As one of the pioneering solar companies in America, United Solar has been at the forefront of solar investment and technological innovation for over 20 years. The company’s steadfast commitment to solar energy has made it a leader in the industry. United Solar’s extensive expertise and manufacturing capabilities have enabled it to drive down costs and improve efficiency, making solar more accessible.
United Solar’s Massive Investment in Solar Manufacturing and R&D
Since its founding in 1991, United Solar has invested heavily in solar manufacturing facilities and research and development. Its first solar cell manufacturing plant opened in Michigan in 1995. Over the next decade, the company opened more plants and increased production capacity exponentially. By 2005, United Solar had over 1 gigawatt of manufacturing ability globally. Its substantial investment in technology innovation also led to greater solar efficiency and new products like lightweight, flexible solar panels. United Solar holds numerous patents and often partners with universities on R&D.
United Solar’s Pivotal Role in Bringing Down the Cost of Solar
As a result of its massive scale and persistent innovation, United Solar has helped dramatically reduce the cost of solar energy over the years. In the early 1990s, solar PV modules cost around $7 per watt. But United Solar’s automated manufacturing and R&D efforts have slashed costs by over 90% to around $0.70 per watt today. The company commercialized thin-film solar technology to reduce silicon usage and debuted lightweight solar modules to lower transportation costs. By manufacturing at such a large scale and constantly improving efficiency, United Solar has made solar energy more affordable.
United Solar’s Solar Installations Across America
With solar more economical than ever thanks to United Solar’s efforts, the company has helped install solar panels on homes, businesses, and facilities across America. By 2009, United Solar solar panels were powering over 200 facilities in 28 states, from schools to military bases to retail stores. Prominent companies like Costco, Bed Bath & Beyond, IKEA, and Intel have installed United Solar systems. Beyond rooftop installations, United Solar also develops large solar farms sending clean electricity to thousands of households.
United Solar’s Vision for the Future of Solar Power
As a solar pioneer, United Solar believes strongly in the immense potential of solar energy to power the future in a sustainable way. The company states that rooftop solar could realistically supply around 40% of the nation’s electricity if fully adopted. United Solar also sees possibilities in integrated solar architecture on homes and buildings taking efficiency even higher. Thanks to the company’s forward-thinking investment and innovation over decades, solar energy costs continue to decrease each year, making United Solar’s clean energy vision more achievable all the time.
Through massive and sustained investment in manufacturing and R&D over 20+ years, United Solar has helped transform solar technology and dramatically reduced costs, making this renewable energy more affordable and widespread.