Making the Case for Solar Energy to the US Congress | Phillip Vyhanek 

Episode #17

In this episode of Good Energy, Phillip Vyhanek, the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of GameChange Solar, discusses the company’s role in the solar industry, its manufacturing expansion, and its increasing involvement in policy advocacy. As one of the leading solar tracker manufacturers, GameChange Solar employs over 3,000 people across multiple states. Vyhanek highlights the company’s commitment to domestic manufacturing, announcing that by the third quarter of 2025, they will offer a 100% U.S.-made solar tracker to meet domestic content requirements. 

Vyhanek has personally met with 12 Congressional leaders, primarily Republicans, to educate them on solar’s economic benefits, including job creation and energy independence. He stresses that solar is a bipartisan issue, benefiting both the economy and national energy security. 

Vyhanek explains that solar trackers improve energy efficiency by following the sun’s movement throughout the day. GameChange Solar’s technology also adapts to weather conditions like wind speeds and cloud cover. He emphasizes that, at its core, GameChange is a steel company, manufacturing components across states like Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Texas. The company has experienced exponential growth in the last five years, largely due to renewable energy policies and increasing demand for solar infrastructure. 

Looking ahead, Vyhanek remains optimistic about solar’s future, even amid potential political changes. He points out that the solar industry grew during Trump’s first administration and will likely continue expanding. He believes the fundamental economics of solar—cost-effectiveness, job creation, and domestic manufacturing—make it a win-win-win solution for both political parties.  

Good Energy Podcast

From in-depth interviews with industry leaders to insightful discussions on the rapid growth of solar and storage in the United States, Good Energy connects you with the heartbeat of the solar industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about the future of energy, tune in to stay informed and inspired about the bright future of solar. Listen to full episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.