SunPower Tops List of Best Solar Panel Manufacturers

March 19, 2007

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SunPower makes the best solar panels in the world and Kaco makes the best inverters in the world and Direct Power and Water makes the best mounting systems in the world, according to new research conducted by ENF among directors of photovoltaic installation companies in 45 different countries.

The directors were asked to name which brands of photovoltaic components they have purchased in the last 12 months, and rate the products for their quality and value for money. An average of these two scores has been used to find the companies whose customers thought most highly of their products.

The top ranking companies receiving awards are:

Solar Panels
No.1 in World -? SunPower (USA)
No.2 in World -? Schott Solar (Germany)
No.3 in World -? SolarWorld (Germany)

Best Product Quality -? Sanyo (Japan)

Best Value for Money -? Suntech (China)

Solar Inverters
No.1 in World -? Kaco (Germany)
No.2 in World -? OutBack (USA)
No.3 in World -? Mastervolt (USA)

Best Product Quality -? OutBack (USA)

Best Value for Money -? Kaco (Germany)

Solar Mounting Systems
No.1 in World -? Direct Power and Water (USA)
No.2 in World -? UniRac (USA)
No.3 in World -? SchA?A??A?AA¼co (Germany)

Solar Trackers
No.1 in World -? Zomeworks (USA)

Solar PV Systems
No.1 in World -? Sharp (Japan)

The research found that 49 percent of companies thought the cell brand in a panel was important, and the most commonly named cell brands that installation companies thought were high quality were Sharp, Q-Cells and BP Solar.

Another key finding was that the average price installers paid for their solar panels in 2006 was $4.16 per Watt. Installers in Europe paid on average 10 percent more for their panels than installers in Asia Pacific.

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Reader Comments

I live in the state of Kansas in the United States. The state has recently passed legislation that makes it profitable to set-up an PV system and make a profit. I am interested in buying a 10 kW system and need to know how much the entire start-up costs will be. Thank You very much for any help you can provide me.

chris Thompson | May 15th, 2007

I am looking for some manufacturers and distributors of solar panes. I am interested sell solar equipment and I need good prices and better quality. Please if you are interested to have a representative in the Caribbean area please contact me at: solarcaribbe@hotmail.com

gaspar echevarria | May 17th, 2007

Chris Thompson comments about recent legislation in Kansas which makes it profitable to set up a PV system. I am also from Kansas as a PV installer and am unfamiliar with this legislation. Can Chris be more specific? Thanks

Bill Dorsett
Manhattan, KS

Wm Dorsett | July 31st, 2007

As a developer and property owner I also distribute various building products. ICF, cultured stone and concrete pavers, I would like to have a good solar panel that I can incorporate into my busines here in Ohio, and I am looking for guidance.

William Marino | November 6th, 2007

plse we want to buy solar panels of 75w 12v/24v qoute good prices cif entebbe airport.

jonathan | March 8th, 2008

I have clients asking for solar roof tile for residential and commercial installation. I would be interested to learn more to be able to offer/sell and install this type of unit. Thanks for any help

Dan Rossetta | May 5th, 2008

What about First Solar thin film panels. I don’t see them in the ranking.

Ro Pro | May 30th, 2008

A well known solar panel related co is putting a plant nearby my place. I wonder what harm can it contribute to the local environment? Will it involve in smelting of metals or will there be any gas emit to the air? Tq

Samad | June 30th, 2008

I would like to start of a company in installation of solar pannels in UAE.I am alrady in the industry in the installation of high power cables like 11kv,33kv and 133kv and i have 160 stafs to do the job.If you are interested can you please contact me in email.

shibu | August 6th, 2008

where’s SMA?

Elvis | September 8th, 2008

We need to buy solar panels for renewable project in Nicaragua. Please contact us.

William Bartlett | September 22nd, 2008

i want to start my own solar company plz , help & guide me

juned khan | October 19th, 2008

I am looking for a joint venture partner to develop a 3 MW solar project in California. The transmission lines serving this property will be increased and then this project can also be increased.

George M Coladonato | November 20th, 2008

Hello, My friend and I are starting an Electrical Contracting business in Ohio. We are looking for information on solar and wind power. We want to be the first Union company in Ohio to handle the installation and sales of solar and wind products. Any info would be helpfull. Thanks

Jason Myers | January 23rd, 2009

I live in mid-Virginia. I am setting up a solar sales and service company. I have the corporation and funding set and the licensing nearly complete. Now I want to become a dealer for a good solar manufacturer but can’t seem to generate much interest.

Robert Rouse | January 29th, 2009

I would like to be a manufacturer of this solar panel in my country Malaysia, as the demand is good and also environmental friendly . I am seriously need to know what is the best option i should make.

Md Suib Abd Rahman | February 3rd, 2009

I live just outside of Salt lake City, Utah in a city called Bountiful. I want to start my own pv system biz. I have interested commercial building and residential owners. I also have contractors ready to become involved in installation. I am sort of at a stand still on what to do as far as start up cost. I am a person that really wants to help make a difference in the betterment of our environment. I have always had an interest in solar power. I think i have enough knowledge of the process to get people interested in purchasing a system both residential and commercial. I need to get pricing info and some funding tips. Thank you very much!

The next ecopreneur

jermaine younger | March 19th, 2009

Quote for me the price of 80wts for 100pcs

Ddamulira | March 26th, 2009

I have a two Kila Watt Solar Panel system and wish to change the braces to central control system to raise and lower the Panels.
Thanks
Marlin H. Brown

Marlin Brown | April 10th, 2009

seems like we’re all having the same issue…. we want to become dealers for solar systems but are having problems finding a manufacturer to let us sell their product. I’ve been looking for a few months and can’t seem to find someone to become a dealer for.

Tom | May 26th, 2009

Can you tell me the approximate cost per Sq/ft installation of solar panels.

Thank you

Larry Berti | July 7th, 2009

I am planning to start solar energy installation company. I am looking for cost effective solar panel manufacturers. if interested please email me at this site.

Sri | July 12th, 2009

i am looking to get all my neighbours in the local village to buy and get installed solar panels and become a test area, we south west of London Uk and i am looking for the best type and make of panel for the northern hemisphere any feedback would be much appreciated. cheers

Chris Matthews | September 7th, 2009

Hello, My friend and I are starting an Electrical Contracting business in India. We are looking for information on solar and wind power. We want to be the first Union company in India to handle the installation and sales of solar and wind products. Any info would be helpfull. Thanks

Abhishek | September 16th, 2009

I am an installer, looking for a manufacturer/supplier to provide me with continuous inventory and possibly become a local representative for your product. I specialize in PV systems that at times incorporates a wind turbine to supply 15A for a period of 6 hours per day. I am not looking for one panel here and there but for a reliable source. Any help would be appreciated. Thannk you in advance.

JAY | September 17th, 2009

Hello, I own a company in Greece. I am looking for information on solar and wind power. I want to be the first Solar & Wind power company in Greece to handle the installation and sales of solar and wind products. I am looking for manufacturers interested in a partnership.

Dimitris | September 29th, 2009

Here’s a chart of the Top 40 Most Efficient Solar Panels available as measured by PTC/area sqft.

http://sroeco.com/solar/top-40-most-efficient-solar-panels/

Cheers.

SRoeCo Solar | November 2nd, 2009

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