Solar Supply Chain Bill Aims to Upgrade U.S. Manufacturing Facilities

Lawmakers have introduced a bill to expand domestic manufacturing of solar panel components through grants and loans from the Department of Energy.

The legislation would support the construction of new solar manufacturing facilities as well as the retrofitting, retooling, and expanding of existing factories in the solar supply chain, while spurring advanced technology in the sector.

Priority for grants would be given to facilities located near other solar manufacturers and those most likely to reduce reliance on solar components made in China. Facilities that support economic development opportunities and have the greatest potential for domestic job growth—especially for low-income communities or those underrepresented in the manufacturing industry—also will be given priority.

Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) introduced the Solar Supply Chain Act on September 22 with Reps. Mike Doyle (D-PA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin D-(MI), and Andre Carson (D-IN).

Daniel Gleick, communications director for Rep. Demings, elaborated on the bill’s potential for innovation.

“It makes current, viable solar technologies available for funding, but also would spur the deployment of advanced solar technologies if the Department of Energy concludes that those technologies are ready for commercialization,” said Gleick.

The bill appropriates $9.5 billion for fiscal years 2022 through 2026. It has garnered the endorsements from the Environmental Defense Fund and the Sierra Club.