The United States has crossed a critical milestone on the clean energy track as solar module production capacity has crossed 50 gigawatts in the country, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. This milestone is an important stepping stone toward establishing a strong domestic solar supply chain that can meet the entire nation’s solar demand without relying on offshore imports. All these factories, working at their maximum capacities, would be able to power millions of homes, furthering US energy security and the clean energy transition.
Driving Energy Independence Through Domestic Manufacturing
This milestone highlights the US solar industry’s growth, supported by strategic policies that promote domestic manufacturing and innovation. Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), said, “Reaching 50 GW of domestic solar manufacturing capacity is a testament to what we can achieve with smart, business-friendly public policies in place.”
She added, “The U.S. is now the third largest module producer in the world because of these policy actions. This milestone not only marks progress for the solar industry but reinforces the essential role energy policies play in building up the domestic manufacturing industry that American workers and their families rely on.”
Exceeding Ambitious Goals Ahead of Schedule
In 2020, SEIA aimed for 50 GW of US solar capacity by 2030—equal to 27 Hoover Dams’ output. Back then, the US had just 7 GW of module capacity and minimal infrastructure for polysilicon, inverters, and solar cells. Thanks to industry investments, tech advancements, and supportive policies, the US surpassed its solar goal six years early.
The rapid growth is evident across the solar supply chain. Companies plan to add 56 GW of solar cells, 24 GW of wafers, and 13 GW of ingot production. Moreover, solar tracker manufacturing capacity has surged past 80 GW, highlighting the industry’s remarkable momentum.
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The Role of Strategic Policies in Solar Growth
This milestone was made possible through deliberate policy actions that incentivized domestic manufacturing. SEIA actively pushed for the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit and incentives supporting solar projects using US-made products. Additionally, under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, SEIA successfully pushed for solar ingot and wafer production to qualify for a 25% investment tax credit, further stimulating growth in these critical areas.
These policies have boosted module production and sparked growth in upstream manufacturing, strengthening the entire US solar supply chain. New solar factories in Georgia and South Carolina highlight how smart policies fuel growth, create jobs, and inspire innovation.
