Does America import solar panels from China?

The U.S. has limited direct solar imports from China through policies such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and tariffs established to protect American industry from dumping and non-competitive practices. Yet, many solar modules assembled in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, the largest sources of U.S. solar panels, use Chinese components.

Are Chinese solar panels good?

To be clear up front, solar panels from the companies listed below are excellent performers with at least 25 years of expected life. As a rule, Chinese solar panels are as good as any others on the market. China produces around 80% of all solar panels, so like any product, there are cheaper offerings from less well-known companies.

Should the US loosen restrictions on cheap Chinese solar panels?

Even with the support of subsidies and tariffs, U.S. solar manufacturers struggled to compete with the flood of cheap solar panels pouring out of China into the global market. While some argue that the U.S. should loosen restrictions on cheap Chinese solar panels to accelerate renewable energy deployment, this approach is unsustainable.

Does eschewing cheap Chinese solar panels slow the energy transition?

Though the trade dynamics of solar modules and fossil fuels differ, overwhelming reliance on any one country, particularly a hostile country, poses a real security threat. Critics of the Biden Administration’s green protectionism argue that eschewing cheap Chinese solar panels slows the energy transition. This may partly be true.

Are Chinese solar panels cheaper than US solar panels?

Yet, while Chinese solar panels are 20% cheaper than their American equivalents, this number is not the difference between the success and failure of the U.S. solar energy industry. High interest rates and the permitting quagmire must also be addressed. Ending China’s dominant position in the global solar market is not possible.

Where are solar panels made?

Shortly after the 2018 tariffs were levied, Chinese company Jinko Solar announced it would build a manufacturing facility in Florida. The company now produces 400 megawatts (MW) of solar panels in the Jacksonville factory every year. In early 2023, LONGi Solar announced plans to build 5 gigawatts (GW) of solar manufacturing capacity in Ohio.