Catherwood LibraryILR School

Qcells, a leading solar panel manufacturer in the U.S. operated by South Korea’s Hanwha Solutions, has come under scrutiny for its supply chain practices. Despite receiving significant federal tax credits aimed at bolstering the domestic production of solar panels, Qcells' suppliers in China have reportedly sourced polysilicon from entities linked to forced labor, particularly in Xinjiang. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been urged to intensify inspections of Qcells' imports to enforce the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. While Qcells asserts that its supply chains adhere to U.S. laws and it has initiated measures to enhance traceability and compliance, concerns persist about the effectiveness of these efforts amidst China's dominance in the global solar supply chain.