The energy sector has moved beyond relying only on traditional methods of keeping homes and businesses running. Solar power is one of many alternative energy solutions with a range of useful applications, such as powering electric vehicle charging stations. The following is a roundup of some of the largest solar companies developing, manufacturing and commercializing technology that turns sunlight into energy.
Largest Solar Companies
- SunPower Corporation
- SolarEdge Technologies
- First Solar
- Sunrun
- Array Technologies
Largest Solar Companies
Founded: 1985
Headquarters: Richmond, California
SunPower Corporation deals in residential solar energy systems and storage, serving homeowners, builders and local solar dealers. It’s been in business since the 1980s and has received over 1,000 solar patents for innovations in materials and technology, according to SunPower’s website. The company offers exclusive access to extremely high-efficiency solar panels, which use its proprietary SunPower Maxeon cell technology.
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Herzliya, Israel
Clean energy company SolarEdge Technologies developed the DC optimized inverter solution, which is a technology that can be added to solar panels to better and more safely convert solar power to AC electricity, which is what you need to run appliances in your home. SolarEdge Technologies provides photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging and solar batteries for residential and commercial clients.
Founded: 1999
Headquarters: Tempe, Arizona
Solar tech company First Solar sells environmentally optimal thin film photovoltaic modules, which use less carbon and degrade more slowly than commonly used crystalline silicon photovoltaic panels. First Solar’s website shows it operates the biggest solar manufacturing plant in the United States and is on target to soon produce over 20 gigawatts of energy annually.
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Sunrun’s team of over 7,000 employees brings solar energy for homes and vehicles to individuals with monthly solar leases, loans and purchase options. It offers power storage via the Tesla Powerwall and worked with Ford to create a Home Integration System that allows homeowners to use the Ford F-150 Lightning EV truck as a generator in power-loss scenarios.
Founded: 1989
Headquarters: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Array Technologies makes solar tracker software and technology for individual and corporate clients. Solar trackers physically move photovoltaic panels and other solar energy system components on a seasonal and daily basis so that they are always oriented toward the sun. This tech significantly uplevels the amount of energy that can be captured and stored by solar panels.
Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington
Clean Power Research builds software solutions and tools for the clean energy landscape that manage building electrification and support efficient solar power plants. The company works with 80 utility providers across over 200 entities. This gives it the capacity to power millions of homes.
