Inverter makers plan alternatives to avoid potential 25% tariffs
Several inverter makers could be hit by the Trump Administration’s move to increase tariffs on imports including inverters from China, but many are already shifting manufacturing to other locations.
Trump calls for 25% tariffs on Chinese inverters, other products
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked trade officials to consider increasing import duties from 10% to 25% on a list of products from China including inverters, AC modules and non-lithium batteries.
Enphase within striking distance of profitability in Q2 results
The company has brought its operating margin to below -1%, as it fends off component shortages, short sellers and potential tariffs.
REC Silicon hit by falling demand in Q2
The polysilicon maker has been a casualty of the trade war between the United States and China. Following layoffs, the company expects its plant in Washington to run at only 25% capacity until the trade war is resolved.
LONGi to supply $600 million in modules to the U.S. market
The Chinese ingot, wafer cell and module giant has signed a significant sales contract for the shipment of solar PV modules to an unidentified customer in the United States.
Module prices continue to fall
The latest reports from analysts at PV InfoLink and EnergyTrend show prices continuing to fall, though at a slower rate than was immediately seen after China’s 31/5 announcements. High efficiency mono-PERC modules fell to around $0.32/W, while multicrystalline module prices held steady at between $0.26 and $0.29/W.
BMW, Tesla open factories in China in spite of trade dispute
In the wake of the U.S.-China trade dispute, the Chinese government has loosened its policy on ownership caps for factory sites for foreign car brands. Previously, car companies could only retain 50% of the ownership of a factory and had to set up a joint venture with a Chinese partner. By setting up shop in China, Tesla can avoid import duties on its cars, to cater to a broader customer base.
Mixed impact of proposed Section 301 tariffs on inverter makers
GTM Research says the 10% tariffs that the Trump Administration is calling for are “significant”, and some companies and sectors will be affected more than others.
Trump Admin proposes 10% tariffs on inverters, AC modules, non-lithium batteries from China
As the trade war escalates, inverters may be the latest victims.
Global solar investment drops due to low project costs, China policy change
While overall global investment in clean energy saw a decrease of just 1% year-over-year in the first half of 2018, solar’s share dropped 19% following changes to China’s PV policy and lower project costs, says Bloomberg New Energy Finance. It forecasts this trend to continue throughout the year.
