Latest news with #solarPanels
Fast Company
43 minutes ago
- Business
- Fast Company
U.S. solar energy growth may collide with uncertain trade policies
U.S. consumer demand for renewable energy continues to grow, with more solar panel capacity installed in 2024 than in 2023, which saw more than in 2022. But U.S. trade policy is in flux, and high tariffs have been imposed on imported solar panels, which may cause shortages. I am a scholar who studies the Sun, as well as an entrepreneur who is working to harness its power here on Earth by creating new designs for generating solar electricity. As part of that effort, I've studied market trends and manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and abroad. Right now, U.S. manufacturers do not produce enough solar panels to meet the nation's demand, but industry investments and federal tax incentives have been making progress, though recent federal moves have created uncertainty. In 2024, U.S. installers put up enough solar panels to generate 50 gigawatts of electricity —enough to power New York City for a year. U.S. manufacturers made only a small fraction of that—4.2 GW of solar modules in the first half of 2024. That was a big boost, though—a 75% increase compared with the same period in 2023. And the prices were roughly three times the cost of imports. A look at recent imports In 2024, the U.S. imported far more panels than the country needed, suggesting developers may be stockpiling panels for future projects. Most of those imported panels were made in Asia, particularly Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. In fact, nearly all of the U.S.-made panels used at least some components from overseas. China currently makes about 97% of the world's supply of photovoltaic wafers, which are building blocks of solar panels. The effects of proposed U.S. trade policies on the solar industry remain unclear. Through 2024, manufacturing continued a yearslong ramp-up to take advantage of government policies favoring domestic manufacturing. And imported panels seem slated to suffer from ever-increasing tariffs, which drive up costs. Domestic production rises Since 2010, U.S. solar panel production has increased about eightfold. But U.S.-made panels are more expensive than imported alternatives. In 2024, U.S.-made panels typically cost 31 cents per watt, but imported panels, even including tariffs that existed before President Donald Trump's second term, cost about one-third of that: 11 cents per watt. But domestic manufacturers are bringing costs down by ramping up production while relying on the government to maintain or increase tariffs on imports, which may make U.S. panels more competitive domestically in the future. Reliance on overseas sources Tariffs, including a 30% tariff on solar cells and solar panels starting in 2018, aimed to boost domestic manufacturing. But those tariffs and falling global prices made solar installations more costly in the U.S. than in the rest of the world. The average global cost of installed solar systems dropped from $1.15 per watt in 2012 to $0.72 per watt in 2016, nearly half that of U.S. installations. The 2018 tariffs, as well as earlier rounds in 2012 and 2014, have shifted the source of U.S. imports of solar panels —from China and Taiwan to Malaysia and South Korea. Manufacturers are also building solar panels in Singapore and Germany to maintain access to the U.S. market. And Chinese companies are even investing in U.S. solar manufacturers to take advantage of federal incentives and avoid tariffs. New tariffs emerge Trump's proposal for new tariffs on foreign-made solar goods, including panels and components, particularly target Chinese-owned companies in Southeast Asia. They could include a potential 375% tariff on Thai products —nearly quadrupling prices – and a 3,500% tariff on products from Cambodia. In contrast, U.S.-made solar panels will be cheaper. But a reduced supply of solar panels will raise prices even of domestic-made panels, at least until U.S. manufacturing can catch up with the demand. Some developers have begun to delay or cancel solar installations to address rising costs. Domestic investment Due in large part to the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in 2022, the U.S. solar panel industry has seen significant investments. Since the law's enactment, more than 95 GW of manufacturing capability have been added across the solar supply chain in the U.S., including new facilities that in a year can construct enough solar panels to produce nearly 42 GW, beyond existing manufacturing levels. This growth in manufacturing capabilities is largely located in Texas and Georgia. Still, the new administration's shifting priorities and trade policies make the landscape uncertain. Before Trump began discussing various solar-related trade policies, the industry projected it would install an average of 45 GW of solar panels every year for the next decade.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Solar panel grants and UK funding – how does it work?
If you are considering installing solar panels at your home, the good news is that there is financial help available, be it loans or grants. You can even have panels on a subscription. If you are interested in a grant, there are a number of options, depending on where in the UK you live and what you earn. Most are for those on low incomes in homes with poor insulation. The biggest is the ECO4 scheme, or Energy Company Obligation 4, to give its full title, since it covers all the UK and can cover the entire cost of solar panel installation for low-income families. Another perk, although it isn't a grant as such, is the 0 per cent VAT which applies to solar panels. This compares to the standard value added tax rate of 20 per cent for most goods and services and the reduced 5 per cent rate which applies to your domestic electricity and gas bills. The Treasury cut the rate from 5 per cent to zero per cent in 2022 and it said it will return it to 5 per cent in April 2027. Then there's the smart export guarantee, which offers a guaranteed price for the electricity you sell back to the grid. Again, not exactly a grant, but it can make balancing the books on a solar project easier and it's open to all. The schemes at a glance Name of grant Who's it for? What's on offer? Run by? Closing date ECO4 Low-income families which receive benefits Can fund all of a solar panel installation, plus other improvements UK government but funded by big energy firms March 2026. May be extended as ECO5 Warm Homes Nest Scheme Low-income families in Wales on benefits Can fund all of a solar panel installation Welsh government None Home Upgrade Scheme (HUG2) Low-income families on certain benefits Up to £18,000 UK government March 2025 Solar Together Everyone Save a third on the cost of a solar installation Some local councils Varies by local council 0 per cent VAT on solar panel installations in homes Everyone Save 5 per cent on the price of an installation UK government April 2027 Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme Scottish home owners A loan of up to £5,000 but only for hot water or hybrid panels Scottish government Closed for electric solar panels, but ongoing for thermal Smart Export Guarantee Everyone Guaranteed income for unused electricity sold to the grid Energy companies None Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) grant What it is If you or someone you live with qualifies for state benefits, then the ECO4 grant could be for you. It is a government efficiency scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty and cut carbon emissions. As the name suggests, this is the fourth version of the scheme, it runs to 31 March 2026, and it is funded by big energy companies and administered by the energy regulator Ofgem. Who it's for You can get help if you earn less than £31,000 as a family, and receive one of the following benefits: Child Tax Credit Working Tax Credit Universal Credit Pension Guarantee Credit Pension Savings Credit Income Support Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Child Benefit Housing Benefit If you own your house, it must be rated D or lower for energy efficiency, and if you rent, it's E or lower. If you are in social housing, you may get help for insulation and heating systems, but not solar installations. You can apply with your energy company for up to £10,000 of funding. The scheme is for broad energy efficiency, so you might find that insulation and a smart thermostat are better uses of the funding for your energy use. You can also receive help for air source heat pumps, electric storage heaters, loft and wall insulation, and smart heating controls. How to apply You can apply for the funding in England, Wales and Scotland, but not Northern Ireland, by contacting your local council or a big energy firm such as British Gas. A list of participating firms is on the Ofgem website. About 18,700 homes have received solar panels or a heat pump through the scheme, according to data from the Department for Energy and Net Zero. LA Flex LA Flex, also known as ECO4 Flex, is an extension of the ECO scheme, and it allows local authorities – councils and local government, in this case – to set their own criteria for getting funding, which could mean that you might not need to be on benefits to qualify. It is targeted at people vulnerable to the effects of the cold, including the elderly and those with health problems. Your local government website should indicate if it is part of the scheme and what criteria it has chosen. So, if you earn a little above the £31,000 for most applicants for the ECO4 scheme, applying through your local council might be the best plan. Welsh Government warm homes nest scheme What it is This scheme is targeted at disadvantaged communities in Wales on low incomes, and it is unusual in having no end date yet. As with other schemes, you can apply for a plethora of improvements beyond a solar installation, including insulation and heating systems. Who it's for Naturally, this scheme is only for those who live in Wales. You will need to own a home or be a private tenant and receive a means-tested benefit or earn a low income. Finally, you will need to be in a home with an energy efficiency rating of E or lower. If your rating is D and you or someone you live with has a health condition, you may also qualify. The health conditions include respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; circulatory diseases such as strokes and heart attacks; mental health struggles, dementia and developmental disorders. There is no listed claim limit, although the Welsh Government said in 2023, that the average claim is £2,457. How to apply Contact Nest on 0808 808 2244 during office hours, Monday to Friday. Solar Together What it is Solar Together is a scheme to group-buy solar panels and batteries, keeping costs down. Solar panel providers bid for the chance to install the solar panels. It is more of a bulk discount than a grant. It is available in certain local authorities that have signed up to the scheme. Who it's for This is probably the scheme with the broadest appeal. It's open to homeowners and tenants who have gained their landlord's permission in council areas that are part of the scheme. It is UK-wide and can offer discounts of about a third compared to going it alone. How to apply Firstly, check that your council is part of the scheme. You can do that on the Solar Together website, where you can also apply. Some councils have run the scheme in the past and then withdrawn, often due to a lack of interest. Solar Together encourages you to register your interest to show that there is demand if your local authority is not taking part. Once you have applied, you wait until registration closes in your area. Then, solar installers are invited to bid for your work, with the cheapest winning. This is particularly useful for those who don't want to haggle themselves over their solar quotes. 0 per cent VAT on solar installations What it is The government typically applies VAT to most things, with food and children's clothes being the big exceptions. Domestic power also receives some relief, being charged at 5 per cent, rather than the 20 per cent levied on much of everything else. In 2022, the government decided to cut the 5 per cent it added to solar installations to zero in a bid to help homeowners to pay for them and get the UK closer to zero emissions. The government plans to end the tax break in 2027, and while it could be extended, chancellor Rachel Reeves has been looking for ways to raise money for the Treasury, and solar panels may find themselves in the firing line. Who it's for If you are buying panels and installation, you automatically get the tax break. The tax is simply not applied. Smart Export Guarantee What it is Replacing the previous feed-in tariff, the smart export guarantee was introduced in 2020 and ensures energy companies offer a rate for homeowners to sell their unused power back to the grid. This is particularly important since many homeowners will use more power at home in the evening, while solar panels generate most power during the day. Who it's for It is available across the UK, and even if you have panels and a solar battery to use your panel-generated power later in the day, it's important to have a good export agreement in place to get a good price for your power, since bigger homes may sell more than they use. How to apply The guarantee means power companies must offer a rate for selling to the grid, so there is no need to apply. But it is worth shopping around to ensure your purchased power is cheap and that you are getting a good rate when you sell, too. Home Upgrade Grant 2 Home Upgrade Grabt 2 closed in March 2025 after two years. Up to £630m of funding was available for local authorities to spend on energy efficiency and low-carbon heating in the second phase of the endearingly titled HUG, which offered up to £18,000 in some areas. It was for people who live off the gas grid, making it rather more niche than ECO4, and you must earn as a household less than £36,000 to qualify. Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme What it is This scheme is for those living in Scotland and now covers solar thermal panels – ones which heat water rather than generate electricity – and hybrid units which do both. A £5,000 interest-free loan is available for these panels. Who it's for The criteria are much more relaxed than other schemes and anyone in Scotland can apply if they are doing so for their own home. The loans are interest-free, although a 1.5 per cent fee is applied to the loan. Even after this fee is applied, it is still a very cheap way to borrow for these panels if you live in Scotland How to apply Ring Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 during normal office hours How we did our research We spoke to solar companies and fitters across the UK as well as insiders in the solar market to find you the best options on solar grants and discounts. Why trust us? The Independent has been reporting on green energy and climate matters since it was founded in 1986. Since then, we have written hundreds of reviews and news stories on energy, including the best solar fitters and various other guides on green power. Frequently asked questions Are there government grants for solar panels? Yes, the ECO4 scheme offers grants and there is also support for Welsh families through the Welsh Government warm homes nest scheme. Are there solar panel grants for tenants and landlords? Yes. Tenants will have to ask landlords for their permission to access some of these schemes, but most landlords will not object to improvements being made to their homes once they understand the nature of these schemes. The ECO4 scheme offers grants for tenants, as does the Welsh Government warm homes nest scheme. Can I get free solar panels? It is possible to get free panels if you are on benefits or have a vulnerable family member living with you, such as someone with a serious health condition. The ECO4 scheme and the Welsh Government warm homes nest scheme can offer free installation for those who qualify.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Turkey starts dumping probe on some Chinese imports: Report
Turkey has launched an anti-dumping investigation into the import of certain Chinese products, a media report said. The products include solar panel junction boxes, sodium gluconate and aluminum frames for photovoltaic panels, Daily Sabah newspaper reported, quoting a trade ministry communique. These imports have caused material damage to domestic producers, the report said. Last year, Ankara imposed anti-dumping duties on some steel imports from China, Russia, India and Japan, with the highest tariffs on Chinese imports. The duties imposed will range between 6.10 percent to 43.31 percent of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) prices. (Writing by P Deol; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I've cut my energy bills to nothing and set to earn £600 this year – a little-known scheme could help you do it too
SAVVY homeowners can save thousands of pounds on energy bills without cutting down on usage, thanks to a clever scheme. Judith Leary-Joyce, 75, not only saves but actually makes money through this home improvement and green energy initiative. 2 2 She had a 'deep retrofit ' on the Victorian end-of-terrace in St Albans, Hertfordshire she has shared with husband John, for more than 47 years. As part of the makeover to improve the property's energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the couple had two sets of solar panels installed. This has saved more than £1,000 a year on their annual energy bil l, plus 'earns' them cash by exporting surplus electricity generated. It comes after the average energy bill jumped up to £1,849 a year last month. Judith, author of Beginner's Guide to Eco Renovation and blog told The Sun: 'Solar panels may cost a lot upfront, but over time, you will recoup the cost.' The couple got their first eight panels installed in September 2021 at a cost of around £6,000. A few years later, in October 2024, they got a further 10 panels installed for £14,300 – and this included a battery. With a battery storage system, energy from the solar panels is stored to provide power irrespective of the weather or the time of day. 'The decision to get solar panels was primarily down to me really caring about the planet,' said Judith. 'But at the same time, I like the idea of saving a shedload of money, too.' What is the energy price cap? Finding an installer was relatively straightforward, according to the energy-saving whizz, though she recommends speaking to friends for recommendations. She also suggests getting three or four quotes. 'Our house faces east-west, so we decided to put as many panels on the roof as we could fit in the space,' said Judith. 'In the first installation, we got five on the front of the roof and three on the back.' The couple then got an additional 10 panels installed a few years later after building a large garden room extension with a south-facing roof. Thanks to this – and the retrofit – Judith and John have been able to get rid of gas altogether, considerably lowering their energy bills. In addition to this, it's possible to 'earn' money from having solar panels by selling or exporting energy back to the National Grid. Judith said: 'It was only in October last year that we went onto the tariff that pays us for exporting electricity generated. "The amount we earn will, of course, vary, according to the time of year.' In March this year, the household used 550 kWh (kilowatt hours) of energy – and generated 501 kWh, according to Judith. 'As a result, we paid just £22.72 to Octopus Energy, our energy supplier, that month,' said Judith. As the days have become longer and sunnier, the couple have made more energy than they have used meaning they have been able to export £300 worth back to the National Grid. On summer days, Judith reckons her solar panels will mean she has to pay 'next to nothing.' She added: 'I anticipate we will be pretty much self-sufficient over the coming months.' With big savings up for grabs, the solar panels are a win for Judith and John. 'According to Octopus, our annual energy consumption as a household is around £1,700,' said Judith. 'However, thanks to the 'export', we will make a very healthy £2,300 worth of energy over the year. This means we'll be 'quids in' – earning around £600 more than we're paying out for the year.' Actual savings will depend on what happens to energy prices and the specific earnings will depend on the weather. How much do solar panels cost? You need to be aware that the initial outlay for solar panels is high. If you are thinking about getting panels installed, you need to view this as a long-term investment. Solar panels are usually fitted on to the roof to absorb the sun's rays and turning them into electricity to power your home. The position and size of your property determines how many panels you can get - and the overall cost. However, the average home can expect around ten solar panels which is a typical investment of around £5,000-£6,000, according to energy firm Ovo. Surplus energy produced can be sold back to the grid. If you want to store extra energy, you'll need to invest in a battery, costing another £5,000 on average. The amount you sell energy, depends on your provider. As a guide, you may be able to recoup the cost of installation in as little as five to seven years – though in some cases it will take longer. Judith says her solar is due to be paid back through savings in six years Earlier this month, we reported how thousands of homes could qualify for free solar panel grants. Judith said: 'For me, there's no two ways about it, I love my solar panels – not least because I know we're making energy from the sun. "When it's sunny, I love looking at my smart meter and thinking that we can essentially use the washing machine – and other appliances – more or less for free.' The rate of solar panels installations on UK homes was up 40.7% in March, from the same period last year, according to analysis from Coventry building society. More than 17,000 solar panels were installed on UK homes in March, a jump from the 12,168 installations during March 2024. To get an idea on how much you could potentially save by getting panels installed, check out the free calculator from the Energy Saving Trust. Other ways to save money on bills Solar panels are just one of a wide range of energy-efficient measures that Judith has put in place. 'We got a lot of 'green' improvements done during Covid in 2020,' she said. 'John and I spent many months living in a cramped corner of an extremely dusty room.' The couple added more insulation to the loft and external walls. They also installed insulation under the suspended floors themselves – before calling in the experts to put in under-floor heating. At the same time, the pair have taken a number of steps to cut out draughts. Some of the more costly measures the couple have invested in include triple glazing and an air source heat pump. 'All the windows on the extension are triple glazed,' said Judith. 'We also paid around £13,000 four years ago for a heat pump – though we did take advantage of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to bring the cost down to £5,500.' This scheme provides homeowners with up to £7,500 to install heat pumps and other green technologies. Judith said: 'I love the fact that making my home warmer and comfortable not only means it's cheaper to run – it's also having a big impact on carbon emissions.' She also estimates the house is now worth at least £90,000 more than its equivalent house without a retrofit - making all the energy efficient investments financially worthwhile too. How to save on your energy bills SWITCHING energy providers can sound like a hassle - but fortunately it's pretty straight forward to change supplier - and save lots of cash. Shop around - If you're on an SVT deal you are likely throwing away up to £250 a year. Use a comparion site such as uSwitch or to see what deals are available to you. The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals - meaning you'll pay a fixed amount usually for 12 months. Switch - When you've found one, all you have to do is contact the new supplier. It helps to have the following information - which you can find on your bill - to hand to give the new supplier. Your postcode Name of your existing supplier Name of your existing deal and how much you payAn up-to-date meter reading It will then notify your current supplier and begin the switch. It should take no longer than three weeks to complete the switch and your supply won't be interrupted in that time.
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Japan probes Chinese solar panels over hidden device fears, power disruptions
Japan has launched an investigation into Chinese-made solar panels over fears they may contain hidden communication devices capable of disrupting the nation's power grid – a security concern that analysts say could accelerate a shift towards domestic clean-energy technology. Advertisement The inquiry follows recent findings by authorities in the United States and Europe earlier this month, who uncovered suspicious equipment embedded in these panels not listed in the official product specifications. The components were found in power inverters – devices that connect solar panels and wind turbines to electricity grids and allow remote access for updates. However, this equipment from at least two Chinese companies was not listed in their technical details. Experts quoted by Reuters said the unlisted equipment provides a communication channel unknown to the operator, potentially allowing remote circumvention of security firewalls. Allowing an external entity to remotely control inverters could disrupt power grids, damage energy infrastructure, and cause blackouts, threatening national energy security. In conflict, the ability to cut or reduce the power supply becomes a powerful weapon. Advertisement The Japanese government has started examining imported solar panels to determine whether similar undeclared equipment has been added to units sold in the country.
