U.S. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cell and Module Trade Overview

Abstract

This paper examines trends in U.S. cell and module trade over the period from 2006 to 2010 The results of this analysis indicate that recent growth in the U.S. and global solar photovoltaic (PV) markets, expanding U.S. PV production capacity, and growing PV production in China, Mexico, and other countries contributed to a $3.2 billion increase in total U.S. PV cell and module trade from 2006–10 U.S. imports are rising due to increasing crystalline silicon module production in low-cost production locations and a growing U.S. market, while exports are rising due to increasing U.S. production capacity and expanding markets in Canada and Europe.

Keywords: United States, trade, cell, module, photovoltaic, PV, import, export, solar, balance, trade balance, China, Japan, Mexico, European Union, HS 8541.40, crystalline silicon, thin film

JEL Classification: F10, F14, L64, Q43, Q48