Top 6 Solar Panel Manufacturers in California : 2024 Guide

The state of California has always been at the forefront of environmental initiatives in the United States, and the solar industry is no exception. With more solar power installed than any other state and progressive renewable energy policies, it’s no surprise that California is home to many leading solar panel manufacturers. The solar panels made in California offer high-quality performance and contribute significantly to the state’s green economy. With solar energy companies in California rapidly increasing, this article focuses on the top 6 solar panel manufacturers in California.

Primroot.com – Professional Solar Panel Manufacturer

Location (Headquarters): Shenzhen, China
Year Established: 2013

Primroot.com is a leading-edge professional solar panels & inverter manufacturer based in the high-tech hub of Shenzhen, China. Fueled by the creative spirit and expertise of our world-class research and development team, we are at the forefront of the Photovoltaic (PV) and inverter industry, driving innovative solutions that reshape the energy landscape. Our robust supply chain and exceptional manufacturing capability, ensure we maintain an unmatched level of quality and efficiency.

At Primroot.com, we understand that your unique needs demand bespoke solutions. This understanding is at the heart of our OEM/ODM services, which have been designed to seamlessly integrate with PV panels & inverters, and module manufacturers worldwide. We are committed to delivering products that are both high in quality and efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Solaria Corporation

Founded in the early 2000s, Solaria Corporation has its headquarters in Fremont, California. The company has consistently innovated in the field of photovoltaics, developing proprietary technology that significantly boosts the efficiency of its solar panels. Solaria’s core technology, the Solaria PowerXT®, is a result of these continuous R&D efforts.

Solaria offers a comprehensive range of solar solutions, including residential and commercial solar panels. Their high-efficiency panels are recognized for delivering maximum power production and versatility, making them a top choice for homeowners and businesses alike. What sets Solaria apart is their commitment to design — they aim to make solar panels as visually appealing as they are efficient.

MiaSolé:

MiaSolé, located in Santa Clara, California, is a producer of lightweight, flexible, and powerful solar cells. The company was established in 2004 and since then, it has been making a significant impact on the solar industry with its distinctive thin-film solar technology. This thin-film technology allows for the creation of solar panels that are flexible and significantly lighter than traditional solar panels.

MiaSolé offers its unique solar panels for a variety of applications including buildings (BIPV and BAPV), transportation, electronic devices, and off-grid uses. Their products are recognized for their high efficiency, flexibility, and lighter weight, providing versatility that can be appealing to certain markets. For those in need of unique solar solutions that differ from the typical rigid panel, MiaSolé’s offerings may be the perfect fit.

Auxin Solar

Situated in San Jose, California, Auxin Solar has been in operation since 2008. The company prides itself on being a solar inverters manufacturer in California and contractor, providing high-quality solar products and services. They emphasize the importance of sustainability, energy independence, and economic development in their approach to solar energy.

Auxin Solar manufactures a wide range of solar products including solar panels, solar street lights, solar mounting systems, and portable solar generators. Their solar panels are recognized for their performance, reliability, and durability. By controlling the production process from start to finish, Auxin ensures that their products maintain the highest standard of quality. Whether it’s for residential, commercial, or utility-scale use, Auxin Solar provides a comprehensive set of solar solutions to meet various energy needs.

SolarTech Universal:

Based in Riviera Beach, California, SolarTech Universal is a high-tech solar panel manufacturer applying the latest technology from the industry and aerospace to their solar products. The company was founded in 2012, and since then, it has adopted an innovative approach to manufacturing, ensuring the best performance of its products.

SolarTech Universal produces SmartWire Technology solar panels, recognized for their high performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. SmartWire Technology enables better light absorption, fewer losses, and stronger panels. These solar panels are well-suited for residential, commercial, and utility applications, and their efficiency, combined with the quality of construction, ensures long-term value for customers.

Antenna Systems & Solutions, Inc

Antenna Systems is a manufacturer and distributor of renewable energy products based in La Verne, California. The company was founded in 2003 and initially focused on antenna and communication systems.

In recent years, Antenna Systems & Solutions, Inc. has expanded its product range to include solar energy products. They offer solar panels, power systems, and related accessories, and are committed to delivering high-quality, efficient, and reliable solar solutions. Their products are suitable for both residential and commercial applications, emphasizing the company’s versatility and commitment to serving a wide range of solar energy needs in California.

SunPower Corporation

Headquartered in San Jose, California, SunPower was established in 1985 by Dr. Richard Swanson, a professor of electrical engineering at Stanford University. The company has a rich history of innovation and a commitment to delivering the highest quality solar solutions. Their patented Maxeon® solar cell technology features a unique design that reduces the impact of shading and allows for a more efficient, durable solar panel.

From homes to businesses to utility plants, SunPower designs and manufactures a wide array of solar products and systems. Their solutions are heralded for their durability, efficiency, and aesthetic design, factors that set them apart in the competitive solar market. The SunPower Equinox® system integrates seamlessly into one’s home, making it an attractive choice for homeowners seeking a sleek, high-performance solar solution.

In the State of California, any solar panel installation must comply with the state and local jurisdictional requirements, in addition to the National Electrical Code (NEC). The solar panels themselves must meet certain product certifications to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency.

 One of the main certification requirements for solar panels in California is the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1703 fire safety test. This standard applies to flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels. It includes tests for resistance to hail damage, performance at various irradiance levels, and resistance to wind and snow loads.

Another important standard is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1547, which establishes a technical standard for interconnecting distributed resources with electric power systems.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) also maintains a list of solar panels that meet the Commission’s standards and qualify for incentives. For a product to be listed, manufacturers must have their products tested by a CEC-approved testing laboratory and must ensure the product’s performance, safety, and durability.

Furthermore, all solar panels must also comply with the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24), which ensure that new and existing buildings achieve energy efficiency and preserve outdoor and indoor environmental quality.

This complex certification landscape reflects California’s commitment to maintaining a high standard for solar installations throughout the state, supporting its robust and rapidly growing solar industry.

In conclusion, California is home to many prominent solar panel manufacturers, offering a wide variety of products with differing technologies and advantages. When combined with the state’s stringent certification standards, this makes California a leading player in the global solar industry. These manufacturers represent the state’s commitment to renewable energy, a commitment that continues to drive the industry forward towards a greener and more sustainable future.