In September 2024, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) finalized Section 301 tariffs on a range of products imported from China, including solar components and batteries. These tariffs are part of a broader strategy to protect U.S. industries from unfair trade practices by China. For the solar industry, this move is expected to bring some changes in pricing and equipment sourcing.
What Do the Tariffs Cover?
The newly increased tariffs on imports from China, effective as of September 27, 2024, specifically target products vital to the solar industry:
- Solar cells and modules: Tariffs have doubled, increasing from 25% to 50%.
- Lithium-ion batteries: For electric vehicles, these batteries now face a tariff of 25%, up from 7.5%.
- Battery parts: Non-lithium-ion battery components now carry a 25% tariff, significantly higher than the previous 7.5% rate.
These tariffs affect solar equipment coming directly from China, but their ripple effect is expected to impact the wider industry as manufacturers adjust pricing to deal with demand for non-tariffed products.
Additional Impacts of the CVD case
While the tariffs on Chinese imports are doubling, most solar panel manufacturers have already diverted their manufacturing to other countries in Southeast Asia, and do not import directly from China.
The US Department of Commerce released a preliminary determination in the Countervailing Duty (CVD) case on Oct. 1st, regarding imported solar cells, although the final determination will not be until November. The preliminary CVD found that solar panel manufacturers in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have an effective subsidy of 0.14% – almost 300%, and tariff rates are likely to reflect those numbers in the final determination.
On Oct. 2nd, the Department of Commerce also issued findings that Canadian Solar and Trina solar were both circumventing the AD/CVD duties, which may lead to additional tariffs.
Solar AD/CVD Case Calendar
EVENT | AD INVESTIGATIONS | CVD INVESTIGATIONS |
---|---|---|
Petition(s) Filed | April 24, 2024 | April 24, 2024 |
Commerce Initiation Date | May 14, 2024 | May 14, 2024 |
ITC Preliminary Determinations* | June 10, 2024 | June 10, 2024 |
Commerce Preliminary Determinations | October 1, 2024 | July 18, 2024 |
Commerce Final Determinations | December 16, 2024 | October 1, 2024 |
ITC Final Determinations** | January 30, 2025 | November 15, 2024 |
Issuance of Orders*** | February 6, 2025 | November 22, 2024 |
What Does This Mean for Solar Customers?
While these tariff increases are expected to drive up costs for some products in 2025, the equipment we use—such as REC solar panels and Enphase microinverters—is not directly impacted by these rulings. This means any price increase for our customers should be lessened.
However, as the industry adapts to the new tariffs, there may be overall increases in pricing as demand shifts toward tariff-exempt components. An initial report in July by The American Council on Renewable Energy estimated that solar panels could increase in price by $0.10 -$0.15 / watt. For consumers, that would be equal to about 20-25% increase in panel cost.
Companies like Jinko, Trina, and Q.CELLS are shifting manufacturing to the US, so while prices on those brands may rise, they will likely stabilize over time, once their US manufacturing is fully operational.

Why This Matters for You
Even though our solar equipment is not directly affected by the proposed tariffs, the overall market may see price adjustments. We have some of the lowest pricing in history right now, so 2024 remains a great time to go solar. These tariffs are unlikely to significantly impact the long-term benefits of installing solar energy for your home or business, although installing sooner means you won’t have to worry about net-metering fight in Virginia.
Solar remains one of the best investments you can make for your energy future, offering both environmental and financial savings, especially when choosing high-quality, reliable components. If you are interested in what solar would look like for your home or business, get a free solar quote today.
Sources:
- Department of Commerce Issues Final Determination of Circumvention Inquiries of Solar Cells and Modules from China
- Notice of Modification: China’s Acts, Policies and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Innovation
- Potential Impacts of 2024 Antidumping and Countervailing Duties on the U.S. Solar Industry
- Commerce Initiates Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam