United States, Canada, and Japan. However, the main competition in market share is between the USA vs China solar panels manufacturers.

Let’s take a closer look at these biggest rivals in solar panel manufacturing and how solar panels made in the USA vs China differ from each other.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of solar panels manufactured in China, based on the search results:

Advantages of Chinese-made solar panels

Chinese-made solar panels are often more affordable compared to other brands.
Chinese companies have made significant investments in solar manufacturing and are making remarkable progress in panel efficiency through research and development.

Disadvantages of Chinese-made solar panels

Chinese-made solar panels may have lower quality control standards compared to other brands. This has prompted some individuals to express caution about buying them.
Concerns arise regarding the environmental impact of Chinese solar panel manufacturing, particularly regarding pollution and waste.

Similarly, American solar companies produce highly-efficient solar panels. However, there are also pros and cons of solar panels made in the USA. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Advantages of American-made solar panels

The Inflation Reduction Act provides a potential 10% increase in federal tax credits if the 40% domestic content requirement is met.
American-made solar panels tend to have higher efficiency compared to panels built in China and other Asian countries, generating slightly more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.

Disadvantages of American-made solar panels

American-made solar panels are often more expensive than panels made in China. It’s important to note that while American-made solar panels may be more expensive, their quality is not necessarily superior to other brands of solar panels.
Even if a solar panel is labelled and marketed as “Made in the USA,” or the solar panel factory is located there, it is likely that some parts, including the solar cells, were manufactured overseas. Not all American-made solar panels are entirely produced in the USA, and certain components may be made overseas.

How many solar panels are made per country?

China holds the title of the world’s largest producer of solar energy, boasting an impressive 392 GW of installed solar capacity as of 2022. Since 2011, China has made substantial investments in solar manufacturers and has been responsible for manufacturing the majority of the world’s solar panels.

The United States ranks among the top five leaders in solar energy production, with an installed solar capacity of 95,209 MW as of 2021. While specific data on the number of solar panels produced is not explicitly provided, the significant installed capacity indicates a substantial production volume.

Other notable players in the solar panel industry include Canada, with Canadian Solar accounting for a shipment capacity of 14.5 GW in 2021. Japan also stands as a prominent solar producer, boasting an installed solar capacity of 74,191 MW as of 2021. Germany, too, holds significance in solar production, with an installed capacity of 58,461 MW as of 2021.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between American-made solar panels vs Chinese, it’s a decision that carries significant weight for homeowners and businesses alike. To make the best choice, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option.

If you go for American-made solar panels, you’ll enjoy several advantages. They typically offer superior quality, advanced technology, and using them gives you the satisfaction of supporting the local economy.

On the other hand, Chinese-made solar panels come with their own set of benefits. They tend to have lower production costs, which can translate to cost savings for you. Additionally, due to larger-scale production, there may be greater economies of scale involved. These can be a good option for extensive projects such as installing a large quantity of solar panels for schools or businesses.

However, if you’re looking for the best prices on solar panels, it’s best to check with your local installers. One of the best ways of doing that is with our dedicated service.

Save time by obtaining up to 4 quotes from our extensive network of certified and screened solar panel installers, rather than contacting installers individually. Simply click the button below to receive up to three 4 free quotes that can be compared.