[RE-wrenches] Solar tariffs

[William Korthof]

I haven't seen much discussion about the tariffs, but I think the current
plan is really an outrage. I've toured the SolarWorld factory twice and
used many of their modules---I'd like to see US Solar manufacturers
succeed, but I've also toured Chinese factories, and I'm thoroughly
impressed by how well Chinese solar companies have invested and innovated.
I don't think tariffs are the salvation for SolarWorld, and thanks to their
misguided lobbying activities, they've now lost me as a potential customer.
Sorry.
I'm writing letters to the Pres, my senators, and my reps. Here's what I
just wrote to the NY Times:

"Announced tariffs against Chinese Solar panels are bad public policy that
only hurt the industry they intend to serve. Chinese solar companies now
mass produce the best solar modules in the world, with falling prices and
improving technology. Commendably, they've been passing along those
savings, which makes solar affordable for more people, benefiting everyone.
Having failed to scale their own production and cut manufacturing costs,
there are only a few US-based solar manufactures, with a tiny share of
total US solar industry jobs. That's unfortunate, but tariffs won't build
sustainable business for companies that fail to innovate. The main part of
the solar industry has always been integration; and that's why protective
tariffs do more harm than good. They create uncertainty where it matters
most: to users and installers of solar power. Until this ill-fated policy
is dropped, the mere threat of tariffs slows all investments in solar, and
that hurts everyone."
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