Articles tagged with "solar-manufacturing"
10 Solar Energy Facts You Should Know — USA Edition - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the rapid growth and dominance of solar energy in the United States as the leading source of new electricity generation capacity. Key statistics from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reveal that as of 2024, there are nearly 280,000 solar jobs and over 10,000 solar businesses nationwide. Solar power projects are being installed at a remarkable pace—on average, one every 54 seconds—with solar accounting for 81.5% of all new U.S. power capacity in 2024. The country now has more than 250 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, enough to power over 41 million average homes, and boasts 51 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity. Despite these impressive figures, the article notes a slowdown in solar growth in early 2025 compared to the previous year, attributed primarily to federal policy uncertainty, especially regarding tax credits, and regulatory changes in California. Nonetheless, solar energy remains the clear electricity winner
solar-energyrenewable-energysolar-powerenergy-capacitysolar-industryenergy-storagesolar-manufacturingREPORT: U.S. Adds 8.6 GW of New Solar Module Manufacturing Capacity, One of its Strongest Quarters of Growth in U.S. History - CleanTechnica
The U.S. solar industry experienced a significant manufacturing surge in Q1 2025, adding 8.6 gigawatts (GW) of new solar module capacity—the third-largest quarterly increase on record—driven by eight new or expanded factories in Texas, Ohio, and Arizona. Solar cell production capacity also doubled to 2 GW with a new factory in South Carolina. Overall, 10.8 GW of new solar electricity generating capacity was installed in the quarter, with solar and storage accounting for 82% of all new U.S. generating capacity, underscoring solar’s dominant role in the nation’s energy mix and manufacturing growth. However, this growth faces serious threats from recently passed House federal tax legislation, new tariffs, and potential changes to federal energy incentives. These policy shifts could undermine the solar industry's expansion by making energy tax credits unusable, imposing anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports from Southeast Asia, and creating business uncertainty. Analysts warn that these developments risk causing energy shortages, job losses (up to 330,000), factory closures (331 projected), and a $286 billion loss in local investments. Additionally, electricity costs for consumers could rise by $51 billion nationwide, jeopardizing America’s energy independence and manufacturing boom unless Congress acts to amend the legislation.
energysolar-energysolar-manufacturingrenewable-energyU.S.-energy-policysolar-modulesenergy-capacityHigh Energy Bills? Blame A Republican! - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the impending rise in energy bills this summer, largely due to increasing natural gas prices and higher temperatures driving up air conditioning use. It emphasizes the role of the US solar industry as a sustainable solution to these challenges, but criticizes Republican lawmakers for advancing policies that threaten this progress. Specifically, the article points to a recently passed House budget bill—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” by Trump and House Republicans—that includes provisions undermining domestic solar manufacturing and installation, particularly harming states that supported Trump in the 2024 election. The piece details how the Biden administration had invested federal grants and loans into solar manufacturing facilities in Trump-voting states, aiming to create jobs and economic growth. However, the new budget bill threatens to eliminate these programs, which the Solar Market Insight report warns will disproportionately impact solar jobs and factories in these regions. With Republicans controlling both the House and Senate, the article argues that they hold the power—and responsibility—to reverse these damaging changes but are unlikely to do so. Instead, the article suggests that Republicans favor building more gas power plants, a less sustainable approach that could further exacerbate high energy costs. Overall, the article assigns significant blame to Republican congressional actions for the rising energy bills and job losses in the renewable energy sector, while acknowledging other factors also contribute to energy cost increases. It underscores the political dynamics at play, where Republican control of Congress and the administration’s policies are at odds, with the future of clean energy incentives and programs hanging in the balance.
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyenergy-policyenergy-billssolar-manufacturingUS-energy-industryOn Tesla, Irrational Support, & Irrational Hate - CleanTechnica
The article "On Tesla, Irrational Support, & Irrational Hate" from CleanTechnica presents two thoughtful perspectives on the polarized views surrounding Tesla. Larry Evans argues that Tesla has long enjoyed irrational support, leading to distorted perceptions where objective criticism is misinterpreted as hate. He highlights examples such as disproportionate state subsidies for solar manufacturing, exclusive contracts for Tesla chargers on state property, and Tesla’s high price-to-earnings ratio despite declining financial metrics. Evans contends that calls for Tesla to meet agreed-upon obligations or for a market correction are reasonable and not driven by irrational animosity. He suggests that the focus should shift toward other clean technology companies rather than continuing to idolize Tesla. The second perspective, from a user named Taycan, critiques Tesla’s recent management and product performance. They question Tesla’s lack of successful product launches in recent years and criticize CEO Elon Musk’s controversial actions and mismanagement, which they believe have damaged the company’s reputation and operations. Taycan notes that while Tesla’s early efforts helped establish the battery electric vehicle (BEV) sector, the company now faces challenges as the industry matures and competition intensifies. This view reflects growing skepticism even among Tesla’s former supporters, emphasizing the need for Tesla to prove its leadership through sustained innovation and sound management. Overall, the article underscores the complexity of public sentiment toward Tesla, balancing recognition of its early contributions to clean technology with calls for more objective evaluation of its current performance and governance. It encourages moving beyond polarized views to foster a broader focus on the evolving clean tech landscape.
energyclean-technologyTeslasolar-manufacturingelectric-vehiclesstate-subsidiescharging-infrastructureSEIA: Solar & Storage Industry Statement on U.S. International Trade Commission Injury Determination - CleanTechnica
solar-energysolar-manufacturingclean-energyrenewable-energyenergy-policysolar-industryenergy-storageCorning Expands Solar Manufacturing Capacity As US Demand Keeps Rising
Corningsolar-manufacturingclean-energyrenewable-energydemandUS-solar-industryfederal-energy-policy