Background: Under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the U.S. began imposing tariffs on Chinese imports in 2018 due to issues related to technology transfer and intellectual property. A statutory four-year review of these tariffs began in 2022 and was completed by the U.S. Trade Representative Office (USTR) in 2024, which made adjustments to certain products according to the President's directives. Content of this Executive Order 1. Photovoltaic (PV) Products from China: Silicon, Wafers, Cells, and Modules On September 13, 2024, the U.S. government announced an adjustment to the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese photovoltaic products. The tariffs on PV cells and modules remained the same as the administrative review results released in May, increasing from 25% to 50%, but the implementation date was pushed from August 1 to September 27. Notably, the new regulations now include polysilicon and monocrystalline silicon wafers from China, with a tariff rate of 50%, set to begin on January 1, 2025. (Photovoltaic (PV) Products from China) 2. Photovoltaic Equipment from China On September 12, 2024, the USTR released a Section 301 tariff exemption list for photovoltaic equipment, effective from January 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. Out of 19 exemption applications, 14 were approved, and 5 were rejected, focusing on PV module manufacturing equipment. The approved exemptions primarily cover equipment used in the crystal pulling and wafer production stages, as well as PV cell manufacturing, aiming to boost U.S. domestic production and reduce dependence on Chinese equipment. The decision to reject five exemption applications for module manufacturing equipment was due to sufficient alternative sources within the U.S. and Europe. (Photovoltaic Equipment from China) Impact Analysis of the 301 Tariff Adjustment from InfoLink: 1. Impact on PV Cell and Module Tariffs Before the tariff increase, the U.S. had already imposed several trade barriers on Chinese PV products. In addition to the original 25% Section 301 tariffs, Chinese cells and modules have faced anti-dumping duties since 2012 and Section 201 tariffs on all imports. As a result, direct imports of Chinese cells and modules to the U.S. have significantly declined. InfoLink predicts that the increase to 50% will have minimal impact on the market. 2. Impact on Polysilicon Tariffs The U.S. still faces a shortage of domestic silicon wafer production capacity, with no significant need for imported polysilicon at present. Current plans to expand U.S. wafer production capacity amount to 10.3 GW, but the highly challenging and long production cycles make it difficult for this capacity to be realized in the short term. Therefore, the new polysilicon tariffs are expected to have a noticeable impact only after 2026. 3. Impact on Wafer Tariffs By 2025, U.S. battery production capacity is expected to reach only about 10-11 GW, and given the lack of domestic wafer capacity, U.S. manufacturers will still need to rely on imp...
Read MoreIn its latest report, "The Road to Net-Zero Carbon: 2030 Solar and Energy Storage Transformation White Paper," InfoLink Consulting provides an in-depth analysis of global renewable energy trends and challenges. The white paper focuses on three major markets: China, the United States, and Europe (EU + UK), offering detailed market analysis and future outlooks to help industries grasp key insights and accelerate the journey to achieving net-zero emissions. Under the Paris Agreement, countries committed to limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to cap it at 1.5°C. Achieving these goals requires significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with the energy sector currently responsible for 35% of global emissions—the largest source. InfoLink estimates that to meet the 1.5°C scenario by 2030, around 8.5 TW of renewable energy capacity is needed, while the 2°C scenario requires 5 TW. According to InfoLink’s latest data, global renewable energy installations are expected to exceed 10 TW by 2030, potentially fulfilling the requirements for both scenarios. However, there remains a shortfall of approximately 2.5 TW to meet the 1°C target. In 2023, the renewable energy sector saw remarkable growth, driven by favorable policies and technological advancements, with installations of solar, wind, and energy storage hitting record highs. Despite political and financial challenges, InfoLink remains optimistic about the sector’s future. The U.S. market has significantly benefited from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which offers subsidies for solar, wind, and energy storage, dramatically lowering the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and boosting capacity growth. However, trade barriers are expected to impact supply and installation speed. In Europe, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused natural gas and electricity prices to surge since early 2022, leading to a spike in renewable energy installations in 2023. Under the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP), European countries have set ambitious goals, with annual solar installations expected to grow steadily, reaching nearly 140 GW in new installations per year by 2030. The REPowerEU initiative’s 600 GW target is also likely to be met earlier than anticipated, between 2026 and 2027, with cumulative installations potentially exceeding 1,000 GW by 2030. The European energy storage market is also set for significant growth. Driven by energy reform policies and subsidies, front-of-the-meter (FTM) storage is expected to outpace behind-the-meter (BTM) installations. Key markets like the UK, Italy, and Germany will continue to expand, while emerging markets such as Belgium, Greece, and Spain are poised for growth. InfoLink projects that cumulative energy storage capacity will reach 500 GWh by 2030. While renewable energy's contribution to electricity production is expected to increase both in quantity and proportion, ongoing geopolitical ...
Read MoreThe Philippines is set to host the world’s largest solar park with the launch of a massive project valued at PHP 185.28 billion (USD 3.25 billion). The project will be equipped with 3.5 GW of solar panels and a 4.5 GWh battery energy storage system, covering an area of 3,500 hectares across the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. In July, the project was awarded the "Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance" by the Department of Energy (DOE) of the Philippines, a designation reserved for energy projects with capital investments exceeding USD 59 million. Following this, the Board of Investments (BOI) granted the project a Green Lane Certification, ensuring streamlined processes and expedited approvals for necessary permits and clearances. Once operational, the solar park is expected to significantly reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. The project also aims to create thousands of jobs, boosting the local economy and providing a sustainable livelihood for many Filipinos. UISOLAR, a company with 15 years of experience in the solar mounting industry. UISOLAR has extensive expertise in designing and exporting mounting systems for various applications, including rooftop, ground, carport, and agricultural projects. Having supplied numerous projects across the Philippines. It is expected to play a vital role in the successful deployment of the solar area. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, the Philippines is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy. The launch of the world’s largest solar park is a testament to the country’s commitment to a greener future and serves as an inspiration for other nations to follow suit.
Read MoreWe are thrilled to invite all solar energy professionals and enthusiasts to visit us at Intersolar South America 2024, the most significant exhibition in the region dedicated to the solar industry. This prestigious event will take place from August 27th to 29th, 2024, at the Expo Center Norte in São Paulo, Brazil. Why Attend? Intersolar South America is a premier platform that brings together the most influential players in the solar energy sector. It provides an exceptional opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover cutting-edge technologies, and discuss the latest trends in solar power. Visit Us at Booth No. B1.09 We are excited to announce that UISOLAR will be showcasing our latest innovations and solutions at Booth No. B1.09. Whether you're interested in exploring new business opportunities, enhancing your network, or simply staying informed about the advancements in solar technology, our booth is the place to be! What to Expect? · Innovative Solutions: Discover our newest solar energy products designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy. · Expert Insights: Engage with our team of experts who will be on hand to answer your questions and provide insights into the future of solar energy. · Networking Opportunities: Connect with other professionals and organizations from around the world who are as passionate about solar energy as you are. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of South America's leading solar energy event. Mark your calendar for August 27-29, 2024, and make sure to visit us at Booth No. B1.09 at Expo Center Norte. We look forward to welcoming you and exploring how we can collaborate to drive the solar industry forward together! See you in São Paulo!
Read MoreOn August 16, 2024, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Announcement No. 2024/046 stating that the anti-dumping and countervailing measures on aluminum extrusions imported from China will expire on October 28, 2025. Stakeholders should submit applications for sunset review investigations before October 15, 2024. If no application is received before the above deadline, the anti-dumping and countervailing measures on the Chinese products involved will be terminated after the expiration. On June 24, 2009, Australia launched an anti-dumping and countervailing investigation on aluminum extrusions imported from China. On October 28, 2010, Australia made an affirmative final ruling on the case, ruling that the dumping margin of the products involved was 2.7% to 25.7% and the subsidy margin was 3.8% to 18.4%. On April 14, 2014, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Announcement No. 2014/31, initiating an anti-circumvention investigation on aluminum extrusions imported from China. On February 19, 2015, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Announcement No. 2015/17, making an affirmative final ruling on the case. On April 24, 2015, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Announcement No. 2015/048, initiating the first anti-dumping and countervailing sunset review investigation on aluminum profiles imported from China. On October 20, 2015, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Announcement No. 2015/125, making the first anti-dumping and countervailing sunset review affirmative final ruling on aluminum profiles imported from China. On February 13, 2020, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Announcement No. 2020/017, initiating the second anti-dumping and countervailing sunset review investigation on aluminum profiles imported from China. On October 15, 2020, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Announcement No. 2020/103, making an affirmative final ruling on the sunset review of the case. The Australian customs codes for the products involved are 7604.10.00.06, 7604.21.00.07, 7604.21.00.08, 7604.29.00.09, 7604.29.00.10, 7608.10.00.09, 7608.20.00.10, 7610.10.00.12 and 7610.90.00.13.
Read MoreIn recent years, due to the aging and poor management of the power generation facilities of the state-owned power company ESKOM, South Africa is facing a worsening power crisis. Long-term large-scale power rationing has caused serious losses to the country's economy. Against this background, South Africa has turned its attention to renewable energy including photovoltaics. South Africa's photovoltaic policy and market overview According to ESKOM's data, by the end of 2023, South Africa's cumulative photovoltaic installed capacity will be about 7.3 GW, of which distributed projects account for about 5 GW and centralized projects account for about 2.3 GW. In order to fill the gradually widening power gap, the South African government has proposed a series of policies to promote the development of photovoltaics. First, let's look at distributed projects. From March 2023 to March 2024, the South African government implemented tax breaks for household photovoltaics. As long as photovoltaic modules above 275 W are installed, a tax rebate of up to 25% can be received, and each person can get a maximum tax rebate of 15,000 rand (about US$795). In addition, in August 2023, South Africa issued the Energy Bounce Back Scheme (EBB), where households and small and medium-sized enterprises can apply to banks for loans of up to 300,000 rand (about 15,900 US dollars) and 10 million rand (about 530,000 US dollars) respectively, for the installation of photovoltaic modules, energy storage batteries and other equipment. In terms of centralized projects, South Africa began to implement the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in 2011, which is the main source of centralized installations in South Africa. As of 2023, six rounds of bidding have been completed. The latest seventh round of bidding was originally expected to end in April 2024. However, at the end of May 2024, the government announced that the deadline for bidding will be postponed to August. On the other hand, South Africa also provides tax breaks for large-scale renewable energy projects. For investment projects from March 2023 to March 2025, companies can apply for a tax rebate of up to 125% on capital expenditures in the first year. In general, due to large-scale power restrictions and rising electricity prices, supplemented by policy support, South Africa's photovoltaic installations are mainly distributed projects for self-generation and self-use. In 2023, South Africa will add 2.5 GW of distributed installations, compared with 1.7 GW in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 47%. In contrast, South Africa's centralized installations have stagnated. Taking the fifth round of REIPPPP tendered in 2021 as an example, many projects were originally planned to be connected to the grid in 2023, but due to lengthy financing and administrative processes, they were forced to postpone their production until after 2024. In addition, ESKOM's insufficient absorption capacity is als...
Read More