I thought this topic might spur some interesting discussion, particularly because it hasn't yet made it into the realm of political talking points. I would be interested to hear the various perspectives.
Quick facts: http://www.seia.org/sites/default/files/Suniva-Trade-Case-Factsheet_SEIA_June-2017_0.pdf
Basically: The solar manufacturing industry in the U.S. is sinking. Companies are struggling to remain cost-competitive with the explosion of foreign production capacity.
Suniva, an American solar panel manufacturer, filed for bankrupty in April this year. Following the filing they submitted a petition to the U.S. International Trade Commission to enact a "safeguard" on the U.S. industry. This safeguard is in the form of an import tax, and a price floor. The petition has been accepted by the ITC and is currently under investigation with a first phase decision due by 9/22.
Virtually, the entire solar industry (myself included) is railing against this petition. The cost of solar in the U.S. would effectively double. This would save a few manufacturing jobs at the expense of the 260,000 people employed in the solar industry. Just the initiation of this investigation alone has caused waves. I am involved in the design of a few large utility-scale projects (~200MW each) that have been placed on hold mid-design due to the uncertainty in the supply chain.
How important to you is "Made in America?" Do you think this is something the current administration would support? Is this something you would support?
Quick facts: http://www.seia.org/sites/default/files/Suniva-Trade-Case-Factsheet_SEIA_June-2017_0.pdf
Basically: The solar manufacturing industry in the U.S. is sinking. Companies are struggling to remain cost-competitive with the explosion of foreign production capacity.
Suniva, an American solar panel manufacturer, filed for bankrupty in April this year. Following the filing they submitted a petition to the U.S. International Trade Commission to enact a "safeguard" on the U.S. industry. This safeguard is in the form of an import tax, and a price floor. The petition has been accepted by the ITC and is currently under investigation with a first phase decision due by 9/22.
Virtually, the entire solar industry (myself included) is railing against this petition. The cost of solar in the U.S. would effectively double. This would save a few manufacturing jobs at the expense of the 260,000 people employed in the solar industry. Just the initiation of this investigation alone has caused waves. I am involved in the design of a few large utility-scale projects (~200MW each) that have been placed on hold mid-design due to the uncertainty in the supply chain.
How important to you is "Made in America?" Do you think this is something the current administration would support? Is this something you would support?
