What will the US government do if imported solar panels exceed quota?

The Administration will closely monitor the level of imported solar cells used to manufacture panels in the U.S. and will work to raise the quota by 7.5-gigawatts if imports approach the current quota level, to ensure domestic module manufacturing continues to grow while manufacturers scale production throughout the supply chain.

Is there a tariff quota for imported solar cells?

Currently, there is a 5-gigawatt tariff-rate quota for imported solar cells under Section 201.

How will the CSPV tariff change affect solar panels?

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. This adjustment is expected to benefit U.S. solar module producers who currently depend on imported CSPV cells due to limited domestic production capabilities.

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.

How many GW of solar cells are imported in 2024?

As of Oct. 28, 2024, more than 9.4 GW (75% of the TRQ) of cells have been imported. IRENA reports that, between 2010 and 2023, the global weighted average levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of concentrating solar power (CSP) fell from $0.39/kWh to under $0.12/kWh—a decline of 70%.

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.