U.S. Sets 38-Cent Solar Import Floor and 15% Duty, Raising Costs to Boost Domestic Output
Updated
Updated · Canary Media · Aug 7
U.S. Sets 38-Cent Solar Import Floor and 15% Duty, Raising Costs to Boost Domestic Output
3 articles · Updated · Canary Media · Aug 7
Summary
$21/kg to 38 cents/watt minimum import prices will take effect on Dec. 4 for polysilicon, wafers, cells and modules, alongside a new 15% duty on polysilicon derivatives under a Section 232 national-security action.
The measures are designed to strengthen U.S. solar manufacturing, but they hit a supply chain the country still cannot fully replace—especially polysilicon, ingots, wafers and cells—leaving many projects exposed to higher import costs.
Imported panels will face a floor price about 40% above the current U.S. median module price of 27.1 cents per watt, while developers already face lost tax credits, permitting obstacles and rising power-sector costs.
Qcells, ES Foundry, Suniva and Silfab could gain from stronger cell demand, and First Solar also stands to benefit; companies can seek exemptions if Commerce approves factory plans by Jan. 20, 2029.
Because the tariff applies globally, supporters say it could curb the long-running shift of Chinese-linked production to new countries, though critics warn the Dec. 4 start gives importers time to stockpile.