Current Shortage of Residential Solar Panels in the U.S

[Asad Marri]

November 7, 2025 at 12:14 pm

Over the last few months, several distributors have reported limited availability and extended lead times for Tier-1 modules, especially from brands like Qcells, REC, and LONGi.

The shortage seems to stem from a mix of factors — import delays tied to customs holds and WRO compliance, increased demand following new incentive programs, and manufacturing slowdowns overseas. Some suppliers are prioritizing utility-scale projects, which is making residential stock even tighter.

We’re seeing:
Lead times stretching from 2–3 weeks to 6–8 weeks (sometimes longer)
Prices up by 10–15% for common 400–440W modules
Installers switching to less-known brands just to keep projects moving