Clean Energy Manufacturing Growth Accelerates Across Key States

Clean energy manufacturing growth is reshaping the U.S. solar and battery supply chain, with Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois emerging as major state-level hubs for domestic production, according to a new American Clean Power Association-backed report.

The report, titled America Builds Power: The State of Clean Energy Manufacturing in 2026, highlights the rapid expansion of U.S. factories producing clean energy components, including solar modules, battery cells, battery modules, wind components, and related supply chain equipment.

ACP says the United States now has more than 825 active clean energy manufacturing facilities across all 50 states. The sector supports about 216,000 American jobs and contributes roughly $31 billion to U.S. GDP annually. The report also projects that if announced and under-construction facilities come online, the country could have more than 950 clean energy manufacturing facilities by 2030.

Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Georgia were identified as leading states by clean energy component manufacturing GDP impact. Each state plays a different role in the clean energy supply chain, showing how manufacturing growth is spreading across multiple regions rather than concentrating in one market.

Texas has become a major solar manufacturing state, supported by new solar module capacity and a strong energy-sector workforce. The state’s large power market, industrial base, land availability and rising electricity demand have helped make it a key location for clean energy production and project development.

Georgia has become one of the most important solar manufacturing states because of Qcells’ vertically integrated manufacturing hub. The company’s investments in Georgia are designed to support more of the solar supply chain domestically, from ingots and wafers to cells and finished modules.

Ohio remains closely tied to U.S. solar manufacturing through First Solar, which operates major thin-film solar production facilities in the state. First Solar’s presence gives Ohio an important role in domestic module production, particularly as buyers look for more U.S.-made solar technology.

Clean Energy Manufacturing Growth Expands Battery Supply

Michigan and Illinois are also gaining attention because of their role in battery manufacturing. As the U.S. grid adds more solar and wind, batteries are becoming essential for storing electricity, managing peak demand and improving reliability.

The ACP report says domestic manufacturing capacity is now sufficient to meet U.S. demand for solar modules, battery modules, wind towers and wind nacelles. That marks a major shift from earlier years when the U.S. clean energy industry depended more heavily on imported equipment.

Battery production is especially important as utilities, developers and large energy users add storage to support grid flexibility. Solar power can generate low-cost electricity during the day, while batteries help move that power into evening hours or times of higher demand.

For developers, EPCs, distributors and buyers, the growth of domestic manufacturing could improve supply chain visibility and reduce some risks linked to overseas shipping, tariffs and long lead times. At the same time, buyers still need to evaluate product quality, pricing, warranties and supplier stability before making procurement decisions.

The report also shows that clean energy manufacturing is becoming an economic development strategy for states competing for investment, jobs and industrial growth. Factory projects can support direct employment while also creating demand for transportation, construction, materials, maintenance and local services.

For the U.S. solar and battery sectors, the message is clear: manufacturing is becoming a bigger part of the clean energy story. Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois are helping lead that shift, and their role could become even more important as electricity demand grows across the country.