The BlueGreen Alliance, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), has released a new supply chain analysis and mapping resource that highlights the current state of U.S. solar manufacturing and its capacity to meet domestic demand. The report provides an in-depth look at the strengths and gaps across the solar supply chain as the nation seeks to expand renewable energy adoption in response to growing electricity demand.
According to the analysis, the United States has no existing capacity to manufacture polysilicon ingots and wafers key building blocks of solar panels and only limited capacity to produce solar cells. Other critical components, including flat glass and power optimizers, are also underproduced domestically, with current U.S. manufacturing meeting less than 25 percent of projected demand for solar installations.
Alisa Petersen, Federal Policy Manager with RMI, stated, “A more robust domestic supply chain means more good jobs and more affordable energy for our communities. Making the subcomponents we need for solar energy here at home ensures clean energy is more reliable and accessible. This map is a great resource for understanding the gaps, so we know how and where to grow U.S. manufacturing for the solar industry.”
BlueGreen Alliance Vice President of Manufacturing and Industrial Policy Ted Fertik, mentioned, “American workers cannot afford to see the solar industry collapse. For no good reason, America is missing out on the huge opportunity to lead in manufacturing clean technology components and create good-paying jobs across the country.”
The findings underscore both the importance of scaling up U.S. solar manufacturing and the challenges the country faces in building a resilient, secure supply chain. With electricity demand on the rise, the resource is intended to guide policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders in identifying areas where targeted investment and development could strengthen domestic solar production and reduce reliance on imports.
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