Tariffs may hurt solar panel industry

subscribe

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

lava spills near geothermal plant

Geothermal Power Plant In Hawaii Nearing Dangerous Meltdown?

HAWAII - If lava reaches Hawaii’s PGV geothermal power plant, it could release of deadly hydrogen sulfide gas. That’s the latest potential danger from the Kilauea volcanic eruption in Hawaii. Residents now fear that lava flow will trigger a meltdown at the Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) power plant that would release even more toxic gases into the air.

Nobody knows what will happen if lava engulfs the PGV because magma has never engulfed a geothermal power plant, Reuters reported. A geothermal power plant uses steam and gas heated by lava deep in the earth to run turbines that make electricity.

The PGV…

READ MORE
New EPA power plant rules

New EPA power plant rules will put carbon capture to the test

READ MORE

teck mining

B.C. politicians must focus more on phasing out fossil fuels, report says

READ MORE

rising-solar-and-wind-curtailments-in-california

Rising Solar and Wind Curtailments in California

READ MORE

Alberta's electricity rebate program extended until December

READ MORE