American solar and energy storage manufacturers are gathering today on Capitol Hill for the Solar Energy Industries Association’s American Solar and Storage Manufacturing Expo. With rising global tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, the event places a strong focus on how much progress the United States has made in building its own solar and storage manufacturing capabilities. It also underscores how important American-made clean energy technologies are for strengthening the country’s long-term energy security.
The United States has now emerged as one of the world’s leading producers of solar and energy storage technologies. It ranks third globally in solar panel manufacturing and second in energy storage system manufacturing. As of last year, the nation can produce every major component of the solar supply chain domestically, marking a significant milestone in reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.Since 2022, the American solar and storage industry has announced more than $43.1 billion in new manufacturing investments across more than 40 states.
These investments support tens of thousands of jobs and are helping rebuild domestic energy supply chains from the ground up. The country’s solar module manufacturing capacity has now reached 70 gigawatts per year, which is enough to meet national demand.According to Darren Van’t Hof, SEIA’s interim president and CEO, American-made solar and storage technologies are playing a key role in strengthening energy security at a time when global instability highlights the need for reliable domestic resources.
He noted that dozens of manufacturers are investing heavily in U.S. factories, workers, and supply chains, ensuring that the growing demand for electricity can be met with affordable and dependable energy products produced in the United States.At the expo, manufacturers are showcasing a wide range of technologies across the solar and storage supply chain.
These include solar wafers, cells, modules, inverters, battery cells and packs, racking systems, and solar pile drivers, demonstrating the depth and maturity of the domestic industry.Industry leaders shared their perspectives on why expanding U.S. manufacturing is essential. Raghu Belur, co-founder and chief products officer at Enphase Energy, said that strengthening domestic production is critical to addressing affordability and reliability challenges for consumers.
With electricity demand increasing due to factors like AI data centers and rising energy rates, he explained that products manufactured in the U.S., such as Enphase IQ Microinverters and IQ Batteries, help reinforce both the energy grid and the supply chain.Phillip Vyhanek, CEO of GameChange Solar, emphasized that the growth of American solar manufacturing supports the country’s energy economy and ensures more stable supply chains.
He noted that investments in U.S.-made solar and storage technologies are essential as electricity demand continues to rise, providing affordable and reliable energy while also creating jobs and supporting long-term energy security.Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextpower, stressed that America’s energy security depends on strong domestic supply chains and the ability to build energy infrastructure at scale.
He highlighted that Nextpower’s network of more than 30 U.S. manufacturing facilities contributes to job creation, strengthens domestic energy production, and reduces supply chain risks. He added that stable policies, predictable permitting, and ongoing support for domestic manufacturing are vital for maintaining America’s leadership in clean energy.
Costa Nicolaou, CEO of PanelClaw and part of the Enstall Group, explained that the company has invested in U.S. steel and aluminum manufacturing for nearly two decades across 18 states. As the solar market grows to supply fast and affordable energy to the grid, he said PanelClaw will continue to invest in the country’s clean energy future.Dan Barcelo, Chairman and CEO of T1 Energy, stated that the company is building a fully domestic solar supply chain aimed at delivering scalable, reliable, and low-cost American energy.
He noted that their 5GW solar module facility in Texas plays a central role in this mission.Ed Savage, Lead Product Manager at Vermeer, explained that as renewable energy expands worldwide, Vermeer provides contractors with specialized equipment and support for installing biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind infrastructure.
He highlighted the importance of utility installation for connecting new solar farms to electrical grids and emphasized that Vermeer’s technology helps contractors address challenges such as labor shortages and productivity.Throughout the event, manufacturers will meet with lawmakers and congressional staff to discuss the ongoing need for investment in American energy manufacturing and the importance of strengthening domestic supply chains to support national energy security.
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