American manufactured solar panels is on the rise! In early 2018, a trade tariff was enacted on all imported solar panels by 30% in order to stimulate domestic production of solar panels in the United States.  SunPower stated that the funds that were being spent on duties was diverting from investments that would be spent on American jobs alongside domestic manufacturing, development, and research.

On September 19, SunPower was approved an exemption from this tariff by acquiring a U.S. solar manufacturing facility in Oregon from SolarWorld to broaden production in its home market. American manufactured solar panels are arising in the market as high quality and highly efficient products.

Tom Werner, chairman and CEO of Sunpower stated, “This will support U.S. solar technology leadership and preserve American jobs.” He also added, “a new chapter in American solar panel manufacturing.”

Through the acquisition, SunPower said it planned to ramp up SolarWorld Americas’ operations through improving the factory and delegating a portion of the facility to produce P-Series solar panels. These shipments are expected to begin by the first quarter of 2019.