U.S. solar panel manufacturers Suniva and German owned Solar World have their hands out asking for a bailout because they can’t compete in the world market producing solar panels by selling them at the lowest costs. When China’s government began to invest in solar panel manufacturing and solar panel installation, they soon became the world leader in the supply of solar panels. This was well underway before Suniva even opened their doors. Suniva filed for bankruptcy only a few months ago. German owned Solar World was unable to compete once China began focusing on solar panels and innovation. Both companies are asking for tariffs to artificially inflate market prices on solar panel imports. This would decimate the solar industry and punish consumers wishing to save money on their electric bills, while at the same time, protecting the environment.
The low cost of solar panels from China made solar energy affordable for every day Americans wishing to save money by generating their own power and become good stewards of the world God gave us. Once China began to drop the cost of their solar panels, the price of solar panels worldwide dropped 80% between 2008 and 2013. The demand for solar went up as the cost went down. This caused the solar industry to expand and create good paying jobs.
Debbie Dooley, President of Conservatives for Energy Freedom, observed, “One reason I supported Donald Trump from almost the moment he announced is because he stressed protecting American jobs.”
She added, “Today, there are an estimated 250,000 Americans employed in the solar panel maintenance, assembly and installation field. According to the Solar Foundation, 1 of 50 jobs being created in 2017 is in the solar energy field. These jobs are at risk if the Suniva and Solar World tariff bailout request is approved. I encourage President Trump to step up and protect these good paying American jobs by denying the bailout.”
Florida Director of Conservatives for Energy Freedom Tory Perfetti stated, “The Suniva/Solar World bailout request will cause rooftop solar installation costs to sky rocket. Many Florida residents choose to install solar panels on their roofs to save money on their electric bills and to protect the environment. The requested bailout will make it harder for consumers to afford solar. Retirees will be hit the hardest.”
