Details on Trump’s 30% Solar Panel Tariff
In January 2018, the Trump Administration announced plans to levy a 30% tariff on solar panels and cells imported into the US. This raised questions about finding solar panels made in the US as well as how the prices compare with imported system parts currently being assembled and installed in the US.
There are at least ten solar panel manufactures in the United States who do some or all of their manufacturing within the US. For example, both Heliene – in Mountain Iron, Minnesota – and Tesla/Panasonic – in Buffalo, New York – have US manufacturing facilities. They provide jobs in their respective areas to American workers.
SunSpark (Riverside, California), Itek Energy (Bellingham, Washington), and SolarWorld Americas (Hillsboro, Oregon) also provide jobs to American workers in assembly, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of solar systems.
By imposing this tariff on imported solar panels and cells, the current administration has made it clear it’s a priority to provide manufacturing jobs to American workers within the highly competitive solar energy industry. Whether or not a tariff will impact manufacturing of panels and cells within the US, however, remains to be seen.
What we do know is that right now is a good time to invest in a solar system. There are hefty government incentives in place for those who do so before 2021. Some states have added state-specific incentives like matching the 30% federal credit with a 30% state credit.
We’re here to help you to understand solar. First of all, we can clarify what solar energy is and how it works. And second of all, we can explain what is available in your area in terms of conversion incentives. Incentives save you money in the upfront costs associated with installing a solar system.
For most people, their home is their biggest investment. Installing a solar system is a smart addition to any home. It not only saves money monthly, but also adds anywhere from $15,000.00 to $20,000.00 to the value of your home should you decide to sell.
We know that regardless of political posturing, solar solutions will be a significant part of the future of our country and our planet. So let’s get started. There has never been a better time to go solar. With federal tax credits, local tax credits, and subsidies, your up-front costs for going solar will be at a new low.
