US Solar Industry Falls Behind as China Takes the Lead

The United States, once a leader in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, has lost its dominant position to China. This decline can be attributed to multiple factors, including missed opportunities, corporate complacency, and misguided trade policies.

Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: HSC) once spearheaded global polysilicon production, vital for solar panels. Today, China controls 90% of the solar polysilicon market, overtaking the US through strategic investment and relentless innovation.

In stark contrast to many assumptions, Chinese private companies, rather than state intervention, primarily drove this growth. Their aggressive investments and advancements solidified China’s position as the world leader in solar technology.

Despite facing tariffs and trade wars initiated by the United States, China's solar industry has continued to flourish. Meanwhile, U.S. initiatives to revitalize its domestic solar sector are making sluggish progress.

Major American companies involved in solar PV technology, including First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), Dow Inc (NYSE: DOW), and Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC), have struggled to regain market ground. Challenges from both regulatory landscapes and overseas competition persist, exacerbating the issues within the sector.

Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: HSC) is currently trading at $0.00.

First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) is currently trading at $252.252.

Dow Inc (NYSE: DOW) is currently trading at $54.179.

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) is currently trading at $23.465.