Elon Musk Team Visits U.S. Solar Supply Chain; Chinese Solar Firms React with Volatility

Elon Musk's China-based team visited the U.S. solar supply chain in late January, engaging with multiple Chinese solar companies. Following the visits, shares of Jinshi Solar (JKS-US, 688223-CN), Gaogao Solar (688556-CN), and Zhongshan Zhonghong (300316-CN) traded with volatility, with some issuing risk disclosures. Sources confirm talks on granular silicon and perovskite projects at Xinhua Group, which has R&D facilities in the U.S. and is considering building granular silicon and perovskite capacity there. Jinshi Solar and Gaogao Solar released statements clarifying no formal or framework agreements were signed, and there are no current orders. High Test Materials and Zhongshan Zhonghong also reported initial engagement without concrete collaboration terms. Industry participants noted the visit covered the supply chain from upstream silicon and equipment to products, including companies like Mayi and perovskite cell producers. U.S. solar is seen lagging behind China in scale and technology readiness, with potential for joint validation and capacity ramp-up.