T1 Energy, a U.S. solar company, has partnered with specialty glass maker Corning to establish a fully domestic solar supply chain, ensuring that all components—from polysilicon to panels—are manufactured in the United States. This agreement, announced on Friday, aims to meet the rising demand for solar panels made with American materials, particularly in light of regulatory changes under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This act restricts federal clean energy tax credits for projects using significant amounts of foreign-manufactured equipment, notably from China.
Under the deal, Corning will begin supplying solar wafers from its Michigan factory in the second half of 2026. These wafers are essential for producing solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. The collaboration builds on an existing supply agreement for polysilicon, the primary raw material in solar production. T1 plans to utilize the wafers at its cell manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, with the final panels assembled at its Dallas-area factory.
The partnership is expected to create approximately 6,000 jobs in Michigan and Texas. Corning has previously entered similar agreements with other solar manufacturers, further solidifying its role in the domestic solar market. T1 CEO Daniel Barcelo emphasized that this collaboration represents American companies working together to enhance energy security and drive down costs.