Why It Matters

T1 Energy Inc. is doubling down on federal advocacy as solar manufacturing faces existential policy threats.

The company has assembled a five-firm lobbying operation, spending over $1.3 million to defend and expand tax credits central to its business model. The addition of Tower Strategy LLC signals a strategic pivot—T1 Energy is now framing domestic solar manufacturing through national security and technological competition, arguments with greater resonance in the current Congress.

This shift comes as H.R. 4118 and other bills threaten immediate termination of key manufacturing credits. New lobbyist Enrique Angel de la Torre brings expertise in defense manufacturing and international trade, positioning T1 Energy to argue that American solar production strengthens national security and supply chain resilience.

The legislative stakes are clear: H.R. 1167 could create market opportunities through Chinese solar bans, while H.R. 4350 could expand manufacturing support. Conversely, credit elimination would devastate T1’s planned Texas facility.

By the Numbers

T1 Energy Inc. has invested over $1.3 million in federal lobbying, including $690,000 in in-house spending between February and October 2025.

T1 Energy’s external lobbying team includes Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP ($250,000), Continental Strategy LLC ($212,000), Checkmate Government Relations LLC ($150,000), and Riverbend Navigators Global Public Affairs LLC.

The company now adds Tower Strategy LLC. The firm’s sole registered lobbyist on T1’s account is Enrique Angel de la Torre, whose most lucrative prior engagement was with TXAT LLC ($270,000) on firearms manufacturing and supply chain issues.

The Agenda

T1 Energy Inc. is lobbying to protect federal tax incentives for domestic solar manufacturing.

The company’s primary focus centers on defending key Inflation Reduction Act provisions, particularly the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit (Section 45X), Production Tax Credit (PTC), and Investment Tax Credit (ITC). T1 Energy is also shaping trade policy affecting the solar industry, including tariff matters and polysilicon supply chain investigations.

Specific legislative priorities include:

Broader Context

Congress is locked in contentious debate over clean energy tax credits. The "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act reduced clean energy investment by an estimated 53-59% through 2035, imposing substantial constraints on the 45X credit with 65% domestic manufacturing content requirements and same-facility component production mandates.

Yet the domestic solar manufacturing sector has surged. U.S. solar module manufacturing capacity exceeded 60 gigawatts in 2025, with 65 new or expanded facilities—a 37% increase. The solar industry has invested $43.8 billion in new manufacturing since the Inflation Reduction Act’s passage.

Supply chain vulnerabilities add complexity. China controls more than 80% of the global solar supply chain, while critical mineral shortages could constrain production. This creates both risk and opportunity for domestic manufacturers seeking to build resilient, American-based production.

Between The Lines

T1 Energy faces both significant threats and opportunities in the current legislative environment.

Legislative Threats: Bills like H.R. 4118 propose immediate termination of key tax credits, while H.R. 2838 would phase them out over four years.

Legislative Opportunities: H.R. 4350 seeks to expand domestic manufacturing through new loan programs, while H.R. 1167 would prohibit federal procurement of Chinese-made solar panels.

Member Positions: Democrats like Senator Schumer actively defend IRA tax credits citing job creation, while Senator Murkowski plans amendments to ease phaseouts, suggesting bipartisan opportunities for targeted advocacy.

Competitive Landscape

T1 Energy operates in a crowded lobbying environment. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the primary trade group defending tax credits. Major competitors include Canadian Solar Inc., SolarEdge Technologies Inc., and Shoals Technologies Group Inc., all lobbying on overlapping tax credit and domestic manufacturing issues.

The Bottom Line

T1 Energy has added Tower Strategy LLC to its lobbying roster as clean energy tax credits face unprecedented legislative threats. The solar manufacturer is expanding its $1.3 million advocacy operation with Enrique Angel de la Torre, signaling intent to frame domestic solar production as a national security issue. With Congress actively debating bills that could eliminate the tax credits underlying T1’s business model, the addition of de la Torre’s cross-sector expertise suggests the company is preparing for a prolonged fight over American manufacturing policies.

For more detailed insights access Legis1. Request a demo today!