How much do tariffs add to solar panel costs?

Tariffs add 15-25% to the cost of imported solar panels. For a typical 10kW residential installation, that's $2,000-5,000 in additional costs. This extends the payback period by 1-3 years for homeowners going solar.

Why are solar panels tariffed?

Solar tariffs were initially imposed to protect U.S. solar manufacturing from Chinese competition. They have been expanded and renewed multiple times. Despite IRA incentives, tariffs remain a significant barrier to solar adoption.

Do tariffs apply to all solar components?

Yes. Panels, inverters, mounting systems, and batteries from tariff-affected countries all face duties of 15-25%. Even domestically assembled systems use imported components that carry tariff costs.

Tariff Rates

Tariff on Solar Panels: Tariffs Slowing the Clean Energy Transition

U.S. tariffs on imported solar panels and equipment add 15-25% to the cost of residential and commercial installations. Tariffs add $2,000-5,000 to a typical home solar installation. These duties may be eligible for refund through the CBP CAPE program.

15-25%

tariff rate range

$500-2,000 per installation

avg. household impact

$30 billion

total U.S. imports

How Much Do Tariffs Add to Solar Panels Prices?

Here's what tariffs actually cost you on common solar panels purchases.

Product	Tariff Rate	Price Impact
Solar Modules/Panels	15-25%	$2,000-5,000 per install
Solar Inverters	15-25%	$200-500 per unit
Mounting Systems	15-25%	$100-300 per system
Solar Batteries	15-25%	$500-2,000 per battery

2Vietnam

3Malaysia

4Thailand

5South Korea

China faces the highest tariff rates (up to 145% on some goods) due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs. Other countries face varying rates under IEEPA “reciprocal” tariffs.

Can You Get This Money Back?

For Importers

CAPE Tariff Refund Recovery

If you import solar panels, your entries may qualify for refund through the CBP CAPE program. Tariffi prepares your declaration data; your licensed customs broker partner files it.

Start your claim

For Consumers

B2B2C Refund Distribution

Individual consumers can't file CAPE declarations directly, but Tariffi's distribution program connects you with importers recovering refunds — so a portion of those savings can flow back to you.

Calculate your impact

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do tariffs add to solar panel costs?: Tariffs add 15-25% to the cost of imported solar panels. For a typical 10kW residential installation, that's $2,000-5,000 in additional costs. This extends the payback period by 1-3 years for homeowners going solar.
Why are solar panels tariffed?: Solar tariffs were initially imposed to protect U.S. solar manufacturing from Chinese competition. They have been expanded and renewed multiple times. Despite IRA incentives, tariffs remain a significant barrier to solar adoption.
Do tariffs apply to all solar components?: Yes. Panels, inverters, mounting systems, and batteries from tariff-affected countries all face duties of 15-25%. Even domestically assembled systems use imported components that carry tariff costs.

Related resources

All tariff rates by product & country — browse tariff impacts across all categories
Tariff recovery by industry — refund pools for 30+ import sectors
IEEPA & Section 301 refund guides — step-by-step recovery guides
Tariff impact calculator — estimate your overpayment and potential refund

Calculate your tariff impact on solar panels

See exactly how much tariffs add to the solar panels you import or buy — and how much you could recover.

Calculate Your Tariff Impact

Questions? support@tariffi.io