Buy Solar in San Diego: Cheap Solar Imports Pros & Cons
In California solar is booming, many consumers have decided, since 2010, that it makes economic sense to buy solar in San Diego and throughout the state. However, there is legislation on the horizon that might impact future solar adopters.
Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, called the trade commission’s vote disappointing for nearly 9,000 U.S. solar companies and the 260,000 Americans they employ. But some solar manufacturers are laying off workers, going bankrupt, and downsizing because they can’t compete with the cheap Chinese product sans tariffs. It is a catch-22.
“Various solar stakeholders, including lead case opponent Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and co-petitioners Suniva and SolarWorld Americas, presented their testimony and recommendations to the commission. According to an ITC witness list, other notable attendees included foreign embassy officials and U.S. lawmakers.
In a unanimous 4-0 vote on Sept. 22, the ITC found that imported crystalline silicon photovoltaic (CSPV) cells and modules have caused, or threatened to cause, “serious injury” to the domestic CSPV manufacturing industry. The decision advanced the case from the injury phase to the remedy phase, and all interested parties had to file pre-hearing briefs last week before Tuesday’s meeting.”
White House spokeswoman Natalie Strom said Trump “will examine the facts and make a determination that reflects the best interests of the United States. The U.S. solar manufacturing sector contributes to our energy security and economic prosperity.”
Read the article: https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2017/er0922ll832.htm
Per USA Today: “The year-long trade dispute began in October 2011 when a coalition of manufacturers led by SolarWorld, a German company with factories in the United States, filed a petition with the Commerce Department and the ITC. They alleged Chinese manufacturers were illegally dumping solar cells and panels in the U.S. market and receiving billions in illegal subsidies from their government.”
What does this mean in layman’s terms? How does it affect the solar panel marketing in the United States? And what does it mean for homeowners who intend to buy solar in San Diego?
As a result of the ruling, it is likely that any future solar panels imported to the United States will have a tariff added. This is because it has been decided that solar panel imports have harmed domestic solar panel makers.
The US International Trade Commission ruled that solar panel manufacturers Suniva and SolarWorld have suffered ‘serious injury’ as a result of global competition. We, US consumers, already pay higher prices for any solar cells or modules from China. Suniva has requested that President Trump impose a four-year minimum import price on PV modules and cells – starting in year one at US$0.78 per watt for modules and $0.40 for cells.
Strategically speaking, if there is a small argument in your mind – buy your solar panels in San Diego right now! However, if it isn’t an option to install solar now, going solar and locking in a price will still be wiser than paying fluctuating energy raters, regardless of the tariff.
Original Article by Joseph Bebon, learn more
