The solar market today is dominated by Chinese manufacturers, making it a challenge for other countries to compete. However, when an American company steps up to deliver high-quality products, it’s worth taking a closer look. Enter Mission Solar Panels, a Texas-based solar panel manufacturer that’s making waves with its locally produced photovoltaic (PV) modules. Let’s dive into their offerings, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Mission solar: Bolstering the American solar industry
Mission Solar stands out as one of the few manufacturers that produces solar panels entirely in the United States, relying on a local workforce. Based in San Antonio, Texas, this company ensures that its products are readily available, even when international solar panel shipments face delays.
Celebrating a decade in the solar industry in 2024, Mission Solar may be small compared to global giants, but it has carved a niche for itself. With numerous positive reviews backing its products, it’s clear this company is a force to be reckoned with in the American solar market.
A closer look at Mission solar panels
Mission Solar caters to residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects, with additional options for RV and boat installations. However, their efficiency ratings, ranging between 18% and 21%, leave room for improvement. While these figures aren’t subpar, they fall short of the top-tier Chinese competitors.
The company has incorporated modern technologies like busbars and PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) cells into its panels. These advancements indicate Mission Solar’s commitment to staying competitive in a fast-evolving market.
One standout feature is the positive power tolerance of their panels, rated at -0/+3%. This means that the panels perform as promised—or even up to 3% better—under real-world conditions. Combine this with their rigorous quality control process, and you get panels that deliver what you pay for.
Built to last: Exceptional durability
Mission Solar panels are designed with a 40mm aluminum frame, allowing them to withstand 5600 Pa of front load and 4800 Pa of back load. Simply put, these panels can endure extreme weather, including 215 mph winds. Texans, well-acquainted with harsh weather, have ensured their panels can take on tornado-level conditions with ease.
Affordable and competitive pricing
Cost is often a deciding factor for solar buyers, and Mission Solar shines in this area. Their panels are priced at approximately $0.70 to $0.80 per watt, placing them in the middle of the market’s price range. While Chinese panels and some Canadian options may be slightly cheaper, Mission Solar balances this with superior build quality and durability.
Warranty and customer support
Mission Solar offers a 12-year product warranty, which can be extended to 25 years for certain models, along with a 25-year performance warranty. By the end of this period, their panels retain around 81%-84% of their original power output. While this performance is solid, their degradation rate of 0.7%-0.8% annually is average compared to competitors.
As a U.S.-based company, Mission Solar offers easy access to customer support, making it straightforward to address warranty claims or other issues. With stringent quality testing and a strong reputation, buyers can feel confident in their investment.
The pros of Mission solar panels
To summarize the advantages:
- High Quality: Rigorous testing ensures reliable performance.
- Affordable Pricing: A cost-effective option for many buyers.
- Impressive Durability: Built to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Positive Power Tolerance: Delivers—or exceeds—promised output.
- Modern Design: Sleek, modern aesthetics enhance visual appeal.
- Made in America: Supports local jobs and minimizes dependence on imports.
The cons of Mission solar panels
No review is complete without considering the downsides:
- Lower efficiency: Competitors offer higher efficiency ratings.
- Average degradation rates: Falls short of industry leaders in long-term performance.
- Limited product line: Currently, only three models are listed on their website.
The bottom line
Mission Solar has carved out a unique space in the solar industry by delivering high-quality, durable, and American-made products. While their panels may not match the efficiency of top-tier Chinese brands, they make up for it with robust construction, affordability, and local production.
Whether you’re looking for a residential, commercial, or utility-scale solution, Mission Solar panels offer reliable performance backed by a strong warranty. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in every aspect of their operation.
If you’re ready to explore solar options, Sunhub is here to help! Reach out to us with your questions or to learn more about integrating Mission Solar panels into your project. Let’s power your future with sustainable, reliable energy solutions!