1. Biden Administration reinstated tariffs on imported bifacial solar panels.
2. Decision was influenced by a petition from domestic manufacturers and aim to protect U.S. solar panel industry.
3. The Administration also raised the tariff-rate quota of silicon solar cells as needed.
The Biden Administration has decided to remove the exemption on imported bifacial solar panels from Sec. 201 tariffs, after a two-year exemption period. This decision was made in response to a petition by domestic manufacturers and is intended to protect domestic solar panel manufacturers from cheaper imported products. Data shows a significant increase in imports of bifacial panels compared to monofacial panels, leading to a reversal in preference.
In addition to removing the exemption on bifacial panels, the Biden Administration will also increase the tariff-rate quota on silicon solar cells by 7.5 GW if needed. This move aims to provide support to American solar module manufacturers and promote domestic manufacturing capacity in the solar industry. The administration’s decision is seen as an important step to prevent anti-competitive trade practices and strengthen the domestic solar panel manufacturing sector.
Industry responses to the announcement have been positive, with organizations like the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) commending the Biden Administration for taking steps to support American solar module manufacturers and ensure a robust and stable module manufacturing sector in the long run. These actions are in line with efforts to rebuild the American solar supply chain and enhance the country’s leadership in the solar industry.