United States Announces Preliminary CVD Rates for PV Products from India and Two Other Countries

Thin-film leader First Solar has signed a non-exclusive patent licensing agreement with UK-based Oxford PV to develop and manufacture perovskite-based solar products for the US market. Covering utility, commercial, and residential sectors, the deal allows First Solar to integrate advanced perovskite semiconductors into its next-generation modules while excluding crystalline silicon tech. CEO Mark Widmar noted the move aligns with their long-term goal of market-wide commercialization, supported by an R&D infrastructure in Ohio and a target to reach 18 GW of US annual manufacturing capacity by 2027.

On February 3, 2026, the United States and India formally signed a bilateral trade agreement, reaching a significant consensus on tariff arrangements for Indian goods exported to the US market. Under the terms of the agreement, the reciprocal tariff rate applicable to Indian goods (including solar modules and energy storage components) was reduced from 25% to 18%.

On 24 February local time, the US Department of Commerce announced preliminary countervailing duty (CVD) rates on imports of photovoltaic products from India, Indonesia and Laos: India's subsidy rate stands at 125.87%, Indonesia's at 104.38% and Laos' at 80.67%. Following the preliminary CVD ruling, the industry awaits the anticipated preliminary AD ruling around 21 April, with the final AD/CVD determination expected on 3 September 2026. Customs will only commence collecting definitive duties after the ITC issues its final decision on 19 October.