Solar panel industry restrictions

Is the US solar industry at risk of a 27% lower capacity?

REUTERS/Daniel Cole/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights Sept 8 (Reuters) - The U.S. solar industry is at risk of installing 27% less capacity between 2026 and 2030 than before the passage of President Donald Trump's tax law that rolled back subsidies for such projects, a key trade group said in a report on Monday.

Is the US solar industry at risk?

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. The U.S. solar industry is at risk of installing 27% less capacity between 2026 and 2030 than before the passage of President Donald Trump's tax law that rolled back subsidies for such projects, a key trade group said in a report on Monday.

What challenges will the US solar industry face?

The US solar industry also faces significant challenges due to recent federal actions, including proposed changes to tax credits that would effectively make them unusable for new projects in the near term and a shift in energy priorities towards fossil fuels, creating an uncertain environment for solar growth in the coming years.

How will policy and tariff uncertainty affect the solar industry?

Policy and tariff uncertainty are resulting in a contraction in the segment’s pipeline, impacting near-term growth. The US solar industry is projected to contract by 2% annually between 2025 and 2030 in our Base case but still add nearly 43 GWdc on average each year.

Will Section 201 tariffs affect solar panel imports?

Section 201 tariffs, implemented in 2018, remain a crucial factor affecting solar panel imports, with current rates set at 14.75% and scheduled adjustments through 2026. However, several countries maintain preferential access through bilateral agreements and specific exemptions.

How does China's tariff policy affect the solar industry?

The growth of the solar industry also depends on the development of storage resources. Swings in tariff policy toward China introduce volatility to storage costs, due to China’s significant share of the battery manufacturing market.