Solar photovoltaic panel tariffs

Do solar panels have a tariff?

In 2014, tariffs were expanded to solar panels assembled using Chinese or Taiwanese cells regardless of country of origin (U.S. ITA 2014, 2015). In 2018, a 30% tariff was imposed on all major solar product exporters to the U.S. (U.S. President 2018; U.S. Trade Representative 2019). This tariff declined 5% each year to reach 15% by 2021.

How much does a tariff on a photovoltaic system cost?

When a $1 tariff is imposed on manufacturers, the final prices of installed photovoltaic (PV) systems increase by $1.35 (Houde & Wang 2022). Similarly, analysis of the 2018 U.S. tariff on washing machines indicate the cost of tariffs is passed to consumers at a rate above 100% (Flaaen et al. 2020).

Will bifacial solar panels be exempt from tariffs?

In his announcement, the President included an exemption for bifacial solar panels. This decision comes after the ITC recommended in November 2021 to extend the safeguard tariffs for an additional four years. Proclamations

Is the solar industry insulated from tariffs?

Although the cost to install solar in the United States is higher than elsewhere in the developed world, the industry continues to grow in the U.S. The good news is that there has been significant investment in solar manufacturing in the U.S., so the industry is somewhat insulated from the impact of tariffs.

What are the'reciprocal day' tariffs affecting solar panels?

Updated April 29, 2025: In addition to the “Reciprocal Day” tariffs (see updates below), the solar industry learned the final determination on rates for the anti-dumping, countervailing duty (AD/CVD) case affecting crystalline silicon cells and solar panel imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand in late April.

Are US solar panels at risk from China's tariffs?

US-manufactured solar panels, which use upstream material from China, might see the largest cost increases given the steeper duty rates and a lack of supply chain outside of China. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are at even higher risk of substantial price increases due to tariffs, given China’s control over the BESS supply chain.