In Part 1 of this post, we discussed how SolarWorld has launched a second round of anti-dumping complaints against China’s solar panel manufacturers. Could SolarWorld Single-Handedly Destroy Florida’s Solar Industry?

Yesterday’s article is a quick read, and it will bring you up to speed.  But if you’re short on time, here’s a little background:

  • SolarWorld has accused China of manipulating prices in an effort to flood the global market with cheap solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
  • German-based SolarWorld has launched these complaints on “behalf” of America’s solar industry – despite being told not to by SEIA (the organization that just happens to oversee America’s solar industry).
  • SEIA has launched its own campaign to thwart SolarWorld’s efforts – even offering to provide legal assistance to China’s defense team.
  • Despite this very organized pushback from SEIA, SolarWorld has a very good chance of succeeding in its mission to introduce more tariffs and fines.

Why Should You Care about What SolarWorld Is Doing?

If you’re not directly involved in solar panel manufacturing in the United States, China, (or apparently Germany), the SolarWorld trade war probably doesn’t seem very significant.  You’ve got your own business to run, your own family to raise, and countless other problems to worry about.

But believe us when we say – what SolarWorld is doing affects you.

It affects Florida’s solar industry.

In fact, it affects the entire planet.

How Does SolarWorld’s Trade War Affect Florida’s Solar Energy Industry?

Year after year, solar panel prices continue to plummet.  Economies of scale, technological innovation, and increased supply are all helping to drive down costs.  In the past 5 years alone, solar panel prices have dropped by more than 80% – which is pretty amazing.

On the flipside, grid utility prices continue to skyrocket.  With increased demand and dwindling fossil fuel resources, American consumers find themselves paying increasingly large amounts of money every month for basic electricity.

It’s important to note that these 2 trends are happening organically – largely without government intervention.  Simple supply and demand are making fossil fuel less accessible and solar energy more accessible.

It’s the invisible hand at work.

But SolarWorld’s actions could disrupt the entire process.  SEIA said it best in a recent statement:

“If imposed, the tariffs sought by SolarWorld, in excess of 165% for China and 75% for Taiwan, could result in a sharp increase in the cost of solar energy in the United States.  Solar energy would then become less competitive with other energy sources like natural gas and wind, and the demand for solar would fall, resulting in a significant loss of jobs across the solar supply chain.”

And according to international trade attorney, Bill Perry, “SolarWorld’s anti-dumping cases could end up shrinking the U.S. solar sector by 50% once the fur starts flying.”

In other words, solar will become more expensive:

  • If you’re a homeowner in Florida looking to install solar panels on your rooftop, you’re going to have less money in the bank.
  • If you’re a Florida PV installer who helps businesses and homeowners “go solar,” you’re going to have fewer customers.
  • If you’re a recent solar PV training graduate looking for a job, you’re going to have fewer employment opportunities.

And here’s the kicker.

You don’t have to be involved in the solar industry to be affected.  In fact, you don’t even have to be from Florida.  Any contraction in America’s solar industry could have dire consequences for the rest of the world.

Here’s why.

In the US, we’re only 5% of the global population, but we consume 25% of the planet’s energy.  This also means that we produce a disproportionate amount of the world’s pollution as well.

Any trade wars or lawsuits that make solar less accessible in the US will slow down the entire world’s transition to a greener and more sustainable economy.

Simply put – if you enjoy clean air and water, we strongly encourage you to oppose SolarWorld’s actions.

To learn how you can get involved, contact us directly.