During the RE+ 2025 Solar – Made in the USA conference, TaiyangNews hosted a ‘rockstar’ panel comprising the executive leadership of practically the entire US solar PV manufacturing industry.
Moderated by TaiyangNews Managing Director Michael Schmela and Clean Energy Associates Senior Policy Analyst Christian Roselund, the panel discussed new strategies for solar manufacturing in the US.
On the panel were:
Talon PV CEO Adam Tesanovich
ES Foundry CEO Alex Zhu
SEG Solar CEO Jim Wood
Suniva President & Chief Operating Officer Matt Card
Heliene President Martin Pochtaruk
RCT Solutions CEO Prof. Dr. Peter Fath, and
Senior VP Commercial Hemlock Semiconductor Phil Rausch.
In a candid session, the high-energy roundtable of industry leaders grappling with the realities of rebuilding US solar manufacturing featured a discussion that mixed personal anecdotes, market insights, and hard truths about policy and financing.
They highlighted the uncertainty caused by shifting tariffs and incentives, yet also expressed determination and ambition to strengthen domestic supply chains, re-shore critical components, and invest in long-term manufacturing capacity.
Several speakers stressed the importance of planning beyond the next policy cycle, making decisions on raw materials, technology, and plant locations with a 2- to 3-year horizon in mind. Others reflected on how their firms had pivoted to reduce reliance on imports, diversify materials such as silver and non-silicon inputs, and double down on R&D. To insulate themselves from policy swings and IP-related challenges, some of them are sourcing US or European equipment.
Financing was another recurring theme: while the US environment has become more receptive to solar investments, speakers agreed that investors do not want ‘PowerPoint companies’ with only slide decks to show. They demand proof of execution, clear timelines, and reliable partnerships before committing significant capital. This ensures only serious players remain in business. However, they highlighted that high interest rates and policy delays are constraining new project financing.
At the same time, the panel drew attention to the new push from developers for 100% domestic content, in keeping with the policies of the federal government. This trend is reshaping manufacturing strategies, prompting some companies to plan for their own cell or wafer plants, while others adopt hybrid approaches to keep costs manageable. Yet the market remains dependent on imports with limited capacities at present.
They were unanimous in voicing their support for a complete US ecosystem of cells, batteries, inverters, trackers, and cabling to stabilize the supply chain.
Across the board, quality and reliability emerged as non-negotiables, with executives emphasizing the need to train a skilled workforce, coordinate supply chains, and build trust with customers.
Nevertheless, the panelists see a bright future for solar in the country despite policy constraints as electricity demand increases with the proliferation of AI and national security concerns. Supported by storage, solar can fill this gap as natural gas, nuclear, and other resources take time to come online.
Some also believe that active lobbying and engagement with policymakers will be necessary at the federal, state, and local levels, rather than waiting for policy changes to occur.
Overall, the session painted a vivid picture of a US solar manufacturing sector in transition – still navigating policy shifts and financing hurdles, but increasingly confident in its ability to scale, innovate, and deliver a fully domestic solar ecosystem. The long-term survival of the industry hinges on partnerships and collaborations.
A conference summary of the event is available here, while the summary of another panel discussion at the event can be read here.
