How is Corning Helping Create a Fully-US Solar Supply Chain?
Promising to enhance the US solar industry, material science and sustainable energy leaders Corning, Suniva and Heliene have come together in a major initiative geared towards establishing a completely domestic solar manufacturing supply chain.
This collaborative effort is set to make significant ripples in the renewable energy sector by ensuring that solar modules offered in the US are crafted using components sourced exclusively from the US.
This agreement signifies a critical juncture in the development of US-based solar manufacturing and presents substantial prospects for both the industry and the nation's energy future.
A strategic partnership for US-made components
Suniva, the largest and oldest US manufacturer of high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells, has joined forces with leading US solar PV module manufacturer Heliene to fabricate solar modules boasting a substantial proportion of domestic content.
Corning, a worldwide leader in materials science and the majority owner of Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC), contributes the essential wafers and hyper-pure polysilicon needed for the solar cells.
These components are produced in Michigan while the solar cells are assembled in Georgia, forming an entirely integrated supply chain.
This consortium is designed to guarantee that solar developers have access to top-grade American-made components, granting them a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
The newly-created solar modules from this endeavour will contain up to 66% domestic content, the highest percentage currently available in the industry.
This boost in domestic content enables solar developers to qualify for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) domestic content bonus, a pivotal incentive that can significantly diminish the cost of solar installations.
“Corning is excited to leverage our advanced manufacturing expertise to deliver top-quality solar components and secure the U.S. energy supply chain,” says AB Ghosh, Corning Vice President and General Manager of Solar Technologies and Chairman and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor.
Strengthening US solar manufacturing
The collaboration between Suniva, Heliene and Corning is poised to profoundly influence the US solar industry.
By guaranteeing the production of polysilicon, wafers and cells within the US, these companies are easing supply chain risks and curtailing reliance on foreign imports.
This initiative is particularly timely considering the escalating demand for renewable energy and the US government's focus on boosting domestic manufacturing and energy independence.For years, the US solar sector has struggled with its dependence on imported components, chiefly from Asia.
Yet, the partnership between Suniva, Heliene and Corning represents a significant stride towards constructing a resilient, self-sufficient supply chain that will secure the future of solar energy in the country.
This collaboration is anticipated to create jobs, stimulate local economies and position the US as a frontrunner in solar technology.
Advancing the US renewable energy markets
The development of a domestic solar manufacturing supply chain carries implications broad enough to affect not just the solar industry, but the wider renewable energy market as well.
By manufacturing high-calibre solar components within the US, this initiative stands to decrease costs and hasten the shift towards clean energy.
This joint endeavour also aligns with the country’s objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, bolstering the widespread adoption of solar energy as an integral solution component.
Ultimately, the alliance between Suniva, Heliene and Corning heralds a monumental leap towards establishing a fully domestic solar manufacturing supply chain.
With the highest domestic content on the market, the solar modules produced from this partnership will afford significant advantages to solar developers.
In addition to bolstering the US solar industry, this collaboration plays a crucial role in advancing the nation’s renewable energy objectives, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective energy future.
“This partnership is a significant milestone for the U.S. solar industry,” says Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of Heliene.
“By combining our strengths, we are able to deliver not only a high-performance module but also support the domestic economy and American job creation.”
Matt Card, President of Suniva, adds: “We are excited that this partnership brings a truly Made-in-America solution to the United States market.
“Together, our companies offer the only solar cell in the market that provides US developers maximum ITC domestic content advantage, while building a domestic supply chain that provides for American energy independence and a strong manufacturing base.”
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