The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has filed with the Federal Register office, for publication on Sept. 19, 2018, a decision that certain interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells and modules within specific size and power ranges, will be excluded from the solar tariffs imposed in January pursuant to Section 201 of the Trade Act. As a result, SunPower’s IBC cells and modules are excluded from Section 201 import tariffs. Below is a statement from SunPower Chairman and CEO Tom Werner on the exclusion.
“With today’s decision that SunPower’s highly differentiated IBC cells and modules are excluded from tariffs, we are able to turn the page.
“SunPower can now fully focus our resources to deliver the best solar solutions to our customers, develop the next wave of solar technology through American research and development and invest in American solar manufacturing. This will support U.S. solar technology leadership and preserve American jobs. To this end, we are continuing with our planned acquisition of the SolarWorld Americas manufacturing facility in Hillsboro, Oregon and expect the transaction to close before the end of the quarter.
“SunPower’s 33 years of technology innovation and solar industry leadership are an integral part of the story around America’s energy evolution. We appreciate the Administration’s thorough review and consideration on this matter, and believe this outcome supports common goals of technology innovation, economic prosperity, energy independence, and U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace.”