Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet
Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) introduced the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act to rapidly boost American solar manufacturing, accelerate the transition to clean energy, and support American energy independence.
Demand for solar energy is skyrocketing as the world transitions away from fossil fuels, but China dominates the solar supply chain. This legislation will boost American solar to create American clean energy jobs, better compete with Chinese manufacturers, and support American energy independence.
The Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act would provide tax credits for American manufacturers at every stage of the solar manufacturing supply chain, from production of polysilicon to solar cells to fully assembled solar modules. The legislation is projected to create tens of thousands of American solar jobs, based on analysis and estimates from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
“Colorado has led the way on solar power, demonstrating the clear economic benefits of investing in this industry,” said Bennet. “To compete on the global stage with countries like China, we should ensure long-term growth of America’s solar industry by supporting domestic solar manufacturing at every stage. This legislation is one of our best opportunities to create good-paying jobs, improve our infrastructure, and secure our supply chain all while tackling climate change. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done.”
“I’m working to boost American solar manufacturing and accelerate the transition to clean energy,” said Ossoff. “This bill will create tens of thousands of American jobs, support American energy independence, and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.”
“I am proud to join my brother Senator Ossoff in co-sponsoring this important legislation that will bring good-paying jobs to Georgia, and help position our state to become a global leader in solar and clean energy technology,” said Warnock. “By creating tax incentives for every step of the solar manufacturing supply chain, we can pave the way for a greener tomorrow while lowering manufacturing costs and creating clean energy jobs. Georgia can help tackle the climate crisis head on, and I look forward to working with Senator Ossoff to make this bill law.”
“Too much of our current solar power manufacturing is overseas. This makes no sense when we have some of the best workers in the world that can compete with anyone,” said Stabenow. “Our bill doubles down on American-made solar products and their components so more of them are made here, while also helping us to address the climate crisis. It’s a win-win for Michigan.”
“The Colorado solar industry supports any efforts to ensure high-quality solar manufacturing within the United States,” said Mike Kruger, president and CEO of the Colorado Solar and Storage Association. “This bill would strengthen our domestic supply, which will help Colorado and the country meet our clean energy goals in a timely and low-cost way.”
The bill is supported by: Q-CELLS America, Hemlock Semiconductors, LG Electronics USA, REC Silicon ASA, Wacker Polysilicon North America, Sunnova Energy International Inc., First Solar, Mission Solar, Leading Edge Equipment Technologies, Auxin Solar, Swift Solar, 1366 Technologies, Silfab Solar, Heliene, and the Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance.
The bill text is available HERE. A fact sheet is available HERE.