GTM: Steel and aluminum tariffs could add 2 cents per watt to utility-scale solar projects

GTM: Steel and aluminum tariffs could add 2 cents per watt to utility-scale solar projects

05.03.2018: GTM Research expects, that tariffs on imported steel and aluminum as pronounced by US President Donald Trump could harm the US solar industry. Solar projects and energy storage units could get more expensive. Trump said the US will impose a 25 percent tariff on foreign-made steel and a 10 percent tariff on foreign-made aluminum. This could add as much as ¢2 per watt to the cost of a utility-scale project, says GTM, citing Dan Whitten, vice president of communications at the Solar Energy Industries Association. »That is a significant added cost, especially on top of the job-killing solar tariffs.« Steel and aluminum tariffs would be immediately impactful to the US solar market, said Scott Moskowitz, solar analyst at GTM Research. »Ground-mount systems use racks and trackers built mostly of steel. Aluminum is also common in residential and commercial rooftop racking. Most mounting structures vendors source steel and aluminum from numerous locations, both in and outside of the United States.«
© PHOTON

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

+1-646-402-5076

www.arcstarenergy.com