By Michael Polsky
Source: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/Reprint-CB24032Invenergy
Summary:
In his opinion piece, Michael Polsky, founder and CEO of Invenergy, critiques a trade dispute where incumbent U.S. solar manufacturers are advocating for tariffs against Southeast Asian imports, purportedly to protect domestic jobs. Polsky argues this move would hinder rather than help America’s solar industry. He contrasts this with the actions of new manufacturers like Illuminate USA, which he represents. This company, boosted by the Inflation Reduction Act and its tax incentives, exemplifies the intended American resurgence in solar manufacturing. Polsky underscores that the incumbents are less concerned with protecting American jobs than with preserving their market share and profits. He warns that acceding to their demands would slow solar deployment, stifle innovation, raise energy costs, and keep American solar technology behind China’s. Instead, he advocates for fostering competition and innovation to strengthen America’s solar manufacturing base for the long term.