{
  "id": 1674767,
  "title": "How this Georgia factory is surviving America’s solar policy whiplash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/how-this-georgia-factory-is-surviving-americas-solar-policy-whiplash",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-18T08:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Grist",
    "slug": "grist",
    "url": "https://grist.org/energy/how-this-georgia-factory-is-surviving-americas-solar-policy-whiplash/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Cartersville, Georgia, workers and robots operate a Qcells factory where ultra-thin slices of polysilicon are processed through numerous machines and chemical baths to create solar cells. Scott Bell of Qcells explained that the plant's $2.5 billion investment, along with 3.5 million gallons of water, 90 megawatts of power, 60 tons of chemicals, and extensive infrastructure, has enabled the company to produce the basic building block of solar panels. In June, the plant expanded from assembling major components of solar panels to bringing the entire production process under one roof—a significant milestone for the U.S. solar industry.\n\nChina has long dominated solar panel manufacturing, flooding the global market with cheaper panels. The United States is trying to bring back domestic production for various reasons, including national security, labor practices, and job creation. Recently, the Trump administration announced new tariffs and minimum import prices on polysilicon, effective in December, aiming to bolster U.S. solar manufacturers.\n\nSolar manufacturing expert Ben Damiani, chief technology officer at Atlanta-based solar developer Cherry Street Energy, emphasized the critical importance of having a full supply chain. He noted that the constant change in U.S. policies has been a significant hindrance to the process. The Biden administration encouraged solar panel makers through tax credit bonuses in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which Qcells found enticing for their Cartersville plant. Conversely, the Trump administration took a more restrictive approach, revoking most tax credits and making solar equipment from certain countries ineligible for the remaining credits. The new tariffs and policies might help Qcells compete with more expensive Chinese imports, but the whiplash effect on companies has been challenging.\n\nQcells' multibillion-dollar investment in its new facility took over three years to complete. While other companies with less capital and less favorable timing may struggle, researcher Coco Zhang of investment firm ING remains optimistic about the U.S. solar panel industry's shift to domestic production. The OBBBA, passed under the Trump administration, closed the IRA loophole that allowed China-based solar companies to operate in the U.S., which may further hinder Chinese competition. Zhang remains hopeful that the U.S. solar panel industry can complete its transition to domestic production, although short-term challenges remain, particularly for those relying on solar panel imports due to the evolving policies.",
  "summary": "Biden’s incentives gave Qcells a leg up. Now Trump’s tariffs may help it thrive.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}