Corning: Building a Sustainable US Solar Supply Chain
In what serves as a major boost to US solar manufacturing, Corning, Suniva, and Heliene are collaborating to develop solar modules sourced entirely from within the country.
The move strengthens the supply chain by ensuring that key components – polysilicon, wafers, and solar cells – are made in the US, helping solar developers access high-quality, domestically manufactured materials.
Suniva, the longest-standing US producer of high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells, is working with Heliene, a major American solar PV module manufacturer, to bring this vision to life.
Corning, a global materials science leader, is supplying the wafers and high-purity polysilicon through its majority ownership of Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC).
The supply chain is fully integrated across multiple states: polysilicon and wafers are produced in Michigan, while solar cells are manufactured in Georgia. This structure not only ensures quality control but also enhances logistical efficiency and sourcing transparency, giving developers confidence in the origin of their materials.
Strengthening US solar manufacturing and energy security
One of the biggest challenges in the solar industry has been dependency on imported components, particularly from Asia. This partnership is set to change that by reinforcing domestic manufacturing and creating a resilient solar supply chain that reduces foreign reliance.
By keeping production within the US, the initiative also supports sustainability efforts, as local manufacturing helps cut down on the carbon footprint associated with international shipping and logistics. The project aligns with the US government's push for increased energy independence, supporting policies aimed at strengthening renewable energy infrastructure.
A key advantage of this initiative is its contribution to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) domestic content bonus. The new solar modules will contain up to 66% US-made components – the highest percentage available in the industry – allowing developers to qualify for tax incentives that lower installation costs.
This financial boost is expected to enhance the greater adoption of American-made solar technology.
AB Ghosh, Vice President and General Manager of Solar Technologies at Corning, emphasises the importance of this collaboration: “Corning is excited to leverage our advanced manufacturing expertise to deliver top-quality solar components and secure the US energy supply chain.”
Driving the renewable energy transition
Beyond strengthening the supply chain, this collaboration is set to stimulate economic growth.
Expanding domestic manufacturing means creating jobs across multiple states, from raw material processing to final module assembly. The project is expected to generate employment in engineering, logistics and solar technology production, supporting local economies and bolstering the US manufacturing sector.
The partnership also plays a crucial role in advancing the country’s renewable energy goals. With the US targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a strong domestic supply chain is essential for scaling up solar adoption. By lowering costs and improving accessibility to high-performance solar technology, Corning, Suniva, and Heliene are accelerating the transition to clean energy.
Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of Heliene, highlights the broader impact of the initiative: “This partnership is a significant milestone for the US solar industry. By combining our strengths, we are able to deliver not only a high-performance module but also support the domestic economy and American job creation.”
Matt Card, President of Suniva, adds: “We are excited that this partnership brings a truly Made-in-America solution to the United States market.
"Together, our companies offer the only solar cell in the market that provides US developers maximum ITC domestic content advantage, while building a domestic supply chain that provides for American energy independence and a strong manufacturing base.”
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