The Preferred Choice for New U.S. Solar Manufacturers

At the pv magazine Roundtables US 2023, industry experts delve into the future of PV module choices in the rapidly evolving landscape of U.S. solar manufacturing. With the Inflation Reduction Act offering substantial tax credits to clean technology manufacturers, the U.S. is witnessing a surge in solar module makers. The panel, moderated by Jonathan Gifford, editor-in-chief of pv magazine, features insights from Alex Barrows (Exawatt), Tristan Erion-Lorico (PVEL), MinWah Leung (DNV), and Kim Primerano (Estuary Power).

The discussion revolves around reducing dependence on Chinese imports, the challenges faced by manufacturers setting up in the U.S., and strategies to fill potential gaps in the U.S. supply chain. Alex Barrows projects a potential 90 GW of module capacity by 2026, emphasizing the need to address the current capacity mismatch that leaves U.S. manufacturers reliant on importing cells and wafers. The TOPCon technology emerges as a frontrunner, according to MinWah Leung of DNV. While acknowledging the role of heterojunction (HJT) in the future, she believes TOPCon will be the primary technology for the next few years. The evaluation criteria for module quality and risk, as outlined by Leung, include both design considerations and manufacturing quality, assessed through extended duration testing and factory audits. From a developer's perspective, Kim Primerano of Estuary Power expresses a preference for TOPCon and plans to incorporate it into an upcoming project. Tristan Erion-Lorico from PVEL highlights the challenges, including workforce shortages and the need to hire skilled workers, estimating a requirement of 4,000 to 5,000 people to run 100 GW of plants. The panel also discusses the increasing role of automation in both manufacturing and installation, presenting opportunities for standardization and quicker deployment. The conversation extends to emerging technologies, with a brief focus on perovskites. While perovskites are recognized for their potential, there are concerns about their current durability. The industry remains optimistic, with ongoing efforts to overcome challenges and innovate in the U.S. As the solar landscape rapidly evolves, the RoundtablesUS 23 panel provides valuable insights into the technological choices shaping the future of U.S. solar manufacturing.