Understanding solar panel manufacturers is crucial when you're considering investing in solar energy for your home or if you're simply trying to grasp which companies are leading the market.
Due to the many solar panel companies out there, Glow Green has compiled a comprehensive list of the top 10 solar solar manufacturers worldwide, whose products are readily available in the UK market.
In doing so, we carefully evaluated each company based on factors that we believe will be most helpful or important to you as a potential solar panel buyer. By familiarising yourself with these top manufacturers, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which solar panels are best suited for your specific needs and budget, whether you're looking to buy or someone interested in the PV solar industry.
Please see below the top solar panel companies based on specific factors you may find particularly helpful. Please note manufacturers have been listed in no particular order:
| Manufacturer | Founded | Notable Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Tongwei Solar | China | Largest solar panel manufacturer globally |
| JA Solar | China | Good price-to-efficiency ratio |
| Aiko Solar | China | World's highest conversion efficiency for commercial solar panels |
| LONGi Solar | China | Set multiple world records in solar cell efficiency |
| Jinko Solar | China | Broke world record in 2023 for highest power output for a large-area N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cell |
| UKSOL | UK | Local British Solar Panel Manufacturer |
| Viridian Solar | UK | Local British Solar Panel Manufacturer known for their innovative designs |
| REC Group | Norway | Sustainability efforts |
| Amerisolar | USA | Budget friendly |
| Canadian Solar | Canada | Diverse product portfolio |
Tongwei Solar, a subsidiary of the Chinese Tongwei Group, is a leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar cells and high-efficiency modules.
The company is recognised as the largest solar panel manufacturer globally, having shipped 38.1GW of solar modules in 2022 and achieving an annual revenue of approximately £16.20 billion.
Tongwei Group made history in August 2023 as the first solar PV company to be included on the Fortune Global 500 list, highlighting its significant impact on the global solar industry.
✔️ Products available in the UK
JA Solar, founded in 2005, is a prominent manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic products, including solar cells, modules, and panels. The company offers a good price-to-efficiency ratio, with their panels often featuring high efficiency while remaining more affordable than many competitors.
JA Solar has achieved recognition as the 'Highest Achiever' in the 2024 PV Module Index released by the Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC), marking the fifth consecutive year it has received this distinction. This accolade highlights the company's commitment to producing high-quality and reliable solar modules that excel in performance and efficiency.
✔️ Products available in the UK
Aiko Solar, established in 2009, is a leading global company in the field of new energy technology, focusing on the research and development as well as manufacturing of photovoltaic products and integrated solutions for solar energy generation, storage, and usage.
They achieved the world's highest conversion efficiency for commercial solar panels, with their modules consistently ranking number one among all commercially available options since March 2023. Their innovative ABC (All Back Contact) modules boast an impressive 24% conversion efficiency, setting a new industry standard.
Aiko Solar's innovative approach and commitment to sustainability have earned them the prestigious 2023 Red Dot Award for product design.
✔️ Products available in the UK
LONGi Solar, founded in 2000, is a prominent player in the solar industry, specialising in the production of high-efficiency solar products, including wafers, cells, and panels.
The company has set multiple records in solar cell efficiency, achieving a remarkable 33.9% efficiency for crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells in November 2023 and a 27.30% efficiency for silicon solar cells in May 2024.
In fact, LONGi has broken the world record for solar cell efficiency 17 times since April 2021, demonstrating its commitment to technological innovation in the solar sector.
✔️ Products available in the UK
Jinko Solar, established in 2006, is a leading global solar module manufacturer known for its innovative and high-efficiency photovoltaic products.
In 2023, Jinko Solar broke the world record for the highest power output for a large-area N-type monocrystalline silicon solar cell, achieving a maximum solar conversion efficiency of 26.89% for its 182 mm and above large-size monocrystalline silicon TOPCon solar cell.
✔️ Products available in the UK
UKSOL, established in 2015, is a British solar PV panel producer based in Buckinghamshire, specialising in designing and manufacturing solar panels for residential and commercial applications.
As a local British solar panel manufacturer, UKSOL offers a wide range of affordable, high-quality solar modules, including half-cell, P & N-Type solar cells, and bifacial modules, all backed by a trustworthy 30-year British warranty.
UKSOL has been recognised as an Export Champion by the British Government due to its presence in over 50 countries worldwide.
✔️ Products available in the UK
Viridian Solar, founded in 2004, is a UK-based manufacturer known for its innovative roof-integrated solar panels and mounting systems.
As a local British solar panel manufacturer, Viridian Solar has made significant strides with its Clearline Fusion system, which is recognised for its cost competitiveness and ease of installation.
Also, Viridian Solar's commitment to quality and sustainability is reflected in its ISO certifications and its acquisition by Marley Ltd in 2021, helping to bolster its growth and market presence.
✔️ Products available in the UK
REC Group, founded in 1996, is a leading global solar energy company known for its high-quality photovoltaic products and innovative solar solutions.
The company is recognised particularly for its sustainability efforts, having received Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for several of its solar panels, which confirm their low carbon footprint and environmentally friendly production processes.
✔️ Products available in the UK
Amerisolar, founded in 1993, is a global solar panel manufacturer known for producing high-quality, cost-effective photovoltaic modules for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.
The company is a great budget-friendly option, offering competitively priced solar panels that are good value for money without compromising on quality or performance.
✔️ Products available in the UK
Canadian Solar, established in 2001 in Ontario, has grown into a global leader in the solar energy industry. The company is recognised for having a diverse product portfolio, which includes modules, inverters and energy storage.
Canadian Solar has a significant international presence, with operations in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and more, demonstrating its commitment to meeting global energy needs.
✔️ Products available in the UK
If you're looking for an installer, Glow Green installs high-quality solar panel systems throughout the UK. We take pride in our nationwide coverage as well as our local expertise, allowing us to serve customers across the country.
For more specific information about solar panel installation in your area, check out our location-based articles:
If you're ready to take the next step, Glow Green can also provide you with a quote in less than 60 seconds.
The largest solar panel manufacturer in the world is Tongwei Solar, as it shipped 38.1GW of solar modules in 2022, achieving an annual revenue of approximately £16.20 billion.
Yes, UKSOL and Viridian Solar are both British solar panel manufacturers.
Although well-established brands often command a premium price due to their market presence and perceived reliability, some lesser-known brands offer excellent performance at a lower cost, providing cost-effective solutions. Ultimately, it depends on your specific requirements and preferences, as everyone has different needs based on factors like budget and energy goals.
Many manufacturers release new or updated models annually, with incremental improvements in efficiency and power output. However, the core technology generally doesn't change dramatically year-to-year.
Compare manufacturers based on panel efficiency, price, warranty terms, company reputation and customer reviews. Also consider their financial stability and longevity in the market.
The majority of solar panels are manufactured in China.
