Solar and Battery Manufacturing Boom in North Carolina: Is Biden’s Tariff Increase Hindering Growth or Driving Forward Energy Independence?

The Biden administration has recently increased tariffs on several clean energy products, including solar panels and batteries, in an effort to promote domestic clean tech production. This move has been met with mixed reactions from stakeholders in the industry, as some argue that it could lead to higher prices for consumers while others see it as a necessary step towards achieving greater energy independence.

At the same time, federal incentives for clean-tech manufacturers have encouraged significant private investments in North Carolina, leading to the establishment of solar panel and battery manufacturing facilities in the state. These investments are aligned with the government’s goal of enhancing domestic clean energy capacity and reducing reliance on imports from foreign countries like China.

North Carolina is currently ranked fourth in the U.S. for solar deployment, and is working towards achieving its 2030 emissions reduction targets. Solar power has surpassed coal in energy production in the state, with solar being one of the most cost-effective sources of energy for both utilities and consumers. The growth of the solar market is expected to continue, supported by federal incentive programs and the establishment of new manufacturing facilities like Boviet Solar’s solar panel plant in North Carolina.

Matt Abele, Executive Director of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, believes that these developments will further stimulate the market for domestic solar manufacturing in the state. He sees this as a positive step towards achieving greater energy independence and reducing reliance on imports from foreign countries like China. Overall, these developments suggest that there is growing momentum around clean energy production in North Carolina and across the country.