How Corning Is Helping to Create a US Solar Supply Chain

In a significant move set to boost the US solar industry, material science and sustainable energy leaders Corning, Suniva and Heliene have announced a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at creating a fully-domestic solar manufacturing supply chain.

This strategic partnership is set to make waves in the renewable energy sector by ensuring that solar modules sold in the US will be made with components sourced entirely from within the country.

The deal marks a pivotal moment in the growth of US-based solar manufacturing and offers substantial potential 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 teamed up with Heliene, a prominent US solar PV module manufacturer, to produce solar modules with a high percentage of domestic content.

Corning, a global leader in materials science, is providing the wafers needed for the solar cells. As the majority owner of Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC), Corning is also supplying the hyper-pure polysilicon required for the modules.

Both the polysilicon and wafers are produced in Michigan, while the solar cells are manufactured in Georgia, creating a fully-integrated supply chain.

This partnership is designed to ensure that solar developers can access high-quality American-made components, giving them a competitive edge in the market.

The new solar modules produced by this initiative will contain up to 66% domestic content, the highest percentage available in the industry.

This increase in domestic content offers solar developers the opportunity to claim the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) domestic content bonus, a key incentive that can significantly reduce 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.

A vital step to strengthen US solar manufacturing

The collaboration between Suniva, Heliene and Corning is poised to have a profound impact on the US solar industry.

By ensuring that the polysilicon, wafers and cells are all manufactured within the US, the companies are helping to mitigate supply chain risks and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

This initiative is particularly timely given the growing demand for renewable energy and the US Government's emphasis on increasing domestic manufacturing and energy independence.

For years, the US solar industry has faced challenges with its reliance on imported components, particularly from Asia.

However, the Suniva-Heliene-Corning partnership represents a significant step toward building a resilient and self-sustaining supply chain that will help secure the future of solar energy in the country.

The effort is expected to create jobs, stimulate local economies and position the US as a leader in solar technology.

Growing the US' renewable energy market

The development of a domestic solar manufacturing supply chain has far-reaching implications not just for the solar industry, but for the broader renewable energy market.

By producing high-quality solar components within the US, the initiative will help drive down costs and accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Additionally, this collaboration aligns with the country’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, supporting the widespread adoption of solar energy as a critical part of the solution.

Ultimately this partnership between Suniva, Heliene and Corning represents a monumental step toward building a fully domestic solar manufacturing supply chain.

With the highest domestic content in the market, the solar modules produced by this collaboration will offer significant advantages to solar developers.

In addition to strengthening the US solar industry, it will play a vital role in advancing the nation’s renewable energy goals, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective energy future.

“This partnership is a significant milestone for the U.S. solar industry,” continues 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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