Section 232 tariffs are reshaping solar module pricing across the United States. Tim Montague and co-host John Weaver sit down with returning guest Chris Lettman, a solar module supply chain and technology expert with Imperial Star Solar.
Chris explains why the new policy works as a price floor, not a simple tariff, setting a minimum import price plus a 15 percent tax on cells, wafers, and modules. The three break down domestic cell shortages, First Solar litigation, and how developers hedge against monthly price hikes.
Anyone buying solar panels before the December 4 deadline needs this pricing and procurement picture.
Chris Lettman answers the pricing questions every solar buyer is asking before December 4:
- Why is Section 232 a price floor instead of a normal tariff?
- How much do imported, hybrid, and fully domestic modules now cost per watt?
- Which companies make solar cells in the U.S. today?
- How is John Weaver stockpiling modules to beat rising prices?
- Why does only PERC ship domestically while TOPCon stays blocked?
- What happens to overseas module factories after December 4?
Section 232 changes the math for every solar buyer heading into 2027. The tariffs raise prices across all three module tiers and close the gap between imported and domestic panels, with fully imported modules near 45 cents per watt and fully domestic near 53. Imports look set to stop around December 4, domestic cell supply stays tight behind ES Foundry and Saniva, and buyers like John Weaver are stockpiling now to beat monthly price hikes. Tim, John, and Chris disagree on whether the policy drives real U.S. manufacturing or adds cost and friction, but they agree on the takeaway: know your pricing tiers, lock in supply early, and plan procurement through 2027 before the next increase hits.
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