US solar PV manufacturer T1 Energy has secured the supply of hyper-pure polysilicon and solar wafers to be produced locally by Corning under a strategic commercial agreement.
Calling it a ‘landmark’ deal, T1 said this agreement will deliver a more stable, and predictable supply of domestically sourced solar components.
“This is American companies building in America and protecting American energy security,” stated T1 Energy’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, Daniel Barcelo. “The U.S. needs to establish critical energy supply chains built on domestic capacity and industrial knowhow. Together with Corning, we intend to accelerate America’s ability to manufacture leading-edge solar solutions, support a total of nearly 6,000 American jobs, and promote American energy independence.”
Corning will start the supply of its solar wafers for T1’s under development 5 GW G1_Austin solar cell factory in H2 2026. T1 will then use these cells to make modules at its 5 GW G1_Dallas site that’s already operational. Formely FREYR, T1 acquired this factory from Trinasolar (see Amid ‘Geopolitical Risks’ Trinasolar Sells Off 5 GW US Solar Module Plant).
T1 recently welcomed the US Department of Commerce announcing investigation into foreign-sourced polysilicon and its derivatives under Section 232, saying this would strengthen the US energy security. It also backs the government’s AD/CVD investigation into solar cells and modules from Laos, Indonesia and India (see US Investigates Solar Trade From Laos, Indonesia & India).
Corning owns majority stake in US polysilicon producer Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC).
“We’re accelerating the ramp of our advanced manufacturing capabilities to support a resilient U.S. solar supply chain. Our agreement with T1 underscores the strong demand for high-quality, American-made solar technologies,” added Corning Vice President and General Manager of Solar and Hemlock Semiconductor CEO, AB Ghosh.
Corning is also the wafer supplier in its partnership with US solar cell producer Suniva and module manufacturer Heliene as the trio target to produce the ‘only’ solar module with US-made polysilicon, wafers and cells (see New US-Made Solar Module Boasts ‘Highest’ Domestic Content).
Interestingly, S&P Capital IQ recently reported that Corning had acquired JA Solar’s module assembly plant in Arizona (see North America Solar PV News Snippets: Greenprint Capital Invests $275 million In Nautilus & More).
TaiyangNews will explore the US solar market in view of the regulatory shifts at the upcoming RE+ 2025 event in Las Vegas, US. It is co-organizing the 2025 Solar Made in USA summit in collaboration with RE+ and EUPD Research. To be held on September 8, 2025, it will feature leading names from the world of solar to discuss the future of US solar and storage manufacturing and future strategies for the players in light of the regulatory hurdles created by the OBBBA. Registrations are open and can be done here.
