The Inflation Reduction Act’s Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit isn’t just for factories—it’s changing how solar designers plan systems. Here’s what you need to know to optimize costs, ensure compliance, and future-proof your designs.

Why Designers Should Care About 45X

The 45X credit subsidizes U.S. production of:
✔ Solar panels & cells
✔ Inverters (micro, string, central)
✔ Racking systems
✔ Battery components

Result: A surge in cost-competitive U.S.-made equipment that affects:

• System pricing (cheaper domestic modules = better project ROI)
• FEOC compliance (avoid banned Chinese/Russian materials)
• Domestic content bonuses (extra 10% tax credit for commercial)

3 Ways 45X Impacts Solar Design

1. New Equipment Options = Smarter Designs

Example:

• First Solar’s thin-film panels (45X-supported) now compete on price with imports—enabling larger rooftop arrays with lighter-weight modules.
• Enphase’s U.S.-assembled microinverters reduce supply chain risks.

Design Tip:
Specify 45X-backed U.S. equipment in plans to:

• Future-proof against FEOC rules
• Unlock domestic content adders

2. Streamlined Permitting

Many jurisdictions fast-track approvals for systems using:

• UL-listed U.S. equipment
• Standardized 45X-eligible configurations

Design Tip:
Pre-load designs with pre-approved U.S. modules/inverters to cut permit review time.

3. More Competitive Bids

Projects using 45X-supported gear can offer:

• Lower costs (manufacturer savings passed down)
• Faster timelines (reliable U.S. supply chains)
• Stronger warranties (domestic = easier service)

Challenges for Designers

⚠️ Limited Stock (High demand for U.S. panels)
Solution: Lock in supplier agreements as early as possible.

⚠️ Documentation Requirements
Solution: Build domestic content trackers into your design packages.

How We Help

While we don’t supply equipment, our OBBB-compliant solar designs ensure:
✅ FEOC-safe system specs (no banned materials)
✅ Maximized tax credits (domestic content adders pre-calculated)
✅ Permit-ready packages (optimized for U.S. equipment)

Need a 45X-Optimized Design?
📩 Contact our team for a system tailored to U.S.-made components.