Some of the largest renewable energy associations in the United States have rejected the US Department of Commerce's final decision to implement tariffs for US businesses that import solar s and cells assembled by trading partners in Southeast Asia. 472r6j

This was stated by the American Clean Energy Association (A) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which rejected the Commerce Department's decision as a setback to the energy transition and out of step with the work being done by the renewable sector.

“The clean power industry is disappointed in this misguided approach. When the current moratoria expire in June of next year, these tariffs will start harming American consumers and begin slowing the clean energy transition without productively addressing supply chain concerns,” said A CEO Jason Grumet.

Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA, said she disagrees with the decision because it is out of step with the istration's clean energy goals.

“The United States is experiencing a $20 billion solar manufacturing renaissance because of policies in the Inflation Reduction Act that incentivize private investment in this country. However, it will take at least 3-5 years to ramp-up domestic solar manufacturing capacity and the global supply chain will be vital in the short-term. This case will just make it harder for American businesses to keep deploying, financing, and installing solar power,” Hopper said.

The decision would hurt businesses and the public

Grumet spoke about the rapid development of solar companies and how this new move will hurt that progress. “American solar companies are working hard to deliver clean power to American homes and businesses. In the last year alone, American companies have announced a record 52 new or expanded solar manufacturing facilities. Today’s decision by the Commerce Department threatens this progress,” he explained.

In addition to businesses, it remains to be seen how the new measure will affect workers and the general population. “More than 263,000 Americans rely on their solar and storage job to feed their family and pay the bills, and this case unnecessarily puts their livelihood at risk. Americans want abundant, reliable, and clean energy. This decision moves the goalpost yet again for the solar and storage industry and will only undermine the progress of companies that are working hard to deliver American solar products,” Hopper concluded.