# The Solar Dilemma: Build Local Or Buy Cheap From Overseas?

> Source: <https://www.machinebrief.com/news/the-solar-dilemma-build-local-or-buy-cheap-from-overseas-93mk>
> Published: 2026-08-12 13:00:00+00:00

# The Solar Dilemma: Build Local Or Buy Cheap From Overseas?

By Ken Silverstein, Senior ContributorSource:

[Forbes Innovation](https://www.forbes.com/innovation/)Should the U.S. buy cheap imported solar panels to power the AI boom or reshore manufacturing? Washington faces a trade-off between energy security and affordable power.

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