Solar Tariffs

President Trump yesterday rendered a long-awaited decision by imposing a 30% tariff on imported solar panels*.  This “remedy” derives from a complaint lodged by Suniva and SolarWorld seeking protection from the International Trade Commission under a rarely used provision (Section 201) of the 1974 Trade Act.
“SACE is disappointed that the President felt compelled to manipulate the solar market,” said Bryan Jacob, Solar Program Director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “This maneuver will increase the cost of solar and slow growth in one of the most vibrant segments of the U.S. economy.”
That said, the solar market is resilient and growth will resume.  In their forthcoming Solar In the Southeast, 2017 Annual Report, SACE had previously predicted capacity of solar energy in seven southeastern states to expand from six gigawatts (6 GW) in 2017 to 10 GW by 2019 and 15 GW in 2021.
* crystalline silicon photovoltaic (CSPV) cells and modules.