On October 31, most trade commissioners suggested that the president impose tariffs on imported solar panels and batteries. However, the advice on the amount of tariffs varies from person to person and is below the requirements of Suniwa and Solar World - both companies claim a tariff of 25 and 32 cents per watt on batteries and solar panels. A member suggested introducing a permit system for the importation of products that would limit the influx of solar products.
This incident caused disagreements in the solar energy industry. Some solar panel makers said they face protection against underpriced imports, and solar panel makers and others in the industry counter that tariffs can cause consumer-facing price increases to become cheaper due to the import of cheaper products Demand for solar cells that are good for the people can also be impaired. Both sides claim that it is related to thousands of U.S. jobs.
The solar industry association opposes the complaint, and its director, Abigail Rose Hopper, said the ITC's advice, while not meeting the requirements of the two companies, remains "extremely detrimental to the entire solar industry" ".