We greet 2018 with a new tariff in place for all solar panels imported into the U.S. This development has prompted many prospective solar customers to ask about the impact of the tariff on the solar industry overall, as well as right here in Arizona.
The decision to add a tariff on solar panels is somewhat mind-boggling, especially at a time when our planet so desperately needs cleaner and more sustainable energy. What's more, utilities continue to raise prices and find creative ways to parse billable energy into complex and less lucrative categories.
As you ponder these undeniable truths, rest assured that Sun Valley Solar Solutions has your back. After all, solar is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global energy industry–one that’s nearly 400,000 strong in the U.S. alone, and growing exponentially.
So try not to panic! Here are five reasons why - despite the tariff - you shouldn’t hesitate to explore commercial solar for your business:
1. We’ve been planning for this - Sun Valley Solar Solutions is part of a nation-wide buying co-op of leading solar installation firms. When we became aware that the tariff was a possibility late last year, we worked with our partners to stockpile enough pre-tariff panels to help ease the transition. We still have supplies of these panels available.
2. Utility rates are only going up - Utilities across the US have big plans and pretty much none of them include a rate reduction. Currently, solar is the only viable way to leverage against the certainty of increasingly more expensive electricity.
3. As an independent dealer, we can pick our own panels - Unlike many national installers that make their own panels or are locked into exclusive distribution deals, Sun Valley Solar Solutions is free to select any panel that best suits the needs of our customers. We have no "sacred cows" to protect. We are totally flexible, and you are our highest priority.
4. 30 percent tax credits are still in place - In 2015 Congress voted to extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) at the 30 percent rate through 2019. In 2020, the ITC incentive drops to 26 percent, then 22 percent in 2021 before permanently dropping to 10 percent for commercial 2022. Waiting for tariffs to lift could mean missing out on the highest tax benefit before it is gone.
5. New tax plan benefits solar investments - As part of the new tax plan passed in late 2017, companies can now take 100 percent depreciation in the first year the system is in service. This was previous spread out over multiple years.
6. Momentum is at our back - The solar industry is an economic powerhouse. We generated $154 billion in economic activity in 2016 and employ more than 370,000 people across the U.S. alone. We have influence, manufacturing know-how, and a very bright spotlight on the world stage. Our industry will find creative ways to offset this tariff through sheer business savvy and the natural economies of scale that comes with rapid growth and innovation. Solar will be here tomorrow as surely as the sun will rise.
If you’ve been thinking about powering your facility with clean solar energy, don’t let the tariff slow you down. Contact one of our commercial solar experts for a custom solar quote.
