Tariffs may hurt solar panel industry

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - U.S. companies that import solar panels to the United States are facing up to $70 million in unexpected tariffs, The New York Times reported.

The tariffs could hurt foreign solar panel makers and foreign and American distributors, and strain trade relations between the United States and China, the newspaper reported.

According to the article, U.S. customs decided early this year that because the panels contain a basic electronic device for safety and energy efficiency, they would be treated as electric generators, subject to a duty of 2.5 percent.

The decision is legally binding on most solar panels imported into the United States, the newspaper reported, noting that no one in the industry became aware of it until the last few weeks.

In the meantime, unpaid duties piled up, along with penalties that are likely to double the cost, according to the article.

The Solar Energy Industries Association, a coalition of domestic and foreign companies, argues that American tariffs on solar panels could lead other countries to impose tariffs on American exports, the article said.

Related News

japan microgrids

Revenue from Energy Storage for Microgrids to Total More Than $22 Billion in the Next Decade

NEW YORK - A new report from Navigant Research examines the global market for energy storage for microgrids (ESMG), providing an analysis of trends and market dynamics, with forecasts for capacity and revenue that extend through 2026.

Interest in energy storage-enabled microgrids is growing alongside an increase in solar PV and wind deployments. Although not required for microgrids to operate, energy storage systems (ESSs) have emerged as an increasingly valuable component of distributed energy networks because of their ability to effectively integrate renewable generation.

“There are several key drivers resulting in the growth of energy storage-enabled microgrids globally, including the desire to…

READ MORE
ev charging station

Electric Utilities Plot Bullish Course for EV Charging Infrastructure

READ MORE

power lines

Buyer's Remorse: Questions about grid modernization affordability

READ MORE

oil workers

Oil crash only a foretaste of what awaits energy industry

READ MORE

wind power jobs

Leading Offshore Wind Conference to Launch National Job Fair

READ MORE