U.S. solar industry adds 43 GW in 2025, leading capacity additions for fifth consecutive year
The latest Solar Market Insight report from SEIA and Wood Mackenzie reveals that solar and energy storage accounted for 79% of all new U.S. electrical capacity in 2025 even as installation volumes fell late in the year, while domestic manufacturing reached major milestones despite uncertain federal policy.
First attempt to build solar modules using polycarbonate encapsulant
Canadian researchers proposed a laminate-free solar module using polycarbonate instead of EVA and glass. The new encapsulation technique reportedly enables easy disassembly, reuse of solar cells, and open-source local manufacturing.
Multi-agency investigation halts Silfab Solar factory following chemical incidents
South Carolina officials and the EPA launched a joint investigation into York County solar manufacturing facility following back-to-back releases of potassium hydroxide and hydrofluoric acid.
Qcells resumes solar panel production at Georgia factories following customs-related furlough
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.
U.S. solar’s push for domestic bliss
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.
Expiring incentives led to record demand, more diverse market for residential solar in 2025, says EnergySage
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.
First Solar reports 2025 earnings, announces Oxford PV licensing agreement, alleges patent infringement in new ITC action
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.
First Solar: Economic powerhouse building momentum
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 to supply steel frames for JinkoSolar factory in Florida
Nextpower will supply more than 1 GW of steel frames by mid-year, scaling up to 3 GW over three years.
Inside the PV recycling black box
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.
