With growing business and political support for a greener economy, the solar industry had hoped to now be finding its time and place in the sun.
While demand for solar installations is growing, the supply of solar panels to capture the power of the sun has been a challenge in the United States, particularly since a federal investigation began into potential trade violations involving solar panels bought from Asian suppliers. Even buying enough land for some of the planned utility-size solar farms has proven difficult for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The Solar Energy Industries Association, a Washington, D.C.-based trade group, said more than 315 solar projects have been delayed or canceled and solar installation for 2022 and 2023 could be nearly cut in half due to supply chain problems and concerns about the inquiry launched by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The delays are pushing back major solar installations planned by TVA and Georgia Power Co., among others.
(READ MORE: Power battle in the Tennessee Valley: Jackson solar farm sparks power battle)