A survey conducted by solar products supplier Solar Traders has revealed 82% of the European solar industry is against the imposition of duties against Chinese module manufacturers.
The duties would destabilise the PV industry and would result in further loss of revenue by “up to 60%” with “tens of thousands” of job losses.
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Participants also disagreed with lobby groups like EU ProSun that raised the complaint against Chinese manufacturers with the European Commission that duties would create a level playing field and increase the competitiveness of European products.
The participants argued that Chinese retaliation which is expected post-implementation of duties would negate any benefits that duties could bring.
Furthermore, participants against duties noted that duties would slow down the growth of solar energy and increase the amount of time it would take for it to reach grid parity with traditional sources of electricity.
Participants in favour of duties said they would encourage installers to use European products which would decrease pricing pressure and would help to safeguard the growth of the solar industry in Europe.
However, the survey did not provide details of which part of the value chain participants were involved in.
Solar Trader was unavailable for comment.
