T1 Energy CEO Dan Barcelo: American-Manufactured Solar Boosts Energy Affordability

Published: Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 5:09 pm

T1 Energy CEO Advocates for American Solar Manufacturing to Boost Energy Affordability

T1 Energy CEO Dan Barcelo recently spoke at a policy event, emphasizing the crucial role of American-made solar energy in addressing energy affordability and revitalizing domestic manufacturing. The event, hosted by Breitbart News, featured a discussion on the evolving energy landscape and its impact on American competitiveness.

Barcelo highlighted T1 Energy's operations, specifically its five-gigawatt solar panel plant in Texas, which accounts for 10% of the United States' solar panel capacity and employs over 1,250 people. He stressed the potential to reshore the entire solar production process, from raw materials to finished modules, eliminating the need for reliance on foreign manufacturing. He cited the company's sourcing of polysilicon from Michigan-based Hemlock and its plans to purchase wafers from Corning, also in Michigan, as examples of this commitment.

The CEO also detailed a new project, G2 Austin, which aims to develop high-tech solar cells at a repurposed industrial site. This project, located in Milam County, Texas, is expected to create 1,500 high-paying jobs. Barcelo linked this initiative to both energy security and the growing demand for power from artificial intelligence and data centers.

Drawing on his experience in the fossil fuel industry, Barcelo compared solar development to traditional energy production, emphasizing solar's role in stabilizing the energy grid and reducing costs. He noted that solar energy offers a "zero marginal cost" once it's on the grid, citing the example of Texas, where solar accounted for half the grid's midday power last week. While acknowledging the importance of other energy sources like natural gas, coal, and nuclear, Barcelo underscored solar's potential to lower overall energy costs.

BNN's Perspective:

The push for American-made solar panels is a welcome development, potentially creating jobs and boosting domestic manufacturing. However, a balanced approach is needed. While supporting renewable energy is important, it's crucial to ensure a diverse energy portfolio that includes traditional sources to maintain grid stability and affordability. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective policy and market conditions.

Keywords: solar energy, American manufacturing, energy affordability, T1 Energy, Dan Barcelo, Texas, renewable energy, solar panels, G2 Austin, energy grid, Breitbart News, reshoring, jobs, manufacturing, energy security

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