Battle over low-cost, Chinese-made solar equipment could stunt solar power growth

The U.S. Department of Commerce tentatively agreed to assess tariffs of up to 35 percent on solar equipment, a move that could slow the rapid growth of the domestic solar power industry. SolarWorld, a German company with a U.S. base in Oregon, requested the tariffs, claiming China unfairly subsidizes its solar manufacturers. Solar panel installers, on the other hand, are opposed to tariffs. These companies have boomed as panel prices have fallen 70 percent since the start of 2010. Tariffs, they say, will make solar power less affordable.