Manufacturer Profiles
Some prominent solar manufacturers are:
- BP Solar is one of the world's largest solar companies, with over 35 years of experience and a presence in over 160 countries. They design and manufacture both residential and commercial solar electric systems. BP boasts that they use their own solar products in their offices, plants and retail locations, and that they are one of the largest commercial users of solar energy.
- Kyocera Solar is a world leader in solar technology. Kyocera Corporation was founded in 1959 in Kyoto, Japan. They helped organize the Japan Solar Energy Corp. in 1975 and since then they've consistently been ahead of the curve in research and development. Among other things, they were the first to develop mass production of multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, and continually refine their PV cells to maintain the highest energy conversion efficiency in the world.
- Sharp Solar might be most familiar to you in the form of the common desktop solar calculator, and in fact Sharp manufactured the world's first solar-powered consumer product (a transistor radio) in 1962. Now, they produce everything from simple calculators to solar-powered lighthouses and space satellites.
- Uni Solar is the world's largest producer of flexible solar panels. Their thin-film technology allows their solar panels to be mounted on any type of roof, curved or flat. Uni Solar's research and development is focused on making photovoltaic systems that are more practical for the consumer – more durable, less bulky and easier to install.
- Isofoton, established in 1981, is a relative newcomer to the solar energy scene. Based in Spain, it only recently entered the American market. However, it is a major player in Europe and worldwide. Isofoton's corporate philosophy puts a strong emphasis on social responsibility and environmental stewardship, and as such the company and its employees actively support solar energy initiatives in developing countries and rural communities around the world
- Shell Solar was the largest manufacturer of solar electrical products in America from 1977 until 2006, when Shell sold its solar energy operation to SolarWorld. SolarWorld now has approximately 3,300 employees, making it one of the largest solar energy businesses in the world, with production facilities in the USA, Germany and Sweden. It is one of the few solar electric companies that has operations covering all stages of manufacturing, from raw silicon to complete solar electric systems.
- Canadian Solar manufactures a variety of solar modules that are known for their durability and ease of installation. Canadian Solar products are makde with high quality materials and are tested to ensure that they can withstand extreme weather conditions.
