A 67-Year-Old Energy War

Go Back To Recent Blog Posts
Nov 11, 2021

The US invented the first solar panel back at the Bell Labs in 1954, but over time, has let the manufacturing slip away to foreign interests, (China, Japan, South Korea) who recognized and embraced the opportunity to dominate an emerging industry. In fact, China offers government-backed financing and low interest rates for local factories which makes it difficult, if not impossible for US manufacturers to compete financially. This has lead to tariffs against some solar products being imported into the US over the past eight years. Solar products coming from China face a 30% tariff because those manufacturers were dumping products into the US at a loss but then being made whole financially by the Chinese government.

Newly-elected Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff wants to change that and return solar panel manufacturing to the US and is proposing using incentives to help domestic solar ramp up.

Senator Ossoff at The Ray, in Georgia.

Locally, Washington state has Silfab Solar, a Canadian-owned company but with factories in Bellingham and now in Burlington too. In Moses Lake, REC Solar has a solar factory which has cycled between producing polysilicon for solar cells – and closing several times, in large part due to the dumping of solar products from China.

We’d love to see Senator Ossoff’s proposal become Legislation and for the US to regain it’s position as the world’s leader in manufacturing solar products.

In the meantime, check out this cool vintage Bell Labs video from 1954 from when solar really got it’s start.

1954 Bell Labs vintage video, courtesy AT&T Archives and History Center.

When you’re ready to find out if solar is right for you, give us a call at 206-706-1931 or fill out our contact form below and tell us about your solar project.

    If you would like to expedite your free quote, please upload photos of your electrical bill, your electrical panel with the door open, and any plans or architectural renderings (if this is a new build).
    Note that the file size limit is 25MB.

    About The Author - Stu Frothingham

    Stu has a degree in Clean Energy Technology, a Certificate in Sustainable Business Management and a BA in Communications. He’s experienced in marketing solar products and services plus he has a background as a clinician and researcher. Stu designed, manufactured and installed his own solar PV system and drives an all-electric Nissan LEAF to reduce his carbon footprint. Stu is active with local solar organizations, Seattle Parks and Sustainable Ballard. He wants to help to save the planet for future generations and believes sustainability is something we can all embrace.

    Other News

    Go Back To Recent Blog Posts

    Free Quote

      If you would like to expedite your free quote, please upload photos of your electrical bill, your electrical panel with the door open, and any plans or architectural renderings (if this is a new build).
      Note that the file size limit is 25MB.
      * What files are recommended to attach?
      If you would like to expedite your free quote, please upload photos of your electrical bill, your electrical panel with the door open, and any plans or architectural renderings (if this is a new build).
      Note that the file size limit is 25MB.