Catch up fast: The White House this week announced a two-year waiver of potential new panel import tariffs, coupled with the use of the Defense Production Act to boost domestic panel-making.
Yes, but: Bloomberg reports the Biden administration has limited cash to use for DPA-based support for domestic projects — and that it's competing with other DPA uses like baby formula.
It reports that the plan currently depends on a fund with less than $500 million.
Why it matters: "That funding—even if fully dedicated to solar production—would only be enough to open a few factories capable of cranking out a fraction of the panels the U.S. currently imports each year, according to manufacturers."
However, officials plan to seek more money from Congress. And the story also notes that supporters say the DPA can unlock other Energy Department "tools and authorities to invest in manufacturing."