T1, Corning Reach Deal to Make Fully American-Made Solar Panels

Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 16, On Friday, U.S. solar company T1 Energy and specialty glass maker Corning unveiled a partnership to create a fully domestic solar supply chain, covering polysilicon, wafers, cells, and panels, all produced in the United States. The deal responds to increasing demand for American-made solar components.

Corning?s Harrodsburg facility, site of a $2.5 billion commitment announced by Apple to produce all of its iPhone and Apple Watch cover glass, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, U.S. August 7, 2025.

The agreement expands an existing contract for solar-grade polysilicon, a critical material for solar production. From mid-2026, Corning will provide T1 Energy with solar wafers from its Michigan facility. These wafers, thin silicon slices, are essential for solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity.

T1 Energy’s CEO, Daniel Barcelo, said: “This landmark supply chain agreement with Corning will help invigorate America with scalable, reliable, low-cost energy.” T1 will utilize the wafers at a new cell manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, currently under development, with panels assembled at its existing factory near Dallas.

The partnership will sustain around 6,000 jobs in Michigan and Texas, boosting local economies. Earlier in 2025, Corning entered a similar supply deal with manufacturers Suniva and Heliene, reinforcing its commitment to the U.S. solar industry.

This collaboration supports the growth of domestic renewable energy production, meeting market needs for sustainable, locally sourced solar solutions.