How Clean Energy Tax Credits Fuel American Jobs and Innovation
As Published in Indiana Business Journal
By: E. L. “Mick” McDaniel, General Manager, Bila Solar
Indianapolis has long been known for its manufacturing heritage, innovation, and skilled workforce. That’s one of the reasons Bila Solar chose to make Indy its North American headquarters and manufacturing center for solar panels. The city’s strong support for cleantech manufacturing, combined with Indiana’s business-friendly policies led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, reinforced our decision. With additional backing from robust federal incentives, this location provides the perfect environment to invest in U.S. manufacturing and create high-quality American jobs.
This commitment to Indiana is deeply personal for me. I was born in Indianapolis, went to high school here, and then attended Indiana University in Bloomington. I am incredibly proud to be bringing gigawatt-scale solar manufacturing to my home state, a place that has shaped me and so many others into the leaders we are today. Indiana’s workforce and industrial expertise have always been second to none, and now we have an opportunity to make the state a leader in clean energy manufacturing as well.
For years, the U.S. solar industry was dependent on imports from our largest international competitor. China has dominated the global supply of critical solar components, including ingots, wafers, cells and modules. The clean energy incentives enacted in recent years are changing that, allowing the U.S. to regain control of its energy future while strengthening our national and economic security.
The decision to build in the United States just made sense, and we’re not alone. Over the past five years, the solar industry has experienced a manufacturing boom, with new factories being announced almost daily. The growth has been so rapid that, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the United States now has the capacity to produce 50 gigawatts (GW) of solar modules annually—enough to meet the nation’s demand with homemade panels.
This expansion is fueling a resurgence in American manufacturing beyond just modules. Other parts of the solar supply chain are following suit, reshoring their operations and bringing additional economic opportunities to communities across the country. At Bila Solar, we are proud to be part of this momentum, producing solar modules that push the industry forward. With strong and stable clean energy policies, we can continue expanding, hiring more Hoosiers and deepening our involvement in the local community.
However, the incentives that have propelled this growth are now at risk. Some members of the incoming Congress have campaigned on repealing the solar and clean energy tax credits—policies that have directly contributed to this American manufacturing renaissance. If they succeed, it could upend the industry’s progress, stall job creation and weaken America’s energy independence.
With the U.S. projected to install nearly 200 GW of new solar capacity by 2030, it only makes sense to ensure that American workers and businesses are the ones supplying those components. The current incentives are making that possible, driving billions in investment and securing the supply chain here at home. Repealing them would be a step backward.
The good news is that clean energy manufacturing enjoys strong bipartisan support—87% of Americans back federal clean energy initiatives, and that includes many Hoosiers. But with potential cuts on the table, now is the time to speak up.
Your Representatives and Senators need to hear from you. They must understand that supporting solar manufacturing is not just about energy—it’s about keeping jobs in Indiana, strengthening our economy, and securing our energy future. Contacting their local offices—rather than their Washington, D.C., offices—tends to have a greater impact, so we encourage you to make your voice heard today.
Indianapolis has always been a leader in manufacturing and innovation. With the right policies in place, we can continue that legacy, making the city and the country stronger for generations to come. Let’s keep that momentum going—reach out to your representatives and urge them to protect the policies that fuel American jobs, investment and energy independence.