T1 Energy CEO Dan Barcelo: U.S. Must Overtake China as Solar Manufacturing Leader

February 13, 2026
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T1 Energy CEO Dan Barcelo dropped a bombshell at a Breitbart News event this week, declaring that the U.S. must crush China's stranglehold on solar manufacturing by ramping up our own production and supply chains. It's not just talk—Barcelo, whose company is pushing cutting-edge energy tech, sees this as a national security imperative, pointing out how Beijing controls over 80% of the global solar panel supply chain, from polysilicon to final assembly. With tariffs, subsidies like the Inflation Reduction Act, and a push for American innovation, he argues we can flip the script and become the undisputed leader. This isn't pie-in-the-sky optimism; it's a blueprint echoing the CHIPS Act's success in semiconductors, where U.S. fabs are already clawing back ground from Taiwan and China. For the 2A community, this hits different—it's a masterclass in energy independence that mirrors our fight for self-reliance in firearms manufacturing. Just as China's export bans on rare earths and components have hobbled U.S. defense tech, their solar monopoly leaves our grid vulnerable to blackouts or deliberate disruptions during crises. Imagine SHTF scenarios: foreign-controlled panels fail when you need off-grid power for your homestead security systems, comms gear, or even charging EV-based bug-out vehicles. By overtaking China, we're not just greening energy; we're fortifying the backbone for decentralized power solutions—solar arrays powering rural gun clubs, remote ranges, or fortified retreats without begging Beijing. It's pro-2A pragmatism: diversify threats, harden supply lines, and ensure patriots stay powered up, no matter what. The implications ripple wide. Policymakers listening to Barcelo could turbocharge domestic solar incentives, slashing costs for 2A enthusiasts building resilient setups. Pair this with modular microgrids and battery storage, and you've got a blueprint for liberty-loving energy sovereignty. China's not handing over dominance without a fight—expect more IP theft and dumping—but if we seize this moment, it's game over for their leverage. Time to manufacture like we mean it, from panels to ARs. Who's ready to go solar and stay strapped?

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T1 Energy CEO Dan Barcelo dropped a bombshell at a Breitbart News event this week, declaring that the U.S. must crush China’s stranglehold on solar manufacturing by ramping up our own production and supply chains. It’s not just talk—Barcelo, whose company is pushing cutting-edge energy tech, sees this as a national security imperative, pointing out how Beijing controls over 80% of the global solar panel supply chain, from polysilicon to final assembly. With tariffs, subsidies like the Inflation Reduction Act, and a push for American innovation, he argues we can flip the script and become the undisputed leader. This isn’t pie-in-the-sky optimism; it’s a blueprint echoing the CHIPS Act’s success in semiconductors, where U.S. fabs are already clawing back ground from Taiwan and China.

For the 2A community, this hits different—it’s a masterclass in energy independence that mirrors our fight for self-reliance in firearms manufacturing. Just as China’s export bans on rare earths and components have hobbled U.S. defense tech, their solar monopoly leaves our grid vulnerable to blackouts or deliberate disruptions during crises. Imagine SHTF scenarios: foreign-controlled panels fail when you need off-grid power for your homestead security systems, comms gear, or even charging EV-based bug-out vehicles. By overtaking China, we’re not just greening energy; we’re fortifying the backbone for decentralized power solutions—solar arrays powering rural gun clubs, remote ranges, or fortified retreats without begging Beijing. It’s pro-2A pragmatism: diversify threats, harden supply lines, and ensure patriots stay powered up, no matter what.

The implications ripple wide. Policymakers listening to Barcelo could turbocharge domestic solar incentives, slashing costs for 2A enthusiasts building resilient setups. Pair this with modular microgrids and battery storage, and you’ve got a blueprint for liberty-loving energy sovereignty. China’s not handing over dominance without a fight—expect more IP theft and dumping—but if we seize this moment, it’s game over for their leverage. Time to manufacture like we mean it, from panels to ARs. Who’s ready to go solar and stay strapped?

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