Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

The nation’s second-largest solar module manufacturer has returned to normal production levels following the release of component shipments that had been stalled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Incentives in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 drove a surge in announcements of new solar manufacturing facilities across the United States, and the country now hosts more than enough module production capacity to meet forecast domestic demand for several years. A shift in policy priorities has created uncertainty, but the continued availability of manufacturing tax credits and a focus on domestic industry have U.S. module makers looking to add cells and other components to their production plans.

EnergySage reported a 205% increase in homeowner engagement on its home energy marketplace, alongside median pricing of $2.49 per watt, an average system size of 11.8 kW and a decrease in storage attachment rates in the rush to install systems before the end of 2025.

The company’s stock price fell more than 12% in extended trading following the earnings announcement, partly due to lower-than-expected guidance for 2026 sales and revenue.

The U.S. solar manufacturer of thin-film solar modules supports nearly 30,000 U.S. jobs, contributed nearly $6 billion to the U.S. economy in 2025 and is forecast to see further gains in the coming year, according to a recent study.

Nextpower will supply more than 1 GW of steel frames by mid-year, scaling up to 3 GW over three years.

How PV modules are treated at the end of their life is an increasingly important issue, but some recycling practices leave a lot to be desired. Scott Azevedo from Intertek CEA explores how asking the right questions, paying closer attention to end-of-life treatment, and steering volume toward good recyclers can have positive long-term consequences for the solar industry.

The Silver Institute has said the amount of silver used for manufacturing is set to fall this year, driven by developments in the solar sector. The institute also says the silver market will remain in deficit for the sixth consecutive year. Philip Newman, Managing Director of independent research consultancy Metals Focus, told pv magazine the fact prices have recovered quite well after the end-January correction demonstrates the underlying strength of investor interest in silver.

The agreement secures American-made LFP battery supply for Qcells’ utility-scale projects from 2028 to 2030, reinforcing a shared commitment to domestic manufacturing.

The California-based solar and storage provider is seeking to raise more than $1.2 million to fund the development of its “Real Goods” hardware line and an AI-driven software hub.