The US Solar Industry Now

For quite a long time, the American solar panel industry has been dependent on imports from countries in Southern Asia. Recently, the supply and availability of solar panels and products have significantly decreased, according to research by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SIEA) into the effects of tariffs on all imported solar panels and products. While these tariffs benefit US Solar Manufacturers, the demand for solar installation in the US continues to exceed supply.

New Investments

In order to promote innovation in domestic solar manufacturing and recycling, the Biden-Harris Administration recently announced a number of new projects and $56 million in additional funding, including $10 million from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Together, the money will help increase the availability and affordability of sustainable energy, produce well-paying employment, and improve the competitiveness and economic prosperity of the United States. To reach President Biden's objective of 100% clean electricity by 2035, additional solar power development is necessary because it is the least expensive type of new electricity generation.

In June, according to a White House Statement and Release, President Biden acted to:

• Authorize use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to accelerate domestic production of clean energy technologies, including solar panel parts;
• Put the full power of federal procurement to work spurring additional domestic solar manufacturing capacity by directing the development of master supply agreements, including “super preference” status; and
• Create a 24-month bridge as domestic manufacturing rapidly scales up to ensure the reliable supply of components that U.S. solar deployers need to construct clean energy projects and an electric grid for the 21^st century, while reinforcing the integrity of our trade laws and processes.

In addition to benefits for the climate and environment and lower energy costs for American families, increasing domestic solar manufacturing could also result in benefits to American workers, employers, and national security, according to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Solar Supply Chain Review Report. The new initiatives unveiled are intended to promote innovation in solar technology and manufacturing. They will help the United States take advantage of opportunities to increase the production of thin-film modules, which do not rely on foreign suppliers, and they will also support emerging technologies like perovskite solar cells.

Regarding the recent Biden-Harris Administration announcement, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, said, “This administration wants to seize U.S. leadership in solar energy, from manufacturing to recycling, and that means making the right investments to ensure these technologies are made right here at home. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, DOE is able to invest in our nation’s innovators so they can improve manufacturing and strengthen the domestic solar supply chain—lowering energy bills for Americans and businesses and driving toward an equitable clean energy future.”

Your Solar Project

As the availability of solar panels in the US remains limited, DIY Solar Power is here to help. Our DIY Kits come fully loaded with all the major components needed for your home’s renewable energy system. You won’t have to worry about the compatibility of each of your products which makes installation that much easier. In addition to our top-of-the-line products, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and strive to provide industry-leading customer service and guidance.

For more industry news and updates, be sure to follow DIY Solar Power on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To get your home solar project started, Build Your System now.