What’s new:
A new poll commissioned by US manufacturer First Solar reveals that a majority of Trump voters support solar power, with higher approval ratings if the panels are made in America.
* The Numbers: The survey of 800 “GOP+” voters (Republicans, leaning independents, and Trump voters) found 51% in favor of solar power.
* An “America First” Bump: When asked if they’d support solar panels made in US factories with no Chinese materials, support levels jumped to 70%.
* Political Upside: Most agreed that the US needs “all forms of electricity generation,” including solar, to lower power costs and said they would be more likely to support a Congressional candidate who backs an energy agenda that includes solar.
Why it matters:
* Counter-Narrative: The data challenges the assumption that right-leaning Americans see solar energy as some sort of frivolous green hippie technology.
* The China Factor: The poll highlights that for GOP voters, the origin of the technology matters more than the type. Dislike of Chinese imports is a stronger motivator than dislike of the technology itself.
* Strategic Messaging: This shows that right-leaning Americans will support solar if shown as a tool for energy dominance and affordability.
What they’re saying:
“GOP+ voters want America to have energy independence and for their electric bills to be affordable. They understand that utility solar energy is a key aspect in allowing that to happen.”
— Tony Fabrizio, Trump campaign pollster.
Enphase Ready to Manufacture Bidirectional Chargers
Enphase Energy has confirmed it will finally begin mass production of its bidirectional EV charger late next year, unlocking the ability for electric vehicles to power homes during blackouts.
We wrote about bi-directional charging back in 2024, and it’s been one of our most-visited blog posts at Exact Solar for years.
What’s new:
* Target Date: Volume manufacturing for the “IQ Bidirectional EV Charging Platform” is officially set for Q4 2026.
* Two-Way Power: The charger connects to an EV’s charging port, allowing it to charge the battery or pull energy out of the EV’s battery to back up a home during power outages.
* Commercial Grade: The hardware is engineered for both residential and light-commercial use (single and three-phase architectures).
Why it matters:
* It’s a “Battery on Wheels”: This technology turns an EV into a home battery, offering backup power without the need to buy batteries.
What they’re saying:
“Bidirectional charging only works at scale if it works across vehicles, homes and grids... we are making steady progress toward delivering a flexible bidirectional charging platform.”
— Jayant Somani, SVP at Enphase Energy.
Fraudulent comments put Ohio solar farm at risk
Misinformation and fake public comments are slowing down Ohio’s ability to approve new energy infrastructure.
What’s new:
* The Risk: The 94MW Crossroads Solar project in Morrow County, Ohio, is on the brink of rejection after state regulators flipped their recommendation to “negative” following several community comments against the project.
* The Fraud: An investigation by the Crossroads developer found that at least 34 public comments opposing the project were filed using false names or addresses. While opponents claimed the county was “10-to-1” against the project, an analysis of verified comments showed 78% of locals actually supported it.
Why it matters:
* Policy by Popularity: Developers argue the regulatory process has devolved into a “local popularity contest” vulnerable to manipulation, rather than a technical review of public interest.
Sources
Exclusive: Majority of Trump voters back solar power, poll finds
Poll Shows GOP Voters Support Solar Energy, American-Made Solar | INN
Poll finds Republicans support utility-scale solar power, especially if it’s American-made
Enphase slates volume production of bidirectional EV chargers for Q4 2026
Are faked public comments about to tank an Ohio solar farm?
An Ohio solar project overcomes local opposition and misinformation
