# Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act of 2023

This bill aims to restrict Chinese involvement in America's solar energy industry. Specifically, it would prevent federal agencies and companies receiving federal funding from purchasing solar panels or related equipment that are made in China or contain Chinese-made components. The bill also creates requirements for transparency about where solar equipment comes from and who manufactures it.

The practical effect is that it would make solar energy projects more expensive and potentially slower to complete, since American-made or allied-country-made solar panels typically cost more than Chinese alternatives. Homeowners considering rooftop solar installations, businesses planning solar farms, and government agencies building solar projects would all face higher costs. The bill reflects concerns about U.S. dependence on Chinese manufacturing for clean energy technology and national security worries about supply chains. However, it could slow down the transition to solar energy since the higher costs might discourage some projects from moving forward, and it could reduce competition that currently keeps solar prices affordable for average Americans.

The bill primarily affects solar companies, construction firms working on solar projects, and any organization receiving federal money for energy projects. It also indirectly impacts consumers by potentially raising the cost of solar energy adoption, though supporters argue it protects American manufacturing jobs and reduces reliance on foreign supply chains.

Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act of 2023

Scott, Rick

Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal procurement of solar panels manufactured or assembled in China. Specifically, the bill directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop standards and guidelines for executive agencies to prohibit (1) federal funds from being awarded for the procurement of solar panels that are manufactured or assembled by any entity domiciled in China or subject to influence or control by the government of China or the Chinese Communist Party, and (2) the use of government-issued purchase cards to purchase solar panels that are manufactured or assembled by any such entity. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement the prohibition with respect to federal contracts and subcontracts. The bill sets forth provisions regarding waivers, quarterly reports by the OMB to Congress, and a report by the Government Accountability Office. The OMB shall seek to enter into a contract with a federally funded research and development center under which the center will study (1) the current and future domestic market of solar panel production, (2) the ability of the solar panel domestic market to keep pace with technological advancements across the industry, and (3) the current global supply chain and workforce involved with solar panel production.