If in Europe it is a massacre, in the United States it is not much simpler. The solar panel manufacturer Illuminate USA launched production in the spring at its new factory in Ohio, but many American companies are suspending their projects.
Because despite exorbitant customs duties, the importation of Chinese products has not really been contained. To prevent the lack of modules and photovoltaic cells from limiting the growth of the production chain (and jeopardizing the drop in its CO2 emissions), the country has authorized a two-year moratorium on anti- dumping and customs anti-circumvention targeting several Asian countries.
Dependence on China
However, they are ostensibly linked to Chinese producers. According to an SP Market Intelligence study from the beginning of the year, four countries have been responsible for 84% of solar module imports to the United States for two years: Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. A flow almost ten times greater than the volume imported five years ago.
Furthermore, motivated by export difficulties and attracted by the generous tax credits of the IRA, the Chinese are establishing themselves there: Runergy is building a unit in Alabama; Jinko Solar and Ja Solar are based in Jacksonville, Florida and Phoenix Arizona respectively; while Trina is opening this year, for an initial investment of 200 million, a unit in Wilmer, Texas, which should create 1,500 jobs. And these manufacturers are much more experienced in setting up production lines. Enough to chill American investors, while installers themselves are experiencing a period of decline in demand.
You are reading an article from L’Usine Nouvelle 3734 – September 2024
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Source: www.usinenouvelle.com
