The United States is witnessing a significant surge in domestic solar manufacturing, a trend bolstered by strategic partnerships aimed at fortifying the nation’s energy security and economic independence. A prime example of this burgeoning sector is the collaboration between T1 Energy, an Austin-based solar and battery technology firm, and materials science leader Corning Inc. This alliance is set to establish a comprehensive, in-country supply chain for solar components, with a substantial new manufacturing facility planned in Rockdale, Texas. This initiative not only promises to create thousands of jobs but also represents a critical step towards reducing U.S. reliance on foreign manufacturing.
Building a Domestic Powerhouse: T1 Energy and Corning Join Forces
T1 Energy, formerly known as Freyr Battery, has made a strategic pivot towards becoming a leading U.S. solar manufacturer. As part of this transformation, the company is building a robust domestic supply chain, and its partnership with Corning Inc. is central to this vision. Corning, through its subsidiary Solar Technology LLC and its joint venture Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC), is a major player in the production of hyper-pure polysilicon and silicon wafers – essential raw materials for solar cells.
Under the terms of their collaboration, Corning will supply polysilicon processed at its Michigan facilities and high-quality solar wafers. This material will then be delivered to T1 Energy’s planned 5-gigawatt (GW) solar cell manufacturing plant in Rockdale, Texas. From Rockdale, the newly produced solar cells will move to T1’s existing 5 GW solar module assembly facility in Wilmer, Texas (now named G1 Dallas), for final panel assembly. This integrated approach aims to maximize domestic content and efficiency throughout the production process. This landmark partnership is expected to support approximately 5,800 new jobs across the supply chain, signaling a significant boost to American manufacturing.
Texas: A Hub for Solar Innovation and Job Creation
The choice of Texas for these pivotal manufacturing operations underscores the state’s growing importance in the renewable energy sector. T1 Energy’s new facility, dubbed G2_Austin, is slated for Milam County, approximately 60 miles northeast of Austin. This $850 million project is projected to create up to 1,800 advanced manufacturing jobs. Construction is targeted to commence in mid-2025, with production anticipated to begin by the end of 2026. Milam County commissioners have already approved tax abatement packages, contingent on employment and investment milestones, reflecting strong local support for this significant industrial development.
T1 Energy’s commitment to Texas is further solidified by its operational G1_Dallas facility in Wilmer. This module assembly plant has been ramping up production ahead of schedule, demonstrating the company’s capacity to meet market demand. By establishing these advanced manufacturing capabilities in Texas, T1 Energy is positioning itself to leverage the state’s business-friendly climate and growing clean energy ecosystem.
Corning’s Crucial Role in Fortifying the Supply Chain
Corning’s involvement is instrumental in this push for domestic solar production. The company is making substantial investments in its Michigan operations to ensure a reliable supply of critical solar components. Corning is increasing its investment in its solar component facility in Richland Township, Michigan, to $1.5 billion, which will create 1,500 jobs. This facility will leverage its parent company’s expertise in polysilicon production through Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC), the sole U.S.-headquartered producer of hyper-pure polysilicon, a key raw material for both semiconductors and solar cells.
HSC’s facility in Hemlock, Michigan, is a cornerstone of this domestic push, producing polysilicon crucial for semiconductor wafers and solar energy applications. The synergy between Corning’s wafer production and T1 Energy’s cell manufacturing in Texas exemplifies the development of a truly domestic solar supply chain. This strategic move by Corning not only supports T1 Energy’s expansion but also contributes to the broader U.S. goal of creating an end-to-end solar manufacturing ecosystem.
The Broader U.S. Solar Manufacturing Landscape: Growth Amidst Challenges
The current news from Texas reflects a nationwide trend of resurgent solar manufacturing, significantly driven by policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the CHIPS and Science Act. These legislative measures provide crucial tax credits and incentives, catalyzing billions of dollars in new investments and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs across the country. The IRA, in particular, offers direct cash incentives for domestically produced solar components, making U.S.-based manufacturing more competitive.
The sector is experiencing a fourfold increase in manufacturing capacity since the IRA’s passage, with numerous new facilities announced and existing ones expanding. This growth is vital for enhancing U.S. energy security by reducing dependence on foreign imports and building resilient supply chains. The solar industry is a significant job creator, with positions in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance offering competitive wages and contributing to economic prosperity in communities nationwide. Texas alone is home to a substantial number of solar businesses and jobs, further highlighting the state’s role in this national expansion.
Navigating Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite the positive momentum, the U.S. solar manufacturing industry faces persistent challenges. Gaps remain in critical segments of the supply chain, particularly for solar glass and certain crystalline silicon components like wafers and cells, necessitating continued reliance on imports for some materials. Furthermore, domestic production costs can still be higher than those in international markets, and issues such as labor shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, and policy uncertainties—including potential shifts in tax incentives and ongoing tariff concerns—pose risks to sustained growth.
However, initiatives like the T1 Energy and Corning partnership demonstrate a clear commitment to overcoming these hurdles. By integrating domestic production from polysilicon and wafers to finished solar cells and modules, these companies are building the foundation for a more self-sufficient and competitive U.S. solar industry. As the demand for clean energy continues to accelerate, driven by national climate goals and the need for energy independence, these efforts are crucial for ensuring that the United States can meet its future energy needs with reliably sourced, American-made solar technology. The current news from Texas is a powerful indicator that the nation’s solar manufacturing capabilities are indeed powering up, despite the challenges.
