What is an OEM solar panel?

What is OEM? An OEM is essentially a manufacturer that specializes in making specific products on behalf of brands. In the case of solar module companies, primary manufacturers are outsourcing the production of their solar panels to OEMs.

Should solar panels be made from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)?

Over the past several years, multiple solar module manufacturers have shifted toward using original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to make their modules (commonly called solar panels).

Why should you choose OEM solar panels?

Most notably, it can enable manufacturers to reduce their own costs as the OEM solar module manufacturers benefit from economies of scale in operating its factories, purchasing materials and hiring labor. That allows the solar panel companies to keep costs to homeowners affordable, while still maintaining a high quality.

Should solar modules be outsourced to OEMs?

In the case of solar module companies, primary manufacturers are outsourcing the production of their solar panels to OEMs. The manufacturer still brands the product as its own, and ideally, monitors the manufacturing process to ensure the OEM maintains the level of quality that customers expect from the brand.

How does a photovoltaic system work?

A photovoltaic system is able, thanks to its modules (PV panels), to convert solar energy directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. The latter is given by the photovoltaic cells that allow light radiation to free electrons from semiconductor materials, such as silicon, charging them electrically.

Is the solar PV market growing?

The solar PV market has been growing for the past few years. According to solar PV research company PVinsights, worldwide shipments of solar modules in 2011 was around 25 GW, and the shipment year-over-year growth was around 40%. The top five solar module producers in 2011 were: Suntech, First Solar, Yingli, Trina, and Canadian.