15 Big Companies that Use Solar Energy

Solar energy is the power derived from the sun's radiation, which is converted into electricity or heat through technologies such as solar panels. Solar energy is a renewable, sustainable energy source that helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The main reasons why businesses are increasingly adopting solar energy are that it offers substantial cost savings, greater control over energy use, and strong returns on investment.

The 15 biggest companies that use solar energy are listed below.

1. Meta: Meta, formerly Facebook, began investing in renewable energy in 2011 and became the largest corporate buyer by 2018. It has invested around $8 billion in solar and wind projects and aims for net-zero emissions by 2030.
2. Amazon: Amazon committed to The Climate Pledge in 2019, investing over $8 billion in renewable energy projects. The company currently leads globally with 10.9 GW of clean energy and plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
3. Walmart: Walmart has been integrating renewable energy since 2005 and has invested over $1 billion in solar projects. The company plans to power its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2035.
4. IKEA: IKEA began using solar energy in 2011, with over 900,000 solar panels installed globally. The company aims to use 100% renewable electricity by 2025 and reach energy positivity by 2030.
5. Apple: Apple powers all its operations with renewable energy since 2018, using $4.7 billion from Green Bonds for clean energy projects. The company aims for carbon neutrality across its entire product lifecycle by 2030.
6. Costco Wholesale: Costco started using solar energy in 2007, recently adding an off-grid system for its electric truck fleet. The company aims to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035.
7. Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser Permanente, a nonprofit health system, has invested in over 44 MW of on-site solar across 100 sites. The organization aims to become carbon-positive by 2025.
8. Macy's: Macy's began installing solar energy systems in 2007 and has since added 38.9 MW across 71 sites. The company aims to source 80% of its energy from clean sources by 2030.
9. Microsoft: Microsoft started its renewable energy journey in 2013 and has invested over $10 billion in clean energy. The company plans to match 100% of its electricity consumption with zero-carbon energy by 2025.
10. Kohl's: Kohl's has installed solar panels in 163 locations since 2007, with plans to expand further in 2024. The company aims to generate enough solar energy to power 924 homes annually.
11. Intel: Intel began its solar initiatives in 2008 and has partnered with solar farms to expand its renewable energy capacity. The company plans to source 100% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
12. Target: Target has installed rooftop solar panels in over 580 stores since 2011 and aims for 100% renewable energy by 2030. The company has been recognized as a top corporate solar installer.
13. Prologis: Prologis, a leader in logistics real estate, has achieved 500 MW of rooftop solar capacity by 2023. The company plans to reach 1 GW of solar capacity by 2025, supported by energy storage.
14. General Growth: General Growth installed 37 MW of solar capacity across its properties by 2016. After being acquired by Brookfield, these efforts continued under Brookfield's broader renewable energy strategy.
15. Brookfield Properties: Brookfield has dramatically expanded its solar investments, doubling its renewables pipeline to 110 GW by 2022. The company plans to add up to 6 GW of new solar capacity through organic growth and acquisitions.

The use of solar energy benefits these companies in several ways. Financially, the implementation of solar energy leads to significant savings on electricity bills and helps shield businesses from future energy cost increases. The initial investment in solar panels often yields good returns through various incentives and tax credits, making it a cost-effective long-term strategy.

Additionally, solar energy offers environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions, which aligns with global sustainability goals. These environmental advantages enhance a company’s reputation. Companies that install solar panels become leaders in corporate responsibility and sustainability, which in turn attracts environmentally-conscious consumers and investors.

1. Meta (formerly Facebook)

Meta is a social media giant founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California. With over 2.8 billion monthly active users, Meta owns several significant digital services, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.

Facebook started its journey towards renewable energy in 2011. This commitment began with the aim to power its data centers and operations with 100% renewable energy. By 2018, Facebook had become the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy, a title it has maintained by continuously investing in new projects and partnerships.

Meta has invested approximately $8 billion in renewable energy projects, including solar and wind. This significant investment has enabled Meta to develop 63 new wind and solar power plants. The company’s solar projects are strategically located on the same grids as its data centers, ensuring that the energy generated directly supports its operations. The investment supports tens of thousands of jobs, both during the construction phase and throughout the global supply chain for producing solar panels and wind turbines.

Looking ahead, Meta is committed to continuing and expanding its use of solar energy. The company has set ambitious goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 across its entire value chain, which includes suppliers, business travel, and employee commuting. To maintain its 100% renewable energy status, Meta intends to contract new solar and wind projects, investing in high-quality carbon removal projects and innovative ways to reduce emissions.

2. Amazon

Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon is a global leader in e-commerce, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Amazon's expansive operations include online retail, Amazon Web Services (AWS), digital streaming, and artificial intelligence.

Amazon began its journey towards renewable energy in 2019 with the announcement of The Climate Pledge, which is a commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The initiative marked a crucial shift in Amazon's approach to sustainability, as it sought to reduce its carbon footprint across all aspects of its business.

The company has made substantial investments in renewable energy, committing over $8 billion to various solar and wind projects worldwide. As of 2022, Amazon had procured 10.9 gigawatts of clean power, making it the largest corporate buyer of renewable power globally. The company's renewable energy portfolio includes 401 projects in 22 countries, encompassing 164 utility-scale wind and solar farms and 237 on-site rooftop solar facilities at fulfillment centers, AWS data centers, corporate offices, and physical stores.

Looking to the future, Amazon is committed to continuing and expanding its use of solar energy. The company plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement's target. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is an international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To maintain its 100% renewable energy status, Amazon will continue to contract new solar and wind projects and invest in high-quality carbon removal initiatives. Additionally, Amazon's renewable energy strategy includes pioneering regulatory frameworks and technological innovations to support clean energy projects in countries with less developed renewable infrastructure.

3. Walmart

Walmart is a global retail company headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, Walmart is known for its extensive network of stores, Sam’s Club warehouses, and a robust e-commerce platform. The company employs millions worldwide and has a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

The journey towards renewable energy began in 2005 when Walmart became one of the leading corporate adopters of renewable energy. By 2019, Walmart had added the most solar capacity of any U.S. company, increasing its solar use by more than 35% that year alone.​

Walmart has invested heavily in solar energy projects, allocating over $1 billion towards renewable energy, sustainable buildings, and circular economy initiatives. As of 2024, the company has committed to adding nearly 1 gigawatt (GW) of new clean energy projects across the U.S. as part of its broader goal to add 10 GW of clean energy capacity by the end of 2030​. The company currently powers nearly half of its operations with renewable energy and has over 600 onsite and offsite projects in development across 10 countries​. These projects are expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including local job creation and significant tax revenues​.

Thinking ahead, Walmart is committed to continuing and expanding its use of solar energy. The company plans to reach 100% renewable energy for its facilities by 2035. This commitment aligns with Walmart’s broader sustainability goals, including achieving zero emissions across its global operations by 2040​. Walmart’s ambitious plans include expanding its renewable energy portfolio and encouraging its suppliers to reduce emissions through initiatives like Project Gigaton, which aims to eliminate one gigaton of greenhouse gasses from its supply chain by 2030​.

4. IKEA

IKEA is a globally recognized retailer founded in 1943 in Sweden by Ingvar Kamprad. IKEA specializes in affordable, well-designed home furnishings. The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability, aiming to minimize its environmental impact and promote a circular economy.

IKEA began its solar energy journey in 2011, installing solar panels on its buildings to reduce its carbon footprint. As of today, the company has over 900,000 solar panels installed on its rooftops globally. Additionally, IKEA has invested in large-scale solar farms in Utah and Texas, featuring 636,000 and 823,000 panels, respectively.

Since IKEA began its journey towards solar power, it has made substantial investments in renewable energy infrastructure. The company has allocated over $1 billion towards renewable energy, sustainable buildings, and circular economy initiatives. IKEA’s renewable energy projects include 21 solar parks globally and partnerships in countries such as Australia and several European markets. The company’s green energy infrastructure currently generates more electricity than is consumed by their stores.

Looking ahead, IKEA is committed to expanding its use of solar energy and other renewable sources. The company aims to use 100% renewable electricity by 2025 and achieve energy positivity by 2030. The strategy involves generating renewable energy for its stores and reducing emissions across its supply chain. Additionally, IKEA is working towards ensuring that 60% of its last-mile deliveries are made with emission-free electric vehicles and is committed to recycling all food waste into biogas. The company's efforts are part of a broader goal to enable over one billion people to live within the planet's resources by 2030​.

5. Apple

Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California,  founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. Apple has a strong focus on design, user experience, and sustainability, making it one of the most valuable and influential technology companies in the world.

The company began its push toward renewable energy over a decade ago. The company started by building and investing in large-scale solar and wind farms to power its data centers and offices. By 2015, Apple had extended its renewable energy efforts to its manufacturing partners, helping them invest in their own solar and wind projects. Since 2018, all of Apple’s corporate offices, data centers, and retail stores worldwide have been powered by renewable electricity​.

Apple has made extensive investments in clean energy, facilitated in part by its issuance of Green Bonds. Since 2016, Apple has allocated approximately $4.7 billion from Green Bonds towards clean energy projects, and high-quality carbon removal initiatives. These investments have supported more than 15 gigawatts of clean energy worldwide, enough to power over 5 million American homes.

Apple is committed to making every product carbon-neutral by 2030, including its entire global supply chain and the lifetime use of every device it makes. This goal involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the three biggest sources across the product life cycle: electricity, materials, and transportation. To support these efforts, Apple continues to innovate in low-carbon design and expand its use of recycled and renewable materials. For instance, the new Apple Watch models feature 100% recycled aluminum in their cases and utilize recycled materials for other components. Furthermore, Apple will transition to plastic-free packaging by 2025 and replace leather across all its product lines with a new textile called FineWoven, which is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content​.

6. Costco Wholesale

Costco Wholesale Corporation, commonly referred to as Costco, is an American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only big-box retail stores. Costco was founded in 1976, and it has grown to become one of the largest retailers in the world.

Costco began its journey into solar energy in 2007 with the installation of its first solar energy systems at locations in Lancaster and Lake Elsinore, California. These early installations marked the company's initial steps toward integrating renewable energy solutions into its operations. In recent years, Costco has significantly ramped up its investments in solar energy. In 2024, the company installed an off-grid solar system at its distribution center in Mira Loma, California, designed to charge its fleet of electric trucks. The project was completed in just four months and will produce approximately 100 MWh of carbon-free energy annually. Additionally, Costco has committed to converting its depot yard trucks from diesel to alternative fuel models by 2035, further demonstrating its dedication to sustainability.

Costco Wholesale has allocated substantial resources towards achieving its energy efficiency and decarbonization goals, aiming for more than 100 on-site solar facilities and procuring at least 80% clean energy by 2030. These efforts are part of Costco's broader climate action plan, which includes a commitment to power its operations with 100% clean energy by 2035.

7. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is the largest integrated nonprofit health system in the United States. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente provides healthcare services to over 12 million members across eight states and the District of Columbia. It operates 39 hospitals and more than 700 medical offices, with a focus on combining care and coverage to improve community health.

The first solar energy initiatives at Kaiser Permanente began in the early 2000s. By 2010, it had launched major solar projects, including a 15 MW project to install solar power systems across multiple California facilities. The initiative was part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency within its healthcare facilities.​

Since then, Kaiser has made substantial investments in renewable energy, including solar and wind projects. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the organization has installed over 44 MW of on-site solar arrays across 100 sites, contributing to a total renewable energy capacity of more than 360 MW. Kaiser’s investment is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.

The organization has set ambitious goals for the future. One of Kaiser Permanente’s main goals is to achieve carbon positivity by 2025, building on its success of becoming carbon neutral in 2020. The goal involves continuing Kaiser’s investment in solar energy while expanding its use of other renewable technologies like wind power and geothermal energy. Kaiser Permanente plans to increase its on-site renewable energy generation and explore advanced technologies like fuel cells and microgrids to further reduce its environmental impact​.

8. Macy's

Macy's, Inc. is a premier retailer in the United States, known for its iconic department stores Macy's and Bloomingdale's. Established in 1858, Macy's operates over 500 stores and has a significant online presence, offering a wide range of products from fashion and beauty to home goods and furniture.

Macy's began its journey into solar energy in 2007 with the installation of nearly 24 megawatts (MW) of SunPower® solar systems across various locations. By 2017, Macy's had expanded its solar energy portfolio significantly, adding 15 MW of high-efficiency solar energy systems at 21 locations in seven states, including California, Massachusetts, and Maryland​.

Macy's has invested heavily in solar energy as part of its broader sustainability initiatives. By the end of 2016, Macy's had installed solar power systems at 71 sites through a partnership with TotalEnergies. These installations have a combined capacity of 38.9 MW, with an estimated annual output of over 50,000 MWh​.

Looking ahead, Macy's is committed to further expanding its use of solar energy. The company's climate action plan includes goals for more than 100 on-site solar facilities and aims to source at least 80% of its energy from clean sources by 2030​. By continuing to identify and develop solar energy opportunities, Macy's aims to play a significant role in promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

9. Microsoft

Microsoft is a leading global technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Known for its software products like Windows and Office, as well as its cloud services under Azure, the company has consistently been at the forefront of technological innovation and corporate responsibility.

Microsoft's journey towards renewable energy began in earnest in 2013 when it announced a plan to power one of its data centers with electricity from a Texas wind farm. This marked the beginning of its large-scale investment in renewable energy sources.

Over the years, Microsoft has made substantial investments in renewable energy. In a landmark deal, the company partnered with Brookfield Asset Management to invest more than $10 billion to develop 10.5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in the U.S. and Europe by 2030. Additionally, a strategic alliance with QCells will supply 12 gigawatts of U.S.-made solar panels, further bolstering Microsoft's renewable energy portfolio.

Microsoft has set ambitious goals for the future. By 2025, it aims to have 100% of its electricity consumption matched by zero-carbon energy purchases. Furthermore, the company plans to become carbon-negative by 2030, meaning it will remove more carbon than it emits. To achieve these goals, Microsoft continues to innovate and expand its renewable energy initiatives, such as developing 500 megawatts of community-scale solar projects across the United States with Pivot Energy. These efforts underscore the company's commitment to leading the tech industry in environmental responsibility and contributing to a sustainable future for all.

10. KOHL'S

Kohl's is a leading American department store retail chain headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Established in 1962, the company operates over 1,000 stores across the United States, offering a wide range of products including clothing, footwear, bedding, and home decor. Kohl's is committed to sustainability, integrating environmental responsibility into its operations and community engagements.

Kohl's began its journey into solar energy in 2007 with the installation of its first solar panels on the rooftops of 19 stores in California. This marked the beginning of a robust commitment to renewable energy as part of Kohl's broader sustainability strategy.

Over the years, Kohl's has significantly expanded its investment in solar energy. The company has installed more than 200,000 solar panels across 163 of its locations, including stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices. These solar installations provide between 20-50% of the energy needs for each building. In 2024, Kohl's largest solar array system at its Edgewood, Maryland e-Fulfillment Center generates 2.3 MW of power with over 8,000 panels.

Kohl's remains committed to expanding its use of solar energy. In 2024, the company plans to further increase its solar energy capacity by deploying rooftop solar arrays in an additional 15 store locations across Arizona and Illinois. This expansion will boost the company's total installed solar capacity by 10.4%, bringing it to nearly 57 megawatts (MW). These new installations are expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 924 homes annually, with each system projected to cover around 75% of the store’s electricity needs.

11. INTEL

Intel Corporation is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and technology innovation headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Intel is well-known for its processors, which power a vast array of computing devices worldwide. The company has made significant strides in environmental sustainability, including substantial investments in renewable energy.

Intel began its commitment to solar energy in earnest in 2008 with the installation of its first major solar projects at its Chandler, Arizona, campus. A notable milestone occurred in 2011 when Intel installed a 7,700-panel solar array at its Folsom, California campus, which was one of the largest installations at that time​. In 2020, Intel significantly ramped up its investment in solar energy by partnering with the solar farm Salt River Project (SRP) to develop a 100 MW solar farm in Arizona. SRP supports Intel’s massive manufacturing operations in the state and is expected to generate $10 million in tax revenue over the next 25 years. These efforts are integral to Intel’s Climate Transition Action Plan, which targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations by 2040​.

Intel is firmly committed to expanding its use of solar energy and other renewable sources. The company has set a goal to source 100% of its global electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Intel has invested over $185 million in energy conservation projects since 2012, resulting in cumulative savings of 4.5 billion kWh of electricity​. Additionally, Intel continues to advance its efforts in water conservation, having already achieved a 38% reduction in water use per chip by 2022​.

12. Target Corporation

Target Corporation is a leading American retail company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Known for its commitment to offering quality products at affordable prices, Target has become a leader in sustainability, particularly in the adoption of renewable energy.

Target began its journey with solar energy in 2011, with the installation of its first rooftop solar panels as part of its sustainability goals. A major milestone was reached in 2020 when Target completed its 500th rooftop solar installation, well ahead of its initial 2025 target​. By the end of 2023, Target had installed rooftop solar panels in over 580 stores and distribution centers, contributing more than 240 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity—enough to power nearly 46,000 homes annually​.

In terms of investment, Target has allocated significant resources towards expanding its renewable energy footprint. The company’s investment strategy includes both the installation of rooftop solar panels and the development of offsite renewable energy projects. Target’s investments are part of a broader goal to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. In 2023 alone, Target signed contracts for several large-scale solar and wind projects across the country​. The company has been recognized multiple times by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) as a top corporate solar installer, highlighting its leadership in the retail industry’s shift towards renewable energy.

Looking ahead, Target remains committed to expanding its use of solar energy and other renewable resources. The company’s ambitious climate goals include achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and supply chain by 2040. This commitment is supported by ongoing investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency upgrades, and collaborations with suppliers to reduce emissions throughout its value chain​.

13. Prologis

Prologis is a global leader in logistics real estate, with over 1.2 billion square feet of space across 19 countries. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Prologis stands out among its competitors for its vast portfolio and its commitment to sustainability, particularly in renewable energy initiatives.

Prologis’ first initiatives in solar power date back to 2005, when they started installations on the rooftops of its logistics facilities. Over the years, the company has made substantial progress, achieving a major milestone in 2023 with the completion of 500 megawatts (MW) of rooftop solar capacity. This milestone marks the halfway point to Prologis' ambitious goal of reaching 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar capacity, supported by energy storage, by 2025​.

The company has invested significantly in solar energy as part of its broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its operations and value chain by 2040. The solar installations on Prologis properties are powering their own operations while contributing to local grids, providing clean energy to the surrounding communities. For instance, Prologis' solar projects in China, including a 6 MW installation at the Foshan Gaoming Logistics Center, are set to generate 7.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 4,100 tons​.

Looking forward, Prologis remains committed to expanding its solar energy portfolio. The company aims to add as much as 6 GW of solar and storage capacity over the long term, further solidifying its position as a leader in corporate renewable energy adoption.

14. General Growth

General Growth Properties (GGP) was a prominent real estate investment trust known for its extensive portfolio of high-quality retail properties. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, GGP managed around 128 properties, covering approximately 125 million square feet across 40 states. In 2018, GGP was acquired by Brookfield Property Partners, which integrated GGP's assets into its own extensive real estate portfolio.

GGP's commitment to sustainability began to take shape in the early 2010s, with the company making significant strides in energy conservation and renewable energy adoption. One of the key components of this strategy was the installation of solar panels across its properties. By 2016, GGP had installed approximately 30.2 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity, ranking it among the top 10 corporate owners of solar energy in the United States. The company continued to expand its solar footprint, with solar projects pushing their total capacity to more than 37 MW. These solar installations were strategically located across nearly 30 properties in various states, including New Jersey, Hawaii, California, and Arizona. For example, the solar panels installed on four GGP malls in New Jersey provided around 12% of the properties' energy needs, saving an estimated $650,000 annually.

15. Brookfield Properties Retail

Brookfield Property Partners is a leading global real estate investor and operator, managing over $800 billion in assets across various sectors, including office, retail, multifamily, and logistics. Brookfield Renewable, a part of Brookfield Property Partners, manages one of the world’s largest portfolios of renewable power assets, including hydroelectric, wind, and solar energy facilities.

Brookfield began its significant investments in solar energy around 2010, with an initial focus on hydroelectric power. However, in recent years, the company has dramatically expanded its solar investments. By 2022, Brookfield nearly doubled its renewables pipeline from 62 GW to 110 GW, with a strong emphasis on solar energy. The company’s current solar projects are spread across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, contributing significantly to its renewable energy portfolio.

Brookfield's commitment to renewable energy is underscored by its significant financial investments in solar energy. In 2022 alone, the company invested $6.4 billion in renewable development projects, including solar and storage, marking a record year of growth for its renewable segment.

Looking forward, Brookfield aims to continue expanding its solar energy portfolio, adding up to 6 GW of new capacity through organic growth and acquisitions. This strategy aligns with Brookfield’s broader goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its entire portfolio by 2050​.

Why do Companies Switch to Solar Energy?

Companies switch to solar energy primarily because it offers significant cost savings, enhanced energy independence, and long-term investment benefits. Solar energy reduces commercial operating costs, offers protection from utility price hikes, and positions businesses as leaders in sustainability, driving competitive advantage.

Businesses are increasingly turning to solar energy due to the substantial financial and strategic benefits it offers. The initial investment in solar panels seems daunting at first, but the long-term savings on energy bills far outweigh these upfront costs. Solar energy allows companies to generate their own electricity, reducing their reliance on the grid and mitigating the impact of fluctuating utility prices. The implementation of solar energy leads to significant cost savings while providing a hedge against future price hikes, ensuring greater financial predictability. Moreover, solar panels require minimal maintenance and have a lifespan of 25 years or more, making them a reliable long-term investment.

In addition to cost savings, solar energy grants companies greater energy independence and resilience. By producing electricity on-site, companies reduce their dependency on external energy sources, which is crucial in avoiding disruptions caused by grid instability, power outages, or natural disasters. Energy autonomy is especially valuable in remote or off-grid locations, where extending traditional infrastructure is often very expensive. With the added benefit of energy storage solutions, businesses that install solar panels are able to store excess solar power for later use, further enhancing their energy security. Beyond the financial and operational advantages, switching to solar energy boosts a company’s reputation as an environmentally responsible entity, appealing to consumers who increasingly prioritize sustainability.

Which Companies have the most solar capacity installed measured in MW?

Meta is the company with the most solar capacity installed, growing from 177 MW (megawatts) of solar capacity in early 2019 to a remarkable 3.6 GW (gigawatts) today. Following Meta closely are Walmart with 2.1 GW, Amazon with 1.1 GW,  Microsoft with approximately 550 MW, and Apple with 393.3

Below is a list of the top five U.S companies with the most solar capacity installed.

1. Meta (formerly Facebook): Meta has dramatically increased its installed solar capacity from 177 MW in early 2019 to an impressive 3.6 GW in 2022, making it the largest corporate solar user in the United States. The company's aggressive investment in renewable energy is part of its broader sustainability goals, including its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its entire value chain by 2030.
2. Walmart: The company currently has over 600 on-site and off-site renewable energy projects across 10 countries. These projects contribute to a combined total of approximately 2.1 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity that is either operational or under development. Currently, about 47% of Walmart's operations are powered by renewable energy, with goals to surpass 50% by 2025 and reach 100% by 2035.
3. Amazon: Amazon operates 116 solar farms and 225 on-site solar systems, contributing to a total of 1.1 GW of solar capacity. The company has moved its renewable energy goal deadline to 2025 and currently offsets about 17.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
4. Microsoft: Microsoft has approximately 550 MW of solar capacity as of mid-2022. The company is committed to becoming carbon-negative by 2030 and has entered into a groundbreaking 12 GW solar panel supply deal with Qcells, covering projects through 2032.
5. Apple: Apple has installed 393.3 MW of solar capacity, including a notable 17 MW rooftop solar installation and 4 MW of biogas fuel cells, demonstrating its commitment to renewable energy.

What are the biggest Solar Panel Businesses?

The three biggest solar panel businesses globally are SunPower, First Solar, and Trina Solar. SunPower, based in California, is known for its high-efficiency panels. First Solar, headquartered in Arizona, specializes in thin-film technology for utility-scale projects. Trina Solar, a Chinese company, is a major player in global PV module shipments and is known for its large-scale production and innovation.

Below is more information on the three biggest solar panel businesses in the world.

• SunPower: Founded in 1985, SunPower is a prominent American solar company that has expanded into over 100 countries. It focuses on providing distributed generation, storage, and energy services. In 2021, SunPower reported $1.3 billion in revenue and had completed installations in 427,000 homes by 2022, making it one of the biggest solar panel companies globally. SunPower spun off its manufacturing arm, Maxeon, in 2020, which now supplies SunPower's high-efficiency panels.
• First Solar: Established in 1990, First Solar is a leader in the utility-scale solar market, known for its cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film technology. CdTe is a semiconductor that is highly efficient in converting sunlight into electricity, particularly suited for large-scale solar installations. The Arizona-based company has an operational annual U.S. cell capacity of over 6.5 GW and is expected to reach a global nameplate capacity of around 26 GW by 2026. First Solar was the first company to reduce manufacturing costs below $1 per watt.
• Trina Solar: Trina Solar, founded in 1997 and headquartered in China, is a global leader in solar module manufacturing. The company reported $15.75 billion in revenue for 2023, with PV module shipments totaling 65.21 GW. As of 2024, the company is expanding its energy storage solutions and initiatives, including large-scale energy storage systems and exploring new battery pack technologies for increased efficiency and integration.

Do Homeowners find Solar Energy as useful as it is for businesses?

Yes, homeowners find solar energy as useful as it is for businesses, though the benefits differ from those experienced by company owners. For homeowners, solar energy offers significant savings on electricity bills, increases property value, and provides a level of energy independence.

Homeowners typically see substantial long-term savings with solar energy, often recouping their investment within 7 to 10 years due to reduced electricity bills. Additionally, studies have shown that solar panels increase a home's resale value by an average of 4%, which translates to thousands of dollars in added equity. For instance, a home valued at $400,000 would see an increase of $16,000 after installing solar panels.

Furthermore, solar energy provides the benefit of tax credits and rebates in the U.S., such as the federal solar tax credit, which currently allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. What’s more, some states offer additional incentives like cash rebates, property tax exemptions, and state tax credits, further reducing the initial outlay and making solar more accessible​.

Is investing in Solar Panels worth it?

Yes, investing in solar panels is generally worth it, both financially and environmentally. Solar panels often lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills, provide protection against rising electricity costs, and offer substantial returns on investment through various incentives and tax credits. Another positive is that solar energy contributes to reducing carbon emissions, making it an ethical investment.

The return on investment (ROI) for solar panels is generally excellent in most regions, with homeowners typically seeing payback within 5 to 10 years, after which the energy savings become pure profit. Financial incentives like the federal solar tax credit (currently at 26% in the U.S.) further enhance the value of solar investments. Moreover, solar panels increase property values by an average of 4% and make homes more attractive to buyers. All in all, despite the initial cost, the long-term benefits of lower energy bills, increased home value, and environmental impact make solar panels a worthwhile investment​.