Top Solar Power Companies…

July 13th, 2013 by Zachary Shahan

Want to know which are the top solar power companies in the US, or in the world? For a thorough look at solar power companies leading various solar power markets and holding various solar power records, check out our Solar Energy & Solar Power Facts page. However, for a look simply at the top solar module manufacturers based on annual production, the top solar developers, and the top residential & commercial solar power companies, check out this nearly full repost from Cost of Solar:

Top Solar Power Companies

Top Solar Module Manufacturers

I’ve already taken a deep dive into solar panel efficiency leaders, so I’ll skip that today. The top solar module producers vary a bit depending on which market research firm you listen to, but here are a few rankings (quite similar) from two top cleantech market research companies, Solarbuzz and IHS:

Clearly, as of the end of 2012, Yingli Green Energy (a China-based solar module company) and First Solar (a US-based thin-film solar module company) are leading when it comes to solar module production. Trina or Suntech, both Chinese companies, came in at #3. However, Suntech has gone bankrupt, so it will see a steep fall in the 2013 rankings. Other than First Solar, the only other US company on the two lists is SunPower. SunPower, unlike First Solar and most of the others on the list, produces very high-efficiency solar modules — the most efficient on the market. That makes it a leader for residential solar power systems, where higher efficiency helps to maximize limited rooftop space.

Top Solar Developers

When it comes to developing utility-scale solar projects, First Solar leads the pack (it’s a vertically integrated solar company), followed by US-based Juwi Solar and US-based SunEdison:

Top Residential & Commercial Solar Power Companies

In the US residential solar market, Sunrun, which pioneered solar leasing and PPAs for homeowners, claims the title of “#1 home solar company.” It currently provides such services in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, SolarCity, which also provides such solar options for homeowners, claims the title of “#1 full-service solar provider.” It and Sunrun, as well as numerous other companies in this space, compete in the home solar market with very similar offerings. SolarCity also implements a lot of projects in the commercial and government arenas. SolarCity is in business in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Washington D.C.

While about 75% of homeowners who have the choice between purchasing a system or leasing one decide to go with a solar lease, there are critics of this model who argue that a customer gets more out of buying a system than leasing one. However, it really depends on one’s priorities and preferences. If you get a quote from Cost of Solar, we can also call you and discuss your options so that you can decide which route is best for your situation and you.

There are actually thousands of solar installers across the US. Sometimes local installers can beat the offers provided by Sunrun and SolarCity, while sometimes those larger solar companies offer a better deal. It depends on many factors, such as the state you are in, the size and shape of your roof, the age of your roof , and so on. I think the best thing to do is talk to someone who can help you navigate the options in your area and get you the best deal for your needs.

Want a summary of the solar power companies leading a different segment of the solar market? Let us know in the comments!

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Tags: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, first solar, Hawaii, IHS, Juwi Solar, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Solarbuzz, SolarCity, SunEdison, SunPower, Sunrun, Suntech, Texas, utility scale solar, Washington, Yingli, Yingli Green Energy, yingli solar

About the Author

Zach is the director of CleanTechnica, the most popular cleantech-focused website in the world, and Planetsave, a world-leading green and science news site. He has been covering green news of various sorts since 2008, and he has been especially focused on solar energy, electric vehicles, and wind energy since 2009. Aside from his work on CleanTechnica and Planetsave, he's the founder and director of Solar Love, EV Obsession, and Bikocity. To connect with Zach on some of your favorite social networks, go to ZacharyShahan.com and click on the relevant buttons.

sridevi kannan

Hi, Borg Energy is the alternative energy company offering solar, wind & hybrid energy solutions. Get Solar Power System for homes & commercial needs from borg. http://www.borgenergy.com
- McKenzie Renee Meade
  
  That’s an awful name. Haha. What happens if I resist?
Kai

You don’t answer who the largest commercial installers are…
- http://zacharyshahan.com/ Zachary Shahan
  
  You mean in between the utility-scale and the residential? Haven’t seen any info on that.
Furkan

Could you send me a summary of the solar power companies leading a different segment of the solar market
- http://zacharyshahan.com/ Zachary Shahan
  
  Hello, sorry, not sure if i follow — which segment?
Stan

The issues are rather complex. How does one compare with another? I just received a forty page (plus attachmnets) small print leasing contract offer from One Roof Energy Company of San Diego, and have seven days to accept or cancel. Were I to seek a compentitive bid, I don’t know if the time allows for such, wouldn’t know who else to contact for such a bid, and wouldn’t know what the key indicators are to compare, were I to contact another company to invite a competitive offer. Help!.
- http://zacharyshahan.com/ Zachary Shahan
  
  I’d quickly check out a few others. Some other options:
  
  Cost of Solar: http://costofsolar.com/?lead_source=Cleantechnica
  
  1BOG: http://localsolardeals.com/signup/?lead_source=solarlove&tracking_code=solarlove_post
  
  EnergySage: http://energysage.com/
  
  Good luck!
- McKenzie Renee Meade
  
  Check out Vivint Solar. They’re great to work with!
Frank Singer

The California PUC is destroying the solar industry. I installed solar power six years ago. For the first three years my energy charges were great. Then, for the next three years they grew and grew where now I am paying twenty times more what I used to pay. I made a big mistake getting “sucked in” to the solar craze. Originally my pay back was around ten years. No it’s NEVER.
- McKenzie Renee Meade
  
  Which company did you go with? I think it really just depends. I work for Vivint Solar, #17 on the 2014 Top 400 Solar Contractors list published by Solar Power World. http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2014-top-400-solar-contractors/ I have never once heard of this issue within our company.
  
  I highly recommend looking into what we can offer you. We’ll even take over existing solar accounts from other companies and offer better deals.
  
  The good news is you now, 6 years later, have more companies to choose from.
  - Obi
    
    I will check out your company as I am looking for good solar company.I am seeking a good solar company to have a long business relation with.
    - McKenzie Renee Meade
      
      Please do Let them know that I sent you.
      I am in the Operations department and I design the systems before they’re installed. Maybe I’ll even design yours!
FreeEnergy

To ALL: New developed technologies are about to go online within weeks (Nov. 2014) and will offer Solar thermal systems or PV panels with storage for 24/7 operation (output) for about $1.70 per watt. I think the PV is less. The thermal systems also produce clean distilled water (going through the turbine) at the same time (no extra cost) and is worth more than the power.

U.S. tax payers can convert their tax liability to ownership in their power plant (at no cost) and keep about 30% of their tax liability in their pocket in cash. Also anyone can become a sales rep for the company at 10%. This is looking big. More info. here: http://powertaxcredit.com

Top Solar Power Companies…