Texas Launches Probe Into Solar Firms After Fox News Report
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced that state lawmakers will investigate two solar companies after a Fox News investigation reported both firms have corporate connections to Chinese solar giants. The companies under review include T1 Energy, based in Austin, and Canadian Solar, headquartered in Ontario but active in Texas manufacturing and infrastructure development.
Patrick said the state must fully understand how much influence foreign-linked companies may have over Texas’ rapidly expanding solar manufacturing sector. Both companies have invested in factory development and solar infrastructure across Texas, and Fox News noted that one of the firms was previously praised by Senate Democrats in 2023 for its U.S. manufacturing footprint.
Scrutiny Intensifies After Ownership and Transfer Details Surface
Trina Solar’s Role Raises Questions
According to the Fox News report, the concerns intensified after a major transaction last year involving Trina Solar, a leading Chinese solar manufacturer. The company agreed to sell its Texas-based manufacturing assets to a U.S.-registered firm that also had Chinese corporate ties. That company now operates as T1 Energy, one of the entities under state investigation.
Fox News reported that Gao Jifan, founder of Trina Solar, serves as a delegate to the Chinese National People’s Congress, drawing additional attention from Texas officials who want to determine what influence, if any, foreign stakeholders may have on energy manufacturing facilities inside the United States.
Texas Lawmakers Signal Broad Review of Solar Supply Chain
Focus on Foreign Corporate Influence
Dan Patrick emphasized that Texas must protect the integrity of its energy sector—from oil and gas to the growing solar market—and ensure that companies operating in the state do not pose national security or economic risks.
The investigation will review ownership structures, corporate governance, and the extent of any foreign-linked influence on Texas-based manufacturing projects. While Patrick did not provide a timeline, he said lawmakers will pursue a comprehensive review.
The probe reflects rising national scrutiny of the U.S. solar supply chain, where several major global manufacturers maintain ties to Chinese parent companies.
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