The US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) released a report last week stating that with the formal operational launch of Corning’s Michigan silicon ingot and wafer factory, the United States now possesses production capacity for all major components of the solar supply chain, marking a critical breakthrough in the domestic manufacturing system.
The report shows that since late 2024, production capacity across all major segments of the US solar and storage supply chain has grown significantly. As of last month, domestic solar module manufacturing capacity has surpassed 60 gigawatts (GW), a 37% increase from December 2024; solar cell capacity leaped from 1 GW to 3.2 GW, an increase of over 200%. SEIA noted that the surge in downstream module production provides ample demand support for upstream industries, driving coordinated growth across the entire industrial chain.
Following the US Treasury Department’s clarification last October of the Section 48D guidelines under the CHIPS and Science Act, which included solar ingot and wafer production in the 25% investment tax credit, Corning and its subsidiary Hemlock Semiconductor promptly announced the launch of their ingot production facility. Corning CEO Wendell Weeks revealed that the plant will achieve a capacity leap this quarter, increasing from daily production of thousands of wafers to over one million wafers, and has already secured customer orders for more than 80% of its capacity for the next five years. “We will leverage advanced manufacturing capabilities to build a global low-cost production advantage,” Weeks stated.
Production capacity across the entire supply chain is showing explosive growth. SEIA data indicates that current US solar manufacturing pipeline projects include 23 GW of module capacity, over 34 GW of cell capacity, 25 GW of inverter capacity, and 95 GWh of battery cell capacity. Among these, inverter capacity has grown by nearly 50% since the end of 2024, increasing from 19 GW to 28 GW; mounting systems manufacturing grew by 14%, with 23 new factories added.
Despite significant achievements, SEIA expressed concerns that industry uncertainty stemming from relevant policies, regulations, and trade actions under the Trump administration could dampen domestic demand and manufacturing growth. Previous data showed that US solar installations hit a record 50 GW in 2024, but policy fluctuations have already caused delays to some upstream projects.
Industry observers believe the establishment of this full supply chain self-sufficiency is a major milestone for the US in advancing its energy transition. US solar module manufacturing capacity had already increased 190% year-over-year in 2024; now, the full chain integration will further solidify the competitiveness of the domestic industry, although policy stability remains key to sustaining the growth momentum.
