Despite concerns over supply chain interruptions and tariff investigations, the U.S. solar industry saw record solar and storage demand in 2021. In particular, the residential market grew 30%, which is reflected in the increased installation numbers recorded by this year’s Top Solar Contractors class. Solar Power World, the solar industry’s leading business-to-business publication, today released the 2022 Top Solar Contractors List, the most recognized annual listing of solar contractors in the United States working in the utility, commercial and residential markets.
“The utility-scale solar market, of course, puts up huge installation numbers each year, but the majority of workers in the industry are constructing projects in the commercial and residential markets, which continue to break records,” said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. “Over 85% of the companies on the 2022 Top Solar Contractors List primarily work in the residential and commercial sectors, and they all reported closing out the last year in a positive light.”
According to data released by Wood Mackenzie — before recent federal decisions to prevent additional tariffs on imported solar panels — the United States is expected to install 11 GW less than originally predicted in 2022, due to continued supply chain constraints, price increases and interconnection challenges. Still, a survey of the 2022 Top Solar Contractors class found that 59% predicted their business would increase in the next year, with only 9% assuming business would decrease.
Companies on the 2022 Top Solar Contractors List also see future growth opportunities in energy storage sales. Of the Top Solar Contractors surveyed, only 8% are not yet installing energy storage. Data from Wood Mackenzie shows that the United States installed 10.5 GWh of energy storage in 2021, a new record. More solar contractors were included on the 2022 Top Solar + Storage Installers List than the previous edition.
“It’s easy to worry about the current state of the industry, especially with legislation battles and supply concerns featured in the news every day,” Pickerel said. “That’s why we like to take a moment every year to reflect on the accomplishments of many solar companies throughout the country. We’re very proud to recognize over 400 companies on this year’s Top Solar Contractors List that are still finding ways to come out on top.”
The team at Solar Power World again recognizes two special companies as the Greenest Contractor and Most Forward-Thinking Contractor of the year. Four individuals were also chosen as Top Solar Champions, taking home top honors for their advocacy efforts, installation progress, design prowess and community building. See all the 2022 winners here.
Companies on the Top Solar Contractors list are grouped and listed by specific service (developer, electrical subcontractor, EPC, installation subcontractor, installer, sales partner), market (commercial, residential, utility) and states by 2021 installed capacity (in kWDC).
Here are some ways to interact with the 2022 Top Solar Contractors List:
- Go to the web-based 2022 Top Solar Contractors List
- Read our Top Solar Contractor features from the magazine
Lists of contractors by market:
Lists of contractors by service:
- Top Solar Developers
- Top Solar EPCs
- Top Electrical Subcontractors
- Top Installation Subcontractors
- Top Solar Installers (previously known as Rooftop Contractors)
- Top Sales Partners
- Top Solar + Storage Installers
Individual lists of contractors in all 50 states and 3 districts/territories:
Other interesting facts about the 2021 Top Solar Contractors List:
- The 2022 Top Solar Contractors class installed in all 50 states last year, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- The Top 5 states for installations were California, Illinois, Texas, New York and Florida.
- 89% of listees perform hands-on installation services, 86% perform development or design, 85% offer sales, 75% perform electrical work, and 32% offer in-house financing.
- A survey sent to all listees revealed that utility cost savings is still the primary reason why customers are choosing to go solar, with power security and the desire to be green rounding out the top choices.
- 92% of survey respondents stated they have seen supply shortages in the last year, with modules (49%), electrical hardware (24%), inverters (15%) and batteries (12%) being the most difficult products to source.
- 33% of survey respondents have turned to alternative sources for products in the last year, including hardware liquidators and online marketplaces like Facebook and eBay.
For more information on the annual Top Solar Contractors List, please read our FAQs.
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