Prospect of Trump tariff casts pall over US solar industry

Los Angeles

US solar companies are snapping up cheap imported solar panels ahead of a trade decision by the Trump administration that could drive up costs and cloud the fortunes of one of the economy's brightest stars.

Domestic consumers and businesses have been embracing solar energy at a furious pace - thanks to a big assist from China. Low-cost photovoltaic cells and panels made in China and other Asian countries have helped drive down costs by around 70 per cent since 2010, enabling more Americans to go solar. Installations in the US last year hit a record.