Avon, Minnesota — The U.S. solar industry saw record solar and energy storage demand in 2021, despite concerns over supply chain interruptions and tariff investigations. In response to this demand, Blattner Company had one of its busiest years yet.
Solar Power World noticed the company's installation success and ranked Blattner No. 2 out of 411 companies on the 2022 Top Solar Contractors list.
Solar Power World, an industry magazine, compiles the Top Solar Contractors list each year to honor the work of solar installers throughout the United States. Solar firms in the utility, commercial and residential markets are ranked by the number of kilowatts that were installed in the previous year. Companies are grouped and listed by specific services, markets and states.
“Blattner is a big presence every year on the Top Solar Contractors list and within the solar industry in general,” said Kelly Pickerel, Solar Power World editor-in-chief. “Consistently installing over one gigawatts of utility-scale solar each year, Blattner plays a significant role in greening our grid. The company also employs thousands in the clean energy sector and is investing in diversity and inclusion to ensure more Americans have an opportunity to build renewable energy projects that will impact the lives of future generations.”
The utility-scale solar market puts up impressive installation numbers each year, but most workers in the industry are constructing projects in the commercial and residential markets, which continue to break records. More than 85 percent of the companies on the list primarily work in the residential and commercial sectors, and they all reported closing out the last year in a positive light.
“It’s always exciting to be recognized by Solar Power World as a Top Solar Contractor,” Blattner’s Vice President of Business Development Matt Dankers said. “To achieve this honor, it starts with the hard work of our team members in the field and those directly supporting their daily efforts in the corporate office. They are passionate and work tirelessly to deliver for our customers. We also want to recognize our industry partners for their patience and resilience in the past year. Our customers and industry partners help bring utility-scale solar and storage projects to life.”
According to data released by energy research firm Wood Mackenzie — before recent federal decisions to prevent additional tariffs on imported solar panels — the United States is expected to install 11 gigawatts less than originally predicted in 2022. This is due to continued supply chain constraints, price increases and interconnection challenges.
Blattner, which began solar services in 2009, worked on 29 renewable projects in 11 states in 2021. Blattner team members installed 4,532,150 solar panels in 2021 that supported 6,664 megawatts of clean energy projects delivered. In terms of just solar, those panels supported 1,633 megawatts of clean energy projects delivered.
“We are humbled and honored to be recognized as a top solar contractor by Solar Power World, and we congratulate all the other top contractors who made the list this year,” Blattner Vice President of Solar Construction Nik Maeder said. “The industry is on the verge of monumental growth. We thank our clients for partnering with us, and we applaud their resilience during this challenging year. We are so proud of all the men and women at Blattner who are part of this important industry that provides clean, safe, reliable energy for our future. We’re building a strong solar industry to power the United States while building a more sustainable future.”