The manufacturing scale-back announced this week by thin-film PV manufacturer First Solar shows the effects of ‘inconsistent’ policies worldwide, according to Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
‘Policy certainty is critical for all energy markets, and the solar industry is no different,’ Resch said in a statement. ‘With drastic policy changes in the leading European markets, First Solar has chosen to focus its activities in areas that provide a higher level of policy stability and product demand, including the U.S., First Solar's largest market.
‘The U.S. has an opportunity to encourage companies large and small to expand their businesses and create jobs through smart, consistent policy,’ Resch added. ‘Steady, equitable government policy for all energy technologies, including solar, will help ensure industry leaders such as First Solar continue to focus on the U.S. market, boosting local and national economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing energy security.’Â Â
First Solar's projects are continuing to drive the utility-scale market in the U.S. in line with its business plan, and the U.S. remains First Solar's largest market, according to SEIA.
