Solar Basics: Who are the Major Manufacturers of Solar Equipment?

Learn more about the major manufactures of solar power systems.

Solar Basics Contents

Top 5 reasons to consider solar energy.
How much does an average residential solar system cost?
Is solar power for my home a good investment?
Is my home and location suitable for solar power?
Who are the major manufacturers of solar equipment?
I'm going solar! How do I get started?

Sharp

About: Sharp Solar

Sharp is the #1 manufacturer of solar cells worldwide with nearly as much generating capacity as the next three largest manufacturers combined. Our residential solar systems give families the ability to generate their own electricity from the inexhaustible energy of the sun - with no harmful emissions. They're cost-effective, quiet, attractive, safe, and reliable, with only minimal maintenance required over their long operational life. They're the right choice for your home and the right choice for the environment. It's no wonder why so many homeowners are making the move to Sharp Solar.

Shell Solar

About Shell Solar:

Solar energy is abundant, local and emission-free. Until recently Shell Solar has been involved in the production of silicon solar modules, the most widely applied technology, but has decided to move straight into next generation thin-film technologies.

We believe that the next generation technology will be able to reach cost competitiveness with retail energy on a faster timescale than silicon, as a result of a continued production process and the raw material used. Therefore the silicon activities have been divested to focus mainly on the further development of this next generation technology.

Shell also remains committed to the operational excellence of the rural business, while reviewing its strategic options to further expand the business. Shell will continue to provide solar energy to the developing world, as announced on the 2nd of February 2006.

BP Solar

About BP Solar:

BP Solar is investing in new technology, research and ramping up manufacturing capacity - all in pursuit of grid parity, known in the industry as the “solar holy grail“ Once achieved, consumers can harness electricity from the sun at the same price or lower than they can from fossil fuels, but in a much more environmentally friendly way. The keys to success:

• Technology: make solar cells that collect sunlight and change it into electricity as efficient as possible.
• Economy: reduce manufacturing costs and therefore installed PV costs while maintaining our consistent level of good quality.

From a technology perspective, during June of 2006, BP and the California Institute of Technology teamed up in a multi-million dollar nano-research program that can open the door to a radical new way of producing solar cells that could open the door to much more efficient solar cells and modules, making the cost of solar electricity much more competitive for the consumer.

Also during 2006, BP developed an innovative silicon growth process that significantly increases solar cell efficiency and module output, making solar systems more economical. The new technique, named Mono2, will produce solar cells capable of generating five to eight percent more power than solar cells made with conventional processes, reducing costs and silicon feedstock usage per watt.

GE Solar

About GE Solar:

GE's solar electric power systems and products offer high quality, reliable power generation technology for residential, commercial and industrial applications. By partnering with the sun, solar energy can supply local power for on-and off-grid applications with zero noise pollution and air emissions.

Kyocera Solar

About Kyocera Solar:

Kyocera is one of the world's largest vertically-integrated producers and suppliers of solar energy products. Our American solar division is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with regional sales affiliates in the Americas and Australia. Kyocera Solar, Inc. (KSI), our North American solar products subsidiary, serves thousands of customers in both the developed and developing worlds.

Around the globe people are enjoying a better lifestyle because of solar electric systems provided by Kyocera. These systems make it possible for families to light their homes and utilize a telephone or experience a broadcast program for the first time. Solar electric solutions provided by Kyocera enable people to drink clean, uncontaminated water where sources were unsanitary, hard to access, or nonexistent. Systems designed and integrated by Kyocera allow industry to expand their capabilities beyond the constraints of the traditional electric grid.

Kyocera Solar, Inc. serves the widely varying needs of customers for distributed solar electricity through two major market channels. Industrial customers, such as original equipment manufacturers, government organizations, utilities, corporate clients and institutions, are served directly with fully integrated system packages. KSI also serves a global network of Authorized Distributors and Dealers with components, packaged systems, engineering, technical support, project management, sales aids, literature and training.

Kyocera Solar, Inc. is staffed by the most experienced and talented engineers, technical support, and sales personnel within the solar electric industry. The Company's expertise is based upon designing, manufacturing, and installing the most technologically advanced solar electric power systems available today. With thousands of successful installations worldwide, Kyocera continues to be the leader in the solar electric industry.

Mistubishi Electric

About Mistubishi Electric:

Mitsubishi Electric's “Triple Eco-approach”

Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic power generation systems reflect a proactive approach to environmental regulations, and the determination to supply outstanding “eco-products.” A policy of producing photovoltaic power generation systems with decreased negative impact on the planet results in the products that are gentle on the environment.

Eco-products

Launching Japan's first domestic mass production of lead-free solder photovoltaic modules has promoted the creation of products with less negative impact on the environment.

Eco-factory

Mitsubishi Electric's photovoltaic product manufacturing plant is certified under the ISO 14001 environmental standard, and also features comprehensive water-conservation and recycling measures. We are advancing production operations with meticulous care for the environment.

Eco-logistics

Introduction of simplified packing contributes to major reduction in waste during shipment, while making the packaging easier to open.