Biden Offers Ambitious Blueprint for Solar Energy

Building and installing enough solar panels to meet up to 45 percent of the country’s electricity needs will put a strain on manufacturers and the energy industry, increasing the demand for materials like aluminum, silicon, steel and glass. The industry also needs to find tens of thousands of workers and train them quickly. Some labor groups have said that when developers rush to build solar farms quickly, they often hire lower paid non-union workers rather than the union members that Mr Biden often advocates.

Challenges such as trade disputes could also complicate the foray into solar energy. China dominates the solar panel supply chain, and the government recently started blocking imports related to China’s Xinjiang region on concerns about the use of forced labor. While many solar companies say they are working to move away from materials made in Xinjiang, energy experts say the import ban could slow the construction of solar projects across the United States in the short term.

However, energy analysts said it would be impossible for Mr. Biden to meet his climate goals without a large increase in the use of solar energy. “No matter how you cut it, you have to double or quadruple in the short term,” says Michelle Davis, principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie, an energy research and consulting firm. “Restrictions in the supply chain are certainly on everyone’s lips.”

Administrative officials cited changes made by state and local officials as an example of how the country could move to renewable energy faster. For example, California regulators are changing state building codes to include solar and batteries in new buildings.

Another major focus of the administration is the increased use of batteries to store energy from solar collectors and wind turbines for use at night or when there is no wind. The cost of batteries has fallen, but according to many analysts it remains too high for a quick switch to renewable energies and electric cars.

For some solar industry officials, the Department of Energy’s report should help keep people focused on what is possible, even if lawmakers haven’t worked out the details.

“Essentially, the DOE is saying America needs a ton more solar energy, not less, and we need it today, not tomorrow,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar and Storage Association, the state’s solar developers by far largest number of solar systems. “This simple call to action should guide every policy decision from city councils to lawmakers and regulators across the country.”

Brad Plumer contributed to the coverage.