Whether you’re talking about solar thermal, photovoltaic panels or concentrated photovoltaics, this solar trade war with China (and as of yesterday, possibly India) is fascinating. It doesn’t matter what side of the issue you’re on (and as I’ve said repeatedly, I can see both sides of the issue so far), this is a fascinating discussion of the international solar market and brings up all sorts of ideas about how to level the playing field.
Which led me to ask Monique Hanis and Jared Blanton from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) how the association felt about the ITC complaint. Jared directed me to a PDF on their site that deals with the association’s position on International Trade Issues. Here are some of the highlights of the SEIA’s opinion:
- The SEIA points out that the United States was a $2 billion net exporter of solar energy products in 2010 and was a net exporter to China by more than $240 million.
- As long as the U.S. is able to compete on an even playing field, the combination of policy certainty, private investment and continued technological advances will keep the solar industry as one of the fastest growing sectors in the country.
- Governments and private entities have an obligation to adhere to internationally-negotiated trade rules.
- Solar companies — whether foreign or domestic — have the right to request investigations into alleged unfair trade practices. It’s important that these allegations are thoroughly examined and, if unlawful trade practices are found, action to remedny those practices is taken.
- In turn, parties accused of unfair trade practices also have the right to defend themselves in the process of these investigations.
- SEIA is NOT a party to the U.S. solar anti-dumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) investigation and has remained neutral.
- Assuming the investigation runs a full course, a full determination would be issued within approximately 12 months.
My thanks to Monique and Jared for giving me the information on SEIA’s position on the solar trade war — I respect their decision to remain neutral on the issue. As I said, I haven’t decided where I come down on the issue (and I have opinions about everything), so all I can ask you to do is stay tuned.
jonathan says
If companies inside the US try to gain market share and make money its called competition (evil capitalist-ism for some), if companies outside the US try to gain market share and make money, its an trade war.
I’m game, lets take em on no matter what we call it!
fascinating? I think its an appropriate word no matter what side you’re on.
Frank Andorka says
Ryan:
We certainly appreciate your thoughts. When we wrote this article, it was the first time that we saw the SEIA speak publicly on what may be the hottest issue in the industry right now. We thought that was newsworthy, and we posted it here.
Please take a look at the rest of the blog and our site — we feel you will find many articles that will be useful to you.
Thanks for your input — we appreciate that you took the time to interact with us.
Sincerely,
The Solar Power World Staff
Ryan says
What a waste of time article. This told me nothing other then your SEO is trying to generate web traffic. Well it’s a start… Let me know when you have something interesting to share.
Andreas says
What Does The SEIA Think About The Trade War?
What I think:
1. SEIA have some opinions about trade wars but not about THIS one. Neutrality or concern ?
2. Trade wars are “FASCINATING” only for people who are certain to GAIN from them. Are you ?
3. Are you neutral because (a) you don’t know all the facts, (b) you know the facts but you are not sure who’s right or (c) you know who’s right but you think your opinion might (unjustly) influence the outcome ? You should have explain your position !