T1 Energy and Corning Partner for Domestic Solar Supply Chain and 6,000 US Jobs

T1 Energy and Corning have formed a strategic partnership to strengthen the US solar supply chain and create a stable, predictable domestic supply chain. The deal aims to accelerate US capacity to meet electricity demands and advance energy independence through a manufacturing network in Michigan and Texas. The partnership is expected to create nearly 6,000 American jobs.

In a move aimed at bolstering the U.S. solar supply chain and advancing energy independence, T1 Energy and Corning have announced a strategic partnership. The collaboration, announced on August 15, 2025, seeks to create a stable, predictable domestic supply chain by integrating the production of hyper-pure polysilicon and solar wafers with solar cell and module manufacturing.

T1 Energy, based in Austin, Texas, and Corning, headquartered in New York, will work together to produce solar components in the U.S. Corning's Michigan campus will supply hyper-pure polysilicon and solar wafers to T1's G2_Austin solar cell facility, which is currently under development. These components will then be used to manufacture solar modules at T1's operational G1_Dallas site. The partnership is expected to support nearly 6,000 American jobs across Michigan and Texas [1].

The collaboration is a direct response to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which restricts federal clean energy tax credits for projects using components from “foreign entities of concern.” By sourcing materials domestically, T1 and Corning ensure compliance with OBBBA's stringent domestic content requirements, reducing reliance on Chinese-dominated global wafer production [1].

The partnership addresses a key bottleneck in the U.S. solar industry: the lack of upstream manufacturing capacity. While the U.S. has added 51 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity since 2020, polysilicon and wafer production remain concentrated in Asia. Corning's entry into this space, coupled with T1's downstream capabilities, creates a self-sustaining ecosystem that could reduce costs over time. Analysts project that domestic wafer production could lower module costs by 15-20% by 2030 [1].

The OBBBA's accelerated phase-out of tax credits for non-compliant projects has created a "use it or lose it" urgency for developers. T1 and Corning's partnership ensures that their projects meet the July 2026 construction start deadline, securing access to the 30% ITC. This is a critical differentiator in a market where 43 GWdc of annual capacity is projected through 2030, but only if developers can navigate the new regulatory maze [1].

The partnership's alignment with policy trends is a key risk mitigant. While the U.S. solar market contracted by 7% in Q1 2025 due to trade tariffs and tax credit uncertainty, the long-term outlook remains robust. The industry is expected to rebound from 2028 onward, driven by AI-driven energy demand and corporate sustainability goals. T1 and Corning's vertically integrated model positions them to capture this growth without the volatility of global supply chains [1].

The partnership's success hinges on the timely completion of T1's G2_Austin facility and the scalability of Corning's polysilicon production. Delays in construction or technical bottlenecks could erode margins. However, both companies have demonstrated operational discipline, providing a strong foundation for the partnership [1].

Conclusion:
T1 Energy and Corning's partnership is a forward-looking strategy for tomorrow's energy landscape. By integrating raw material production with end-user manufacturing, the collaboration addresses the root causes of supply chain fragility while complying with evolving regulations. For investors, this represents a rare combination of strategic foresight, policy alignment, and long-term growth potential.

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/t1-energy-corning-strategic-partnership-blueprint-energy-independence-reshoring-solar-growth-2508/
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/15/3134136/0/en/T1-Energy-and-Corning-Deal-Accelerates-Made-in-America-Solar-Momentum.html