US Court Ruling Revives Fight Over Solar Panel Tariff Waiver

US solar manufacturers are expected to revive their years-long campaign to kill an exemption that has allowed two-sided solar panels to avoid import tariffs.

The impetus: a decision from a federal appeals court that said US presidents have the authority to tighten some existing trade controls.

While Monday’s decision is a win for domestic panel makers that have sought protection from cheap Asian imports, it adds new uncertainty for renewable developers already grappling with high interest rates, oversupply and less generous subsidies in California, the biggest solar market.

The possibility that two-sided — or bifacial — panels “may again face ...