The Rise of U.S. Solar Panel Manufacturers Amid New Tariffs
- Sarah Lozanova
- Apr 28
- 10 min read
Updated: May 11
The U.S. solar industry continues its rapid expansion in 2025, even as the Biden-era solar trade policies face major reversals. In April 2025, the Trump administration announced new solar tariffs targeting imported modules, inverters, and energy storage equipment. While these tariffs are not yet fully implemented, their looming effect has already disrupted pricing and procurement strategies across the market. Installers are increasingly turning to American made solar panels to maintain project stability, avoid future tariff costs, and reinforce supply chain resilience.
For solar contractors navigating today’s volatile environment, working with U.S. solar panel manufacturers now offers distinct advantages. American solar panel manufacturers are not subject to the pending tariff hikes, helping ensure more predictable pricing, faster lead times, and compliance with domestic sourcing incentives. Choosing U.S. made solar panels not only reduces exposure to geopolitical risks—it strengthens national energy independence at a time when the industry needs it most.
At GreenLancer, we help contractors adapt to these fast-moving changes with streamlined permitting, fast plan set delivery, and expert project support—so you can keep installations moving even when market conditions shift.
Why Installers Are Choosing U.S. Made Solar Panels
With new solar tariffs shaking up the industry, more installers are taking a closer look at U.S. made solar panels—and finding plenty of reasons to make the switch. Choosing American made isn’t just about waving the flag. It’s about keeping projects moving, keeping costs predictable, and building a more resilient solar business.
✅ Financial Advantages: Tariff-Free U.S. Made Solar Panels
One of the biggest reasons installers are leaning into American made solar panels is simple: it saves money. U.S.-manufactured modules are exempt from the new tariffs hitting imported panels, which gives you a clear pricing advantage. In a market where every dollar counts, working with U.S. solar panel manufacturers helps protect your margins and keeps your bids competitive.
✅ Faster Delivery: American Solar Panel Manufacturers Step Up
We’ve all seen how unpredictable global shipping can be. By sourcing from American solar panel manufacturers, installers can sidestep many of the delays, shortages, and customs headaches that come with overseas orders. Faster turnaround times mean fewer project delays—and fewer tough conversations with customers wondering why their install date got pushed back.
✅ Strategic Benefits: Strengthening U.S. Energy Independence
There’s also a bigger-picture win. Every time you choose U.S. made solar panels, you’re helping strengthen America’s energy independence and supporting local manufacturing jobs. More installers are finding that it’s a smart message for customers—and an even smarter move for building a resilient, future-proof business.
Growth of U.S. Solar Panel Manufacturers
Even before the 2025 solar tariffs were announced, U.S. solar panel manufacturers were gaining momentum. Recent statistics by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) show a significant 71% increase in American solar panel manufacturing capacity in Q1 2024, with the industry reaching 200 gigawatts.
Now, with new tariffs announced in April 2025 targeting imported modules and inverters, the demand for American made solar panels is rising even faster. Installers are increasingly turning to U.S. made solar panels to avoid higher costs, secure reliable supply, and strengthen their competitive edge.
Today, more installers are turning to American solar panel manufacturers as a smart way to shield their projects from rising costs and supply chain risks. This shift isn’t just about avoiding tariffs—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient solar industry here at home. The growing reliance on U.S. made solar panels is strengthening national energy security and creating thousands of new manufacturing jobs across key states like Ohio, Georgia, and Texas.
While the Inflation Reduction Act incentives faced a temporary freeze earlier this year, many domestic manufacturers pushed forward. Companies are expanding operations and investing heavily in U.S. production, knowing that demand for tariff-free, American made products is only growing. With installers and customers alike seeking more reliable options, U.S. solar panel manufacturers are stepping up to meet the challenge.
Top U.S. Solar Panel Manufacturers
Several key players are leading the charge in producing American made solar panels and expanding U.S. solar panel manufacturing capacity in 2025.
Canadian Solar manufactures high-efficiency solar panels, including the popular HiKu and BiHiKu series, which are known for their advanced PERC technology and durability. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Canada, China, and the U.S., contributing significantly to its global production capacity.
The new solar panel manufacturing plant by Canadian Solar in Mesquite, Texas, began production in late 2024, producing 20,000 solar panels daily. This facility is Canadian Solar's first solar manufacturing plant in the U.S., producing around 20,000 solar panels daily. Canadian Solar announced it will open a U.S. solar panel manufacturing facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana in 2025.
First Solar is a pioneer among American solar panel manufacturers, best known for its thin-film technology and high-performance Series 6 and Series 7 modules.
The company operates multiple U.S. facilities in Ohio, Louisiana, and Alabama, ensuring its panels meet domestic sourcing requirements. First Solar’s strong focus on sustainability, including recycling programs and low-carbon manufacturing, continues to set it apart as a leader in U.S. made solar panels.
Jinko Solar plays an important role in strengthening American made solar panel production. Its facility in Jacksonville, Florida, has been operational since 2019, supplying high-quality U.S. manufactured panels for residential and commercial markets.
In 2024, Jinko Solar expanded its Jacksonville plant to increase capacity in response to growing demand fueled by new tariff pressures and Buy American incentives.
Meyer Burger, a Swiss solar manufacturer, has made major investments in U.S. production. In 2024, the company opened a 2 GW solar module facility in Goodyear, Arizona, with plans to expand even further.
Meyer Burger specializes in high-efficiency heterojunction (HJT) technology panels, offering another premium American solar panel manufacturer option for installers seeking tariff-free, advanced technology modules.
Qcells has rapidly become one of the largest U.S. solar panel manufacturers. The company produces its Q.PEAK DUO series panels, known for high efficiency and strong low-light performance, at facilities in Dalton and Cartersville, Georgia.
The new Cartersville plant, which opened in early 2025, adds 3.3 GW of new U.S. solar manufacturing capacity, reinforcing Qcells’ commitment to growing America's domestic solar supply.
Silfab Solar
Silfab Solar is a leading supplier of American made solar panels, focusing on high-efficiency products like the Silfab Elite Series.
Silfab operates manufacturing facilities in Washington and South Carolina, supporting local economies while providing premium solar panels built in the U.S. The company is also expanding its U.S. footprint further, investing in automated production lines to meet increasing demand for U.S. made solar panels.
How New Solar Tariffs Could Affect Solar Pricing in 2025 and 2026
The 2025 Trump administration solar tariffs are already reshaping installer pricing strategies. Imported solar panels could see price increases ranging from 20% to 50% in general—but modules from key Southeast Asian markets could experience even sharper spikes of 60% to 100% or more, depending on the final tariff structure.
Projects already quoted or contracted before the tariff announcements are facing short-term cost pressures, with suppliers adjusting pricing midstream. Installers may need to renegotiate material costs or absorb margin losses if contracts don’t have tariff adjustment clauses.
Looking longer-term, the tariffs are expected to accelerate the shift toward U.S. solar panel manufacturers. As domestic production scales up, installers will likely see more options for American made solar panels, offering better price stability and shorter lead times compared to imported products. However, demand for U.S.-made modules has surged, and production capacity is still ramping up, meaning lead times may remain extended through late 2025.
“Policymakers can’t champion American energy dominance while imposing tariffs that cripple the industries driving it" says Patrick McCabe, co-founder and president for GreenLancer. "The U.S. needs forward-looking trade policies that fuel growth—not reactionary measures that undermine our path to true energy leadership.”
Benefits of U.S. Solar Panel Manufacturers
The rise of U.S. solar panel manufacturers offers major advantages not just for installers, but for the broader clean energy economy.
Cost Stability in a Tariff-Driven Market: With the latest tariffs on imported solar panels expected to raise prices by 40–50% or more, sourcing from American solar panel manufacturers has become a smart way to maintain cost stability. U.S. made solar panels help contractors avoid sudden price spikes and supply chain disruptions, making it easier to deliver competitive project bids.
Strengthening the Local Economy and Workforce: The growth of American made solar panels directly supports U.S. job creation. Domestic manufacturing is fueling thousands of new positions in states like Ohio, Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina—boosting local economies while building a more self-reliant energy sector.
Advancing Solar Innovation: By investing in U.S. solar panel manufacturers, the industry helps drive technological innovation. American companies are pushing improvements in solar cell efficiency, durability, and sustainability—helping the U.S. stay competitive as global clean energy demand surges.
Boosting Supply Chain Resilience: Producing solar panels in the U.S. cuts down on international shipping risks, lowers transportation emissions, and helps installers access products faster. A stronger domestic supply chain means fewer project delays and better long-term reliability for the solar market.
Promoting Higher Quality and Sustainability Standards: American made solar panels must meet strict U.S. regulatory requirements for safety, quality, and environmental impact. Many U.S. manufacturers also lead in adopting sustainable practices, including recycled materials and low-emission production methods—giving contractors and customers alike greater confidence in the long-term value of their systems.
Challenges Facing U.S. Solar Panel Manufacturers
Despite the growing demand for renewable energy, U.S. solar manufacturers encounter significant obstacles that hinder their competitiveness and expansion in a rapidly evolving global market.
Global Competition: U.S. solar panel manufacturers face stiff competition from international producers, especially in China and Southeast Asia, where strong government subsidies and lower operating costs drive down prices. Even with the new tariffs in place, competing on cost remains a major hurdle for American solar products.
Supply Chain Constraints: Securing critical materials like polysilicon, silver, and advanced glass remains difficult. Global shortages and supply disruptions continue to impact the timely production of U.S. made solar panels, creating volatility for manufacturers and installers alike.
Regulatory Challenges: Navigating a complex web of federal, state, and local regulations adds cost and time to domestic solar panel production. While these regulations promote quality and safety, they can slow expansion compared to more centralized or less-regulated international manufacturing hubs.
Technological Innovation Pressure: The pace of global solar technology innovation is accelerating, with new advancements like tandem perovskite-silicon cells and heterojunction (HJT) modules setting new benchmarks. American solar panel manufacturers must invest heavily in research and development just to stay competitive, placing financial strain on many companies.
Economic and Market Volatility: Fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, and project financing availability create an unpredictable market environment. These economic factors can delay solar projects and disrupt orders for American made solar panels, impacting production planning and long-term investment decisions.
Higher Labor and Operational Costs: Producing solar panels in the United States offers quality and compliance advantages, but it also comes with higher labor and facility costs. Compared to overseas manufacturers, U.S. solar panel manufacturers face slimmer margins, which can make competing on price alone difficult even in a tariff-protected market.
Infrastructure Limitations: Despite major investments, the U.S. still lacks the manufacturing scale and local supply chain depth seen in more mature markets like China. Limited access to domestic component suppliers and aging industrial infrastructure can hinder the rapid growth potential of U.S. solar panel manufacturers.
Government Incentives for U.S. Manufactured Solar Panels
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) introduced powerful incentives to boost U.S. solar panel manufacturers and expand domestic clean energy production. One of the most impactful programs is the domestic content bonus, allowing solar projects to qualify for an additional 10% tax credit if they use American made solar panels, inverters, and other major components. To earn this bonus, at least 40% of project materials must be U.S.-sourced, a threshold that is scheduled to rise over the coming years.
The IRA also created targeted tax credits for manufacturing solar hardware in the U.S. Companies producing solar cells, wafers, modules, and related components can claim production-based credits tied to output—calculated per watt or per square meter. This framework is designed to make it financially attractive for companies to invest in U.S. made solar panels rather than relying on imports.
However, in early 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order called "Unleashing American Energy", which temporarily paused the disbursement of new federal funds under both the IRA and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for a 90-day review period.
While the pause mainly affected grants, loans, and direct payments, it has not halted statutory tax credits, including those tied to domestic solar manufacturing. Installers and manufacturers can still access the existing tax incentives for using or producing American made solar panels, but new program expansions and future funding rounds remain under review.
FAQs on U.S. Solar Panel Manufacturers
Get answers to common questions about domestic PV modules and the impact of the new tariffs.
What companies produce U.S. made solar panels?
Leading U.S. solar panel manufacturers include First Solar, Qcells, Silfab, Jinko Solar, and Canadian Solar (U.S. operations). These companies operate facilities across states like Ohio, Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina, helping strengthen the American clean energy supply chain.
How does the Inflation Reduction Act impact U.S. solar panel manufacturing?
The IRA offers tax credits for domestic solar panel production and projects using American made solar panels. These incentives have driven major investments in U.S. factories, created thousands of new jobs, and reduced dependence on imports.
What is the current capacity of U.S. solar panel manufacturing?
By early 2025, U.S. solar panel manufacturing capacity topped over 200 gigawatts, following a 71% year-over-year growth reported in 2024. Continued expansion is expected as manufacturers respond to new tariffs and domestic content incentives.
What solar panels are made in the USA?
Panels from First Solar, Qcells (Georgia), Silfab (Washington and South Carolina), Jinko Solar (Florida), and Canadian Solar (Texas and Indiana) are manufactured in the U.S. These products help installers meet domestic content requirements and qualify for additional tax credits.
How do the new 2025 solar tariffs affect U.S. solar panel manufacturers?
The new Trump administration tariffs raise prices on imported panels, making U.S. made solar panels even more competitive. Domestic manufacturers are seeing higher demand from installers looking to avoid tariff-driven cost increases.
Will American made solar panels stay exempt from the new tariffs?
Yes, American made solar panels are exempt from the 2025 import tariffs. Choosing U.S.-manufactured products can help installers avoid price volatility and meet domestic content bonus requirements under the IRA.
What is the domestic content bonus for solar projects?
Solar projects that meet domestic content standards—using a minimum of 40% U.S.-made materials—qualify for a 10% bonus on the federal investment tax credit (ITC). This bonus encourages wider use of U.S. solar panel manufacturers and other American-made components.
U.S. Solar Panel Manufacturing: Addressing Supply Chain Shortages & Transportation Bottlenecks
The U.S. solar industry continues its rapid growth in 2025, but supply chain challenges persist. While the availability of solar panels has improved, bottlenecks in other areas, such as transformer supply and skilled labor shortages, are impacting project timelines.
U.S. solar panel manufacturers are expanding local production to reduce reliance on global supply chains. By increasing domestic manufacturing of panels, cells, and components, companies aim to mitigate exposure to international shipping delays and supply volatility. Continued investment in U.S. infrastructure and localized component manufacturing is crucial to support the long-term stability of American-made solar panels and accelerate the clean energy transition.
About GreenLancer
Our mission is to simplify solar and EV charger design, engineering, and construction for clean energy contractors. We offer numerous services to accelerate renewable energy adoption, including solar permit plan sets, engineering reviews, and solar field services. Complete the form below to learn more.