Across the U.S., a growing number of cities are flipping the switch on fossil fuels and powering up with renewables. These forward-thinking communities are showing the rest of the country (and the world) what’s possible when clean energy takes center stage.

From wind and solar to hydropower and biomass, these cities are running on clean energy dreams—and real-world results. And while they’re leading the charge, your business can plug into the movement too (more on that below).

Let’s meet some of the clean energy champions lighting the way.

4 Cities Leading Clean Energy For The US

Iowa City, IA

Iowa City is charging hard into the renewable future. With investments in solar, wind, and energy efficiency, the city is on track to run 100% of its municipal operations on renewable electricity.

They’ve already rolled out solar arrays across public buildings and launched community solar programs that let residents share in the clean power. Iowa City is proof that even small cities can make a big green impact.

Burlington, VT

Burlington became one of the first cities in the U.S. to run entirely on renewable electricity—and they did it all the way back in 2014.

How? A mix of hydropower, wind, biomass, and solar keeps the lights on in Vermont’s largest city. Burlington doesn’t just talk sustainability—they live it, from city planning to transportation to how they heat their homes.

They’ve shown the nation that renewables aren’t a dream—they’re already working.

Aspen, CO

Famous for its luxury ski resorts, Aspen also happens to be one of the most sustainable mountain towns in the U.S. In 1885, Aspen became the first American municipality west of the Mississippi to use hydroelectric power.

Aspen now runs on 100% renewable electricity, thanks to a combo of hydropower and wind. The city has also implemented strict efficiency goals, electric vehicle incentives, and green building codes that make sustainability part of everyday life.

It’s proof that clean energy isn’t just for big cities—it’s for any city with big ambition.

Seattle, WA

Over 80% of Seattle’s electricity comes from hydropower, and they’re expanding into wind and solar, too.

The city has aggressive climate goals and policies that push for clean energy adoption across public transit, buildings, and businesses. Seattle is all in on a carbon-free future—and they’re bringing the Pacific Northwest along for the ride.

How Your Business Can Employ Renewable Energy

Good news: You don’t have to be a city government to go green. Businesses across the country are making the switch to renewables—and there are more options than ever before.

Here’s how to get started!

• Join a community solar program – Even if you don’t own your building, you can tap into shared solar and cut your electric bill.
• Install on-site solar panels – Rooftop or ground-mounted systems can power your operations and provide long-term savings.
• Buy green power from your utility – Many utilities offer renewable energy subscriptions or “green tariffs” that let you buy clean electricity.
• Invest in energy storage – Combine solar with batteries to take control of your energy use and stay resilient.
• Recycle your old solar panels – Upgrading your system? We’ll take those retired panels off your hands—responsibly. Contact our solar panel recycling company today to find out more.

The U.S. solar industry is booming—and that’s not just good news for the grid, it’s great news for the planet. But behind every solar-powered home, business, or utility-scale farm, there’s one crucial component: the solar panel.

So, who’s making the high-quality panels that keep America charged up and carbon-light? We’re breaking down the top solar panel manufacturers in the U.S.—and showing you what happens after those panels reach the end of the road.

4 Leading Solar Panel Manufacturers In The Us

First Solar

When it comes to U.S.-made solar, First Solar is the real MVP. They’re one of the few manufacturers producing panels entirely on American soil, and their thin-film technology is built to withstand heat, dust, and time.

They’ve been powering everything from home rooftops to mega solar farms—and their next-gen, ultra-low carbon panels are a big step toward cleaner, more sustainable energy. When First Solar panels retire decades from now? We’ll be there to recycle them the right way.

Qcells

Qcells is investing heavily in U.S. solar production. Their Georgia facility is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and they’re scaling up to meet the demand for residential, commercial, and utility-scale systems.

They make high-efficiency, budget-friendly panels that you’ll find on rooftops all across the country. Reliable, scalable, and growing fast—Qcells is helping make solar mainstream in the U.S.

Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar is a global solar giant with manufacturing right here in the States. They’ve supplied panels for some of the biggest solar projects across North America and continue to expand their U.S. operations.

Known for their quality and performance, Canadian Solar is a top choice for large-scale projects and installers alike. As panels from past projects start aging out, we’re helping make sure they don’t end up in landfills.

JinkoSolar

JinkoSolar is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world—and they’ve got boots on the ground in the U.S. too. Their Jacksonville facility produces high-efficiency mono PERC panels that go straight into American homes and businesses.

JinkoSolar combines global scale with local impact, and their U.S.-based production is part of a broader push to strengthen domestic solar supply chains. 

How Are Solar Panels Manufactured?

Solar panels might look sleek and simple, but there’s a lot going on under the glass. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they’re made:

1. Silicon Processing

It starts with silicon—the raw material for most solar cells. Silicon is purified, melted, and formed into crystals (either monocrystalline or polycrystalline).

2. Wafer Creation

The silicon crystals are sliced into ultra-thin wafers, which will become the base of the solar cells.

3. Cell Fabrication

Wafers are treated with dopants to create a positive/negative layer setup (basically, what allows them to generate electricity when hit by sunlight).

4. Panel Assembly

Multiple cells are connected and sealed between glass and backsheet layers. Then, a metal frame and junction box are added to create a full panel.

5. Testing & Quality Checks

Panels are tested for power output, durability, and safety before heading out to power the world.

And what happens when they reach the end of their lifespan—typically 25–30 years later? At PV Solar Recycling, we help businesses, solar installers, energy companies, and utility-scale sites responsibly dispose of aging or damaged panels. We make sure those valuable materials don’t go to waste—or worse, into a landfill.

Whether your panels come from First Solar, Qcells, Canadian Solar, or JinkoSolar, we’ve got the tools, know-how, and nationwide reach to recycle them right.

The solar energy boom in the United States has taken off like a rocket—and it’s not slowing down any time soon. Across the country, massive solar farms are turning sunlight into serious power. But while these impressive sites are revolutionizing how we produce energy, they’re also creating a new challenge: what happens when panels wear out or get replaced?

That’s where we come in. At PV Solar Recycling, we help businesses responsibly recycle old or damaged solar panels—because clean energy shouldn’t come with a messy side effect.

Before we talk recycling, let’s check out some of the biggest and boldest solar panel farms lighting up the U.S. grid.

4 Of The Biggest Solar Panel Farms In The US

Copper Mountain Solar Facility

Located in Boulder City, Nevada, the Copper Mountain Solar Facility is one of the biggest solar farms in the country. It’s made up of around 9 million solar panels and produces a whopping 802 megawatts of electricity. That’s enough juice to power around 260,000 homes!

It’s a shimmering sea of panels that proves solar can go BIG—and as those panels age, we’re here to make sure they’re recycled the right way.

Edwards & Sanborn Solar + Energy Storage

This isn’t just a solar farm—it’s a solar superpower. The Edwards & Sanborn project combines massive solar energy production (over 875 megawatts) with energy storage, making it a powerhouse of clean tech.

Located in Kern County, California, this facility is pushing the limits of what’s possible with renewable energy. And when those panels reach the end of their lifespan? We’re ready to step in with responsible, cost-effective recycling solutions.

SB Orion Solar Belt

Texas is no stranger to energy innovation, and the SB Orion Solar Belt is proof. Stretching across West Texas, this solar project feeds hundreds of megawatts into the grid—and it’s still growing. With long hours of sunlight and plenty of space to expand, Texas is quickly becoming a solar hotspot. 

Solar Star

Topping the charts for years, Solar Star was once the largest solar farm in the U.S. Located in sunny California, it uses over 1.7 million solar panels to produce 579 megawatts of clean energy.

It’s been running since 2015, which means its oldest panels are already approaching retirement age. If your business operates at Solar Star or anywhere like it, let’s talk about giving those panels a second life—without sending them to landfill.

What Are Solar Farms?

If you’ve ever driven past rows and rows of solar panels stretching toward the horizon, you’ve seen a solar farm in action.

Solar farms (also called solar parks or photovoltaic power stations) are large-scale installations of solar panels designed to generate electricity for the grid. Instead of powering one home or business, they power entire communities or even entire regions.

There are two main types:

• Utility-scale farms that send power straight to the grid.
• Community solar farms that allow individuals to subscribe and share in the solar power generated.