Solar Manufacturing

What is Solar Manufacturing?

Solar manufacturing refers to the fabrication and assembly of materials across the solar value chain. Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules include many subcomponents like wafers, cells, encapsulant, glass, backsheets, junction boxes, connectors, and frames. In addition to modules, there are many manufactured products required for solar energy systems, including inverters, wiring, combiner boxes, and racking and tracking structures—and that’s just for PV. Concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) systems, for example, require the manufacturing of heliostats, receivers, and thermal storage systems. Learn more about how PV manufacturing works.

Solar Manufacturing in the United States

The U.S. Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Map displays active manufacturing sites that contribute to the domestic solar PV supply chain. The sector, subsector, facility type, and manufacturing capacity are provided for each site.

Solar Manufacturing Map

Why is Solar Manufacturing Important?

Building a robust solar manufacturing sector and supply chain in America supports the U.S. economy. It also helps America meet rising demand for secure, affordable, and reliable solar energy. Currently, the domestic PV manufacturing industry has the capacity to produce enough PV modules to meet U.S. demand, but there are gaps in the crystalline silicon value chain. Expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and closing gaps in the supply chain will boost the U.S. economy and create valuable manufacturing jobs.

A strong solar manufacturing sector in the U.S. will also decrease dependence on foreign energy supplies, which will improve energy security.

Research in Solar Manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds research projects that boost domestic manufacturing competitiveness and help America compete on a global scale. Projects support proof-of-concept development and technology validation in addition to advancing entirely new manufacturing processes. This includes conducting techno-economic analysis and other evaluations of supply chains, infrastructure, and workforce. Learn more about SETO’s manufacturing funding programs below:

In addition, SETO has supported the development of the American-Made Network, which is comprised of national labs, incubators, investors, and seasoned industry mentors. It provides technical insight, product validation, and strategic support to entrepreneurs working with SETO.

Video Url
Most metal contacts in photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are made with silver, which is a high-priced, high-demand metal. Bert Thin Films received an award from DOE's Solar Energy Technologies Office to develop a copper paste that can replace silver and be easily added into the manufacturing lines of solar companies.
U.S. Department of Energy/Bert Thin Films

Additional Resources