A recent report by Fox News Digital has uncovered how prominent U.S. solar companies with deep-rooted connections to China are leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) tax credits, despite growing concerns from lawmakers about national security risks. Canadian Solar, an Ontario-based firm with substantial Chinese ownership and a main operating arm listed on Shanghai’s SciTech board, has made significant strides in Texas through a $250 million investment, reportedly securing a 5GW module facility.
Trina Solar, a Chinese solar giant, continues to expand its U.S. operations by acquiring Texas-based manufacturing assets through its subsidiary, now rebranded as T1 Energy. Both companies have managed to localize operations in the U.S. while maintaining significant Chinese influence, enabling them to reap benefits from American subsidies and tax incentives.
While the feds have created barriers to Chinese firms flooding the solar market, many have found ways to localize operations in the U.S. or North America in a manner that allows for public investment and even deferential press coverage at times. After then-President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, Senate Democrats praised the law for its substantive investments in