“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”
Albert Einstein
Solar has had some curve balls thrown at it in the past and the present is no different. In the last couple of years getting projects done at a reasonable profit has become more complex. Job growth has helped the industry but outside influences like anti-circumventing, logistics, materials prices, WRO over polysilicon origin, customs hold customs rejections, and price increases instead of decreases.
The solar industry was built on quarterly to yearly decreases in price for modules and other components. When 2021 March arrived with COVID the whole world changed. Part of the change directed at the solar industry came from the polysilicon origin, production stops, and logistic issues as China and Asia had already established shutdowns.
From 2021 up to today, the solar model was completely changed. Most Tier 1 manufacturers were having issues getting modules into the US market to correspond to customer purchase contracts. Delays kept accumulating with unclear delivery times. The response from developers and EPCs was to delay the projects where there would be no modules or other components to include racking and inverters.
Many projects have moved to Q3 and Q4 2022 to semi-accommodate the delays. Others have moved their project from a year to 18 months out or later so cost allows for profit. At one point you would be thinking that it is time to manufacture in the US.
Manufacturing in the US has its own complexities such as how do you get the materials you require without buying from Asia. With all the chatter in the market, it seems like there are companies that will move to the US and work on figuring out the materials supply issue. A bit of support from Congress would go a long way in solving our industry’s mounting problem of supply availability.
With national security on alert maybe the time has finally come for the US to do what Asia has done and place their focus on controlling our own energy history.
If you require any modules, please let us know. Here is some of the stock we have remaining. Also, if there is a specific panel let us know and we will do our best to find it for you.
JA bifacial
445W – MWs – east and west coast
Canadian bifacial
450W – 3 containers – east and west coast
Hyundai mono
390W – east and west coast
395W – east and west coast
RECOM mono
380W – east coast
If you have any questions, please contact Karlita or Robert and they will be happy to assist you.