Are solar energy import duties a quota?

With a flurry of recent activity, the U.S. government is administering or considering import duties and quotas on imports of solar energy equipment in three areas: The solar module tariff-rate quota under the “Section 201” law. Duties on solar modules, industrial batteries and many other items under the “Section 301” law.

Does Biden impose tariffs on solar panels?

The Biden Administration has tweaked the Section 201 tariffs several times, and in several directions. The TRQ was bumped from 2.5 GW to 5 GW, and now to 12.5 GW. The Biden Administration is not against imposing tariffs, though, especially on solar modules. Imported solar panels also fall under Section 201 and are tariffed at 14.25%. No quota.

Will bifacial solar panels be exempt from tariffs?

In his announcement, the President included an exemption for bifacial solar panels. This decision comes after the ITC recommended in November 2021 to extend the safeguard tariffs for an additional four years. Proclamations

Are bifacial solar panels taxable?

Imported solar panels also fall under Section 201 and are tariffed at 14.25%. No quota. Bifacial panels were exempt for two years, which in turn led to a big increase in bifacial solar panels in the market. The Biden Administration ended the bifacial exemption in May 2024.

Do solar cells have tariffs?

Imported solar cells currently carry a 14.25% tariff (the tariff rate declines 0.25 percent per year). Solar tariffs continue to zig and zag to influence the supply and demand of U.S. solar modules (and cells). Solar module manufacturing capacity in the United States is ramping up, but U.S. solar cell supply is still lagging behind.

What does a new TRQ mean for solar?

The new measure, which increases the TRQ from 5 gigawatts (GW) to 12.5 GW annually, is aimed at supporting domestic solar manufacturers as they face increasing global competition. The change, set to take effect on August 1, 2024, will allow for a higher volume of CSPV cell imports without triggering additional safeguard tariffs.