IGNITE OCT 25 - High vs. Low Domestic Content: What Your Solar Modules Say About Your Project
- Conrad (Chi) Ning
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
In solar project development, domestic content modules vary widely—especially when it comes to composition, quality, and evolving federal requirements. At Imperial Star Solar, we help you build smarter. Meeting domestic content rules doesn’t mean overpaying or following a one-size-fits-all approach.
What You Might Not Know About Domestic Content Requirements
Most projects start off with 8-20% domestic content compliance. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need 100% domestic modules or even fully domestic cells to qualify for domestic content bonuses or hit compliance targets.
Domestic content is calculated from a mix of components—cells, frames, back sheets, junction boxes, and more. By focusing strategically on where you source domestic materials, you can maximize credits and control costs without chasing every component to be considered as a domestic content qualified module.
Key Differences Between Types of Domestic-Content Modules
Component Origin and CompositionSome domestic content modules feature U.S.-made cells, frames, backsheets, and junction boxes (high domestic content), while others may only assemble modules domestically but rely on imported critical components like cells or wafers (low domestic content). Variations in sourcing wafers, cells, glass, and structural parts create a broad spectrum of domestic content percentages.
Compliance and Tax IncentivesHigher U.S.-made content modules meet federal tax credit thresholds more easily and reduce audit risks. Lower domestic content modules face greater compliance risk, delays, and potential loss of incentives with rising IRS scrutiny.
Supply Chain and Cost ConsiderationsHigh domestic content modules often come with premium costs due to limited U.S. suppliers, particularly for cells. Low domestic content modules might reduce upfront spend but carry increased risks of import delays, tariffs, and compliance challenges.
Manufacturing vs. Assembly ImpactDomestic assembly does not guarantee high domestic content. Critical manufacturing stages, especially wafer and cell production, heavily influence eligibility. Many “domestic” modules are assembled in the U.S. yet contain foreign-made components.
Technology and Efficiency Trade-offsSome imported components offer advanced efficiency but may increase compliance uncertainty. High domestic content modules balance quality and compliance but might have fewer tech options than global alternatives.
The Comparison That Highlights the Difference
Module A: High Domestic Content (73.9%) —— Domestic cells, frames, backsheets, and junction boxes, with only a slim 2mm front glass imported. Balances compliance, quality, and supply chain control.
Module B: Low Domestic Content (7%) —— Heavy reliance on imported frames, thick 4mm front glass, and limited domestic components. This standard approach risks delays, compliance issues, and lost tax credits.
Why This Matters for Your Projects
With domestic content thresholds rising to 45% in 2025 and beyond, thoughtful and strategic sourcing is critical. Our Domestic Choice offering helps you reach these thresholds by emphasizing domestic sourcing where it counts most, avoiding unnecessary costs and risks.
Your Benefits
With domestic content thresholds rising to 45% in 2025 and beyond, thoughtful and strategic sourcing is critical. Our Domestic Choice offering helps you reach these thresholds by emphasizing domestic sourcing where it counts most, avoiding unnecessary costs and risks.
Reduced supply chain risk and smoother compliance
Better budget and timeline control
Greater confidence maximizing tax credits
Partner with Imperial Star Solar for transparent, reliable, and compliant Domestic Choice modules—tailored for your project’s unique needs. Build smart, build confident, and let Domestic Choice power your next success.
Inside Imperial Star’s U.S. Module Strategy — Podcast Feature
Imperial Star’s own Chris Lettman joined the Solar Maverick Podcast to discuss how projects truly qualify for the 10% domestic content adder—and why U.S.-made cells are critical for compliance.
In this conversation, Chris unpacks what “domestic content” really means in practice, the realities of U.S. manufacturing at our Houston facility, and what developers and EPCs should look for when sourcing panels under new federal guidelines.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:Inside Imperial Star’s U.S. Module Strategy
It’s a clear, candid look inside the U.S. solar manufacturing landscape—and how American-built modules are helping projects capture real value.
PV CELL TECH 2025: A Strong Step Forward
Imperial Star Solar was proud to sponsor and speak at PVCELLTECH 2025, a pivotal event focused on U.S. solar manufacturing innovation, supply chains, and domestic content clarity.
Our team showcased DomesticIQ, a powerful tool that helps developers and EPCs cut through complexity to optimize domestic content spend—and introduced Domestic Choice, American-made modules tailored to project needs.
The event reinforced the importance of transparency, flexibility, and data-driven decisions in advancing American solar manufacturing. We look forward to continuing to support PVCELLTECH and working together to build a stronger solar future.
Thank you to everyone who connected with us and contributed to the conversation.
We’re Hiring—Grow With Imperial Star Solar
As we scale annual capacity in Houston, we’re adding to our team. If you want to be part of real U.S. solar manufacturing—on the shop floor, in supply chain, or in sales—we want to hear from you.
Why Join Imperial Star?
Steady work with a growing American company
Open positions for skilled operators, logistics, sales, human resources and management
Benefits, and room to advance
Help build the future of clean energy, right here at home
Ready to make an impact? Check out our open roles and apply today—let’s build the future, together.
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