"Just How Many Jobs And GDP Dollars Do US Clean Energy Factories Create?"

"A new report aims to quantify how much domestic solar, wind, and battery production uplifts local economies. Its authors hope Republicans in Congress will take note."

"American manufacturing has already surged in the clean energy sector, bringing with it significant economic rewards.

That’s the main takeaway from a census of U.S. clean energy factories, published today by the American Clean Power Association trade group. The report identifies 200 operating across 38 states as of early 2025. The production of solar panels leads the count with at least 90 facilities. About 65 factories are making batteries, while a smaller number produce equipment for onshore and offshore wind. A broader population of over 800 facilities plays a supporting role in the clean energy supply chain, manufacturing materials and subcomponents that turn the solar panels and batteries into full-fledged power plants.

Those facilities already contribute 122,000 jobs and create $33 billion of economic activity annually, which includes earnings, goods and services produced, and payments to supporting industries, ACP found. Notably, 73% of these factories operate in what the report describes as ​“Republican states” (as determined by presidential vote). That economic impact could grow to $164 billion by 2030 if the currently planned and announced factories come to fruition.

The report came out as ACP met for its annual conference in Phoenix, but the intended audience includes the Republican members of Congress who will soon vote on cuts to the slew of tax credits underpinning this factory buildout. The report asserts that the burgeoning cleantech factory sector could ​“be the foundation for American energy dominance that is built by Americans for Americans.”"

Julian Spector reports for Canary Media May 20,2025.

Source: Canary Media, 05/21/2025