The Trump administration just approved tariffs of 30% on imported solar panels.

[BCGuy]

https://www.axios.com/trump-issues-tarif...4e94f.html

Why it matters: Most of the American solar industry has opposed tariffs on panels, saying they would raise prices and hurt the sector. A small group of solar panel manufacturers argued — successfully — that an influx of cheap imports, largely from China or Chinese-owned companies, was hurting domestic manufacturing. It's also part of President Trump's broader trade agenda against China.
Gritty details:

• The tariffs would last for four years and decline in increments of 5% from 30%: 25%, 20% and finally 15% in the fourth year.
  
• The tariffs are lower than the 35% the U.S. International Trade Commission had initially recommended last year, per Bloomberg.
  
• This is actually the third, and broadest, set of tariffs the U.S. government has issued on solar imports in recent years. The Obama administration issued two earlier rounds of tariffs on a narrower set of imports.
  
  

[Gunny]

When I was looking for panels I called Sun Electronics, they have offices in Miami and Phoenix with a warehouse in Austin Tx.... I got the call in after they had closed but the owner picked up and went into detail how we, our government, are legislating our Solar Companies out of existence.

I had told him I was just looking for a couple of panels and they sell in pallets. Why he took the time, at least five minutes, telling why Solar World, Canadien and other North American Companies with the best modules were in bankruptcy I don’t know.It’s not a Republican or Democratic issue as the legislation passed almost unanimously. Both parties.

He did say he would sell individual panels if the pallet had been unbanded. A very nice and knowledgeable man.

I am apolitical, I vote for what I believe, not any certain party. I suspect the power companies are behind much of the legislature but what do I know?

Rob

[TrainChaser]

You suspect the power companies are behind much of the legislature, because they are. Follow the Money.

[TWIH]

Over on the "other" forum, the same post title brought mostly yawns. A few posters hurried up their Renogy orders, but several just said that the World Trade Organization would quash it if China objected, which I would presume they would do. Also if one read the whole article there was a phase in.

So I think it's more a "tempest in a teapot" than something that should overly alarm us. I for one would gladly pay more to get some solar panel industry back in the states, as opposed to everything being dependent on China, and the resulting loss of decent jobs and support for the products over here.

Makes for great clickbait headlines though.

[smrtrvlr]

Economics affects everything we touch in life. Folks almost always come down on the side that sells them the best regardless of the facts. Wanting cheap prices on what we buy is common sense but some consideration for how those prices are kept down should be taken into account.

[animalcannibal]

The panels I bought last year were $94.100 watt 12 v.I haven't looked on ebay lately.

[Trebor English]

Home depot has 100 watt for $89.  Free shipping.

[Motrukdriver]

Home depot has 100 watt for $89.  Free shipping.

Those are the Grape Solar poly panels and they have a lot of good customer reviews.  I'm interested....

[justjim]

I just received a email from Santan solar in Gilbert, Az for Jinko 325w panels for $155 each. No website, just a phone number to call. 480-813-7280

email

sales@santansolar.com

jason@fabtech.net

[Motrukdriver]

I just received a email from Santan solar in Gilbert, Az for Jinko 325w panels for $155 each.

Those are big panels.  I could probably fit two of them on the roof of the TT.   Dimensions: 77.01 × 39.06 × 1.57 in  I'd only need 2 of them instead of 6 100 watt panels.  Figure $600 more or less for 6 100 watt panels then $310 is a deal.