Powering Growth in the Solar Energy Economy
Solar energy is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the U.S. energy system—driven by rising electricity demand, corporate investment, and the need for reliable, domestic energy supply chains. For manufacturers across Appalachia, the solar sector presents significant opportunities to diversify customers, expand production, and enter high-growth energy markets.
The Solar Supply Chain Report, developed through the Energy & Manufacturing in Appalachia (EMA) program, provides manufacturers, economic developers, and partners with a comprehensive look at where the solar industry is today—and where domestic manufacturing capabilities are most needed.
Solar Supply Chain Overview
Solar Power systems convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels and related balance-of-system components. Growth in utility-scale solar, commercial installations, and distributed generation is expanding demand for domestically produced goods — from cells and modules to inverters, mounting hardware, and electrical balance-of-system equipment.
In this overview report you’ll find:
- U.S. market growth and deployment trends
- Key supply chain segments and component breakdown
- NAICS codes relevant to manufacturers
- Import dependency and domestic production gaps
- Opportunities for suppliers and regional manufacturers
- Download the free Solar Supply Chain Overview Report
- Watch the webinar recording of Solar Supply Chain Overview
- View the PowerPoint slides from the Solar Supply Chain Overview presentation
Solar Market & Growth Drivers
U.S. solar capacity has expanded rapidly as deployment economics improve and federal incentives accelerate adoption. Utility-scale solar continues to lead new capacity additions, while distributed systems support resiliency and decarbonization goals.
Key demand factors include:
- Cost improvements from technology advances and scale
- Federal tax incentives and state renewable energy standards
- Corporate renewable energy procurement
- Integration with energy storage and grid services
Solar deployment is expected to grow significantly in the coming decade, creating sustained demand for components across the supply chain.
Solar Supply Chain Segments
Solar systems are assembled from a range of manufactured components. These represent potential opportunities for small and mid-sized manufacturers with existing production capabilities.
Major segments include:
- PV cells & modules – semiconductor-based core energy conversion components
- Inverters & power electronics – systems that convert DC to AC
- Mounting & racking hardware – fabricated metal systems
- Electrical balance-of-system – wiring, connectors, combiner boxes
- Energy storage integration – battery systems and controls
Each segment includes associated NAICS codes to help manufacturers identify where existing capabilities align with solar supply needs.
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Return to the Energy Supply Chains page to access additional reports and information.
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