The US solar market has experienced significant growth. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association of America (SEIA) and Wood MacKenzie, solar energy will account for 66% of new grid capacity in 2024 alone. The soaring demand for electricity from data centers, generative artificial intelligence, and national residential and industrial electrification has driven this growth.

However, the industry challenges faced by solar project developers, EPC (Power Procurement Companies), and IPP (Independent Power Plants) are not only due to the rapid transformation of the industry. These challenges are reshaping the way developers think about system design, procurement, and risk management, prompting the industry to prioritize domestic procurement, supply chain resilience, and supplier collaboration. The return of solar manufacturing industry is not just a response to tariffs or short-term policy changes, but a long-term strategy to reduce the risks of solar projects.

Shoals Technologies Group is at the forefront of this transformation. The company is developing a strong autonomous supply chain for its Electric Balance System (EBOS) solution, which manages the critical infrastructure for power flow from solar panels to the grid. The EBOS components include wiring systems, circuit breakers, combiner boxes, and other electrical protection devices, serving as the connection points for each project. They play a crucial role in ensuring system reliability and performance.

Shoals has invested heavily in building a 640000 square foot factory in Tennessee to meet the growing domestic demand, which will increase production capacity by over 50%. Shoals' internal production allows us to implement advanced design and engineering while maintaining high quality standards, "said Kevin Boyce, Director of Solar Product Line Management at Shoals, at the recent" Solar World "webinars.

In addition to expanding production capacity, Shoals is also establishing strong domestic partnerships. The company has continued its 20-year partnership with First Solar by providing customized junction boxes and wiring harnesses. Shoals' OEM account manager Kyle Garvin said, "We will work together to lead the return of the US solar supply chain and invest in a stronger, more resilient, and American made energy future." This collaboration expands First Solar's influence in the industry and enhances its contribution to job creation and the US economy.