Republicans Back Community Solar in Multiple States
What’s new:
Republican lawmakers in Iowa, Ohio, Georgia, and Missouri have introduced or supported bills to expand community solar.
* Supporters cite economic benefits, property rights, and local energy savings as their reasons for backing these bills.
* Some GOP-aligned groups backing these bills include Americans for Prosperity, Walmart, and the American Legislative Exchange Council.
By the numbers:
* 25 states already have community solar policies.
* Community solar capacity grew 35% in 2024, reaching 8.6 GW nationwide.
* A typical 5-MW project supports 100 jobs and adds $14 million in economic activity.
Why it matters:
Despite federal partisan divides and federal pushback against clean energy and the Inflation Reduction Act, community solar is gaining traction in red states.
$6.9B in Clean Energy Manufacturing Canceled Due to Policy Uncertainty
What’s new:
In Q1 2025, six U.S. clean energy manufacturing projects representing $6.9 billion in investment were canceled (the highest quarterly value on record according to Rhodium Group and MIT CEEPR).
* When including early-stage cancellations, the total rises to $9 billion.
* Simultaneously, companies announced $9.4 billion in new projects, up 47% from Q4 2024 but down 23% from Q1 2024.
Why it matters:
Policy uncertainty is causing investors to cancel projects despite the expansion of domestic manufacturing being a stated goal of Republican lawmakers.
Boviet Solar Opens Panel Factory in North Carolina
What’s new:
Boviet Solar has begun production at a new 2-GW solar panel factory in Greenville, NC.
* The company invested $300 million and hired 370 employees so far.
* A second factory next door, now under construction, will produce 3 GW of solar cells and is expected to begin operation in late 2026.
* Between both factories, 1300 jobs will be created in the region.
Context:
Boviet is a Vietnamese-founded company and a subsidiary of a Chinese manufacturer. Its Vietnam-made solar cells now face a 307.78% U.S. tariff, so a domestic arm serving American projects is a strategic move.
Why it matters:
The expansion supports domestic content requirements and reflects growing interest in reshoring solar manufacturing.
Renewables Surpass Coal on PJM Regional Grid
What’s new:
Renewable energy (14% of which is solar) now generates more electricity than coal in the PJM Interconnection region, which serves 65 million people across 13 states and D.C.
* As of April 2025, renewables generated 11,800 MW, slightly above coal’s 11,700 MW.
* Solar set three new generation records in PJM territory in April, reaching 14% of electricity demand.
Context:
The milestone comes as the Trump administration promotes coal through executive actions.
Why it matters:
PJM is notoriously slow to connect renewable power sources to the grid, but progress is still being made.
Links to stories:
Community solar is winning over Republican lawmakers around the US - Canary Media
The State of US Clean Energy Supply Chains in 2025 - Clean Investment Monitor
Renewables surpass coal on Mid-Atlantic electric grid - Allegheny Front
PHOTOS: Boviet Solar starts production at North Carolina panel factory - Solar Power World
