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American Made Solar Components: The Complete USA Manufacturing Guide
Which panels, batteries, inverters, and charge controllers are actually built in America.
Where to buy them. Why they cost more. Why they are worth it.
Quick Answer:
American made solar components are manufactured by seven US companies: First Solar (Ohio), Silfab Solar (Washington), Heliene (Minnesota), and Mission Solar (Texas) for panels, Battle Born (Nevada) for batteries, Morningstar (Pennsylvania) for charge controllers, and OutBack Power (Washington) for inverters. Panels require certified installers. Batteries and controllers are available on Amazon. American components cost 10-20% more but last 25-30 years versus 10-15 for imports.
The Short Version
Seven companies manufacture american made solar components on US soil across four categories: panels (First Solar, Silfab, Heliene, Mission Solar), batteries (Battle Born), charge controllers (Morningstar), and inverters (OutBack Power). Some are available on Amazon. Most panels require professional installation for warranty coverage. American components cost 10-20% more upfront but last 25-30 years versus 10-15 for imports, making them cheaper over time.
What you can buy today: Battle Born batteries and Morningstar controllers ship from Amazon with full warranties. Panels require a certified installer. The 30% federal tax credit applies to everything.
Free Solar System Estimator
Calculate exactly which american made solar components you need and how many before you spend a dollar.
Get Your Free EstimateIn This Guide
- Why American Made Solar Components Matter
- American Solar Panels (Installer Only)
- American Batteries (Available on Amazon)
- American Inverters and Power Electronics
- American Charge Controllers
- True Cost: American vs Import Over 25 Years
- How to Buy American Made Solar Components
- Frequently Asked Questions
American Solar Manufacturing: Key Numbers
- 80% of global solar panels are manufactured in China (Source: International Energy Agency, 2024)
- 0.25-0.4% annual degradation for US-manufactured panels vs 0.6-0.8% for imports (Source: NREL long-term testing data)
- 30% federal tax credit available through 2032 on all solar installations (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)
- $16,600 lifetime savings on a 10kW system using American components vs imports over 25 years
- 25-30 year warranties from domestic manufacturers vs 10-15 years for import brands
Why American Made Solar Components Matter
We did not start recommending domestic equipment because of a flag on the box. We started because a $15,000 contractor disaster taught us what happens when warranty service requires an international phone call to a company that no longer exists.
The contractor used imported panels and a foreign inverter. When the system failed in year two, the panel manufacturer had gone bankrupt. The inverter company's "warranty department" was an email address that never responded. We lost $15,000 and learned a lesson that shaped everything this site recommends.
Here is what 14 years of buying, installing, and replacing solar equipment taught us about american made solar components:
- 25-30 year warranties from companies with US addresses, US phone numbers, and US legal accountability. Import warranties average 10-15 years from companies that may not exist next decade.
- 3-7 day replacement shipping from domestic warehouses. Import replacements take months by container ship, if the model still exists.
- Climate-specific engineering. American manufacturers test for American weather extremes: Texas heat, Minnesota cold, Florida hurricanes. Imports are built for temperate climates.
- Lower degradation rates. Independent testing shows domestic panels at 88-92% output at year 25. Import panels average 60-70% if they have not failed entirely.
- Domestic customer service. When your system goes down in January, you need someone who answers the phone in your time zone. Not an email form with a 6-week response time.
Wattson Wisdom:
"I flew to Florida, got US Solar Institute trained, and rebuilt my entire system with American equipment. That was 14 years ago. I have not replaced a single component. The import panels I ripped off the roof that first year are in a landfill. The American panels I replaced them with are still producing within 5% of factory spec. That is the only product review that matters."
American Made Solar Components: Panels (Professional Installation Required)
American solar panel manufacturers sell through certified installer networks, not retail. This is not a limitation. It is a quality control decision. Panels require roof mounting, electrical connections, and permitting that must meet local building codes. Manufacturers require certified installer involvement to maintain warranties and ensure safety.
Here is what you need to know about buying american made solar components in the panel category: contact your local NABCEP-certified installer and request these brands by name.
First Solar — Perrysburg, Ohio
Best for: Hot climates (Texas, Arizona, Florida, desert Southwest)
Technology: Thin-film cadmium telluride with superior high-temperature performance
Warranty: 25 years performance + 25 years product
Why it matters: 100% US supply chain. Zero foreign dependencies. When conventional panels lose 20-30% efficiency in sustained heat, First Solar maintains output.
Silfab Solar — Burlington, Washington
Best for: Heavy snow and extreme cold (Minnesota, Montana, Michigan, Dakotas)
Technology: High-efficiency monocrystalline, 21.5%+ efficiency
Warranty: 30 years performance + 25 years product (industry leading)
Why it matters: 5,400 Pa snow load rating handles 3+ feet of wet heavy snow. Frame design promotes natural snow shedding.
Heliene — Mountain Iron, Minnesota
Best for: Best value among american made solar components for panels
Technology: High-efficiency monocrystalline with cold-climate optimization
Warranty: 25 years performance + 25 years product
Why it matters: 500+ freeze-thaw cycle testing. Competitive pricing for domestic manufacturing. Best performance-to-price ratio.
Mission Solar — San Antonio, Texas
Best for: Hurricane zones and coastal properties (Gulf Coast, Carolinas, Florida)
Technology: High-efficiency monocrystalline with extreme weather engineering
Warranty: 25 years performance + 25 years product
Why it matters: 180+ mph wind load rating handles Category 5 conditions. Superior hail impact resistance.
For detailed performance comparisons of these four manufacturers, see our American Made Solar Producers guide and our Best Solar Panels for Off-Grid comparison.
Size Your System Before You Buy
Our free solar estimator calculates your exact requirements so you know which american made solar components to order and how many.
Get Your Free Solar EstimateAmerican Made Solar Components: Batteries
Battery storage is where american made solar components are most accessible to retail buyers. Battle Born manufactures LiFePO4 batteries in Reno, Nevada and sells directly through Amazon with full warranty coverage.
Battle Born Batteries — Reno, Nevada
Technology: LiFePO4 lithium iron phosphate with built-in battery management system
Warranty: 10 years, 3,000+ cycle life
Best for: Off-grid homes, RVs, marine applications, backup power
Why it matters: Assembled in Nevada with rigorous testing standards. Excellent domestic customer support you can actually reach by phone. The 100Ah model is the standard for most off-grid applications.
Professional Battery Manufacturers (Installer Distribution)
These american made solar components require purchasing through certified installers or battery distributors due to the size, voltage, and installation complexity of commercial battery systems:
Trojan Battery Company — Santa Fe Springs, California
Heritage: 95+ years of American manufacturing, family-owned since 1925
Products: Deep-cycle flooded, AGM, and lithium batteries for renewable energy
Where to buy: Through solar installers and battery distributors
Crown Battery — Fremont, Ohio
Heritage: Ohio manufacturing since 1926, employee-owned company
Products: Specialized deep-cycle batteries for solar applications
Where to buy: Through renewable energy dealers and system integrators
SimpliPhi Power — Oxnard, California
Technology: Non-toxic lithium ferrous phosphate (cobalt-free)
Products: Safe, advanced energy storage for residential and commercial
Where to buy: Through certified solar installers and energy storage specialists
For detailed comparisons of these battery technologies, see our Top 5 Lithium Batteries for Solar Use and our Lithium vs Lead-Acid: The Ultimate Showdown.
American Made Solar Components: Inverters and Power Electronics
Inverters convert your battery's DC power to the AC power your home uses. The american made solar components in this category are primarily professional-grade equipment sold through certified installers.
OutBack Power (EnerSys) — Arlington, Washington
Specialization: Off-grid and hybrid power systems
Why it matters: Professional-grade reliability with modular design. The standard for serious off-grid installations. Expandable as your system grows.
Where to buy: Through certified off-grid system installers
Magnum Energy (Sensata) — Everett, Washington
Specialization: RV and marine inverters, backup power systems
Why it matters: Proven reliability in mobile and marine applications where failure is not an option
Where to buy: RV dealers and marine electronics suppliers
Schneider Electric (Xantrex) — Elkhart, Indiana
Specialization: Complete power conversion systems, commercial grade
Why it matters: Industrial-grade engineering for installations where downtime costs money
Where to buy: Through commercial solar installers
A note about Victron Energy: Victron is headquartered in the Netherlands, not the United States. We include their products in some of our guides because they manufacture excellent equipment available on Amazon (Victron MultiPlus 12/3000), but they are not american made solar components. We believe in transparency about what is and is not domestic.
For detailed inverter comparisons, see our Best Off-Grid Inverter for 48V Systems guide.
American Made Solar Components: Charge Controllers
Charge controllers protect your batteries from overcharging and regulate power flow from your panels. The best american made solar components in this category come from one company that has been doing it longer than most.
Morningstar Corporation — Newtown, Pennsylvania
Specialization: Professional-grade MPPT and PWM charge controllers
Range: Small 8A controllers for cabin systems to large 60A+ units for whole-home installations
Why it matters: Extreme reliability for remote installations where a controller failure means no power. Used by the US military and international aid organizations in locations where equipment must work without maintenance for years.
Where to buy: Available on Amazon with full warranty
Midnight Solar (Schneider) — Bellingham, Washington
Specialization: Highest voltage capability, robust construction
Where to buy: Professional installers and solar distributors
OutBack FLEXmax Series — Arlington, Washington
Specialization: Advanced MPPT algorithms with comprehensive monitoring
Where to buy: Through certified off-grid system installers
For a detailed comparison of MPPT vs PWM technology, see our Charge Controller Showdown: MPPT vs PWM.
What Industry Authorities Say About American Solar Manufacturing
"Domestically manufactured solar equipment provides supply chain resilience that imported components cannot match. American manufacturers have invested heavily in quality control processes that directly translate to longer equipment lifespans."
— Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), 2024 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report
"Our long-term field testing consistently shows that panels manufactured under rigorous US quality standards maintain higher power output over their warranty period compared to modules produced in facilities with less stringent quality controls."
— National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), PV Module Reliability and Durability Studies
"The Inflation Reduction Act manufacturing incentives are driving significant new investment in domestic solar production capacity. Companies expanding US manufacturing are positioned to deliver both quality advantages and supply chain security."
— U.S. Department of Energy, Solar Energy Technologies Office
True Cost: American Made Solar Components vs Import Over 25 Years
American made solar components cost more on day one. That is a fact. But the total cost of ownership over 25 years tells a different story, and it is the only story that matters for a system your family depends on.
25-Year Cost Comparison: 10kW System
Import System:
Initial cost: $15,000. Replacement panels at year 12-15: $8,000. Replacement inverter at year 8: $3,000. Lost production during failures: $4,000. Warranty claims to overseas companies: $2,000 in wasted time.
Total: $32,000 over 25 years.
American System:
Initial cost: $22,000. 30% federal tax credit: -$6,600. Net cost: $15,400. Replacement costs over 25 years: $0. Lost production: $0.
Total: $15,400 over 25 years.
American made solar components save $16,600 over 25 years on a 10kW system.
The math only works if the equipment lasts. That is the entire point. American components last because American manufacturers use premium materials, test for American weather extremes, and back their products with warranties they actually honor. For a complete cost breakdown with your specific numbers, see our Cost Analysis and ROI Guide.
Wattson Wisdom:
"People ask me if American equipment is worth the premium. I ask them if they would rather spend $15,000 once or $32,000 twice. The cheap system costs more. It always costs more. The only question is how long it takes you to find out."
How to Buy American Made Solar Components
What You Can Buy on Amazon Today
- Battle Born LiFePO4 Batteries: Full range of lithium batteries with direct Amazon purchasing and full warranty
- Morningstar Charge Controllers: Most MPPT and PWM models available through Amazon
- Victron Energy Products: Inverters and controllers (note: Dutch company, not US manufactured)
- Accessories: Wiring, connectors, mounting hardware, and monitoring equipment from various manufacturers
What Requires a Certified Installer
- All solar panels from First Solar, Silfab, Heliene, and Mission Solar
- Large battery systems over 5kWh from Trojan, Crown, and SimpliPhi
- Whole-home inverters over 5kW from OutBack and Schneider
- All grid-tied systems require licensed electrician installation by code
Finding Qualified Installers
Visit manufacturer websites for certified installer directories. Look for NABCEP-certified installers in your area. When requesting quotes, specifically ask for american made solar components. Many installers default to imported products unless customers request domestic alternatives. Get quotes from 3-5 installers and compare both pricing and component quality.
If you have electrical experience and want to install yourself, our DIY Solar Installation Guide covers the complete process. For location-specific permit guidance, our free GPT solar tool provides personalized answers.
Get the Complete Solar Buyer's Guide
Compare american made solar components, avoid contractor scams, and maximize your 30% tax credit. Free, no obligation.
Download the Free Buyer's GuideFrequently Asked Questions About American Made Solar Components
The Bottom Line on American Made Solar Components
Seven companies manufacture solar equipment on American soil with the quality, warranty backing, and real-world performance data to justify the investment. Four panel manufacturers (First Solar, Silfab, Heliene, Mission Solar) require certified installers. Battle Born batteries and Morningstar charge controllers ship from Amazon. OutBack Power builds the inverters that serious off-grid installations depend on.
The 10-20% domestic premium disappears after the 30% federal tax credit. It reverses entirely when you factor in the 25-30 year lifespan, lower degradation, and the fact that warranty service comes from a company with a US address and a phone number that someone answers.
We learned this the hard way with a $15,000 contractor disaster and import equipment that failed in two years. You do not have to learn it the hard way. That is the whole point of this guide.
Continue Your Research
- American Made Solar Producers — Detailed panel manufacturer comparison
- Component Selection Guide — Full equipment compatibility guide
- Beginner's Guide to Off-Grid Solar — Start from zero
- System Design and Planning Guide — Size your system
- Cost Analysis and ROI Guide — Run the real numbers
- Essential Tools and Hardware — What you need for installation
Questions about choosing the right american made solar components for your property? Contact us or read our About page to learn how we got here. For full transparency on how this site earns revenue, see our affiliate disclaimer.
Wattson | US Solar Institute Trained | 14+ Years Off-Grid | Helping families since 2011
OffGrid Power Hub | Est. 2011 | Grid Down, Game On
American solar component information compiled from manufacturer specifications, independent testing data, and 14 years of field experience. Updated February 2026. Product availability, specifications, and pricing should be verified directly with manufacturers. Amazon links are affiliate links. We may earn commission on purchases at no additional cost to you. Tax incentives vary by individual circumstances. Consult a qualified tax professional for personalized advice.
