Building a Localized Supply Chain for U.S. Solar Manufacturing: Feasibility and Challenges

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and rising local content requirements present a strong case for scaling up domestic manufacturing of photovoltaic (PV) consumables in the United States. This paper evaluates the viability and key hurdles in establishing localized production for critical consumables required in manufacturing of conventional c-Si PV modules such as crucibles, diamond wire, metallization pastes, screens, glass, aluminum frames, and encapsulants. The analysis offers an indepth breakdown of investment costs and the potential local value of each consumable, providing a transparent view of the financial landscape. Initial findings reveal a persistent reliance on raw materials across the supply chain; however, these needs can largely be fulfilled by domestic supply, mitigating dependency risks and boosting local economy. The investment-to-value ratio for each component varies, offering actionable insights into bridging supply gaps or targeting strategic investments. The study concludes that while localizing manufacturing presents unique challenges, such as capital intensity and supply chain integration, it also creates opportunities to strengthen domestic capabilities, align with policy incentives, and support sustainable job and renewables growth in the U.S..