U.S. Department of Commerce Finds Subsidies in Indonesian Solar Products

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The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a key decision concerning solar products from Indonesia. On September 16, 2026, the department made a final affirmative determination related to countervailable subsidies. This decision is aimed at crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. These are solar cells made from crystals and might be assembled into modules or panels.

The investigation covered products from Indonesia for the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The Commerce Department believes that producers in Indonesia received help from their government to manufacture these solar products. This is called a subsidy. Sometimes, subsidies can lead to unfair pricing when these products are sold in other countries, including the U.S.

Scope and Products Covered

The product in question includes solar cells and modules, whether assembled or not. They help generate electricity from sunlight. However, it does not cover thin film products made from certain materials like amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). It also excludes small cells in consumer goods, some small panels, and modules made elsewhere.

The Commerce Department assessed various subsidy programs in Indonesia. They looked at evidence from different parties. The department also visited Indonesian companies like PT Blue Sky Solar Indonesia and PT REC Solar Energy Indonesia. This helped verify the information collected.

Findings and Rates

The investigation led to different subsidy rates for Indonesian companies. PT Blue Sky Solar Indonesia faced a rate of 173.70%, which was based on facts available since complete data was not provided. Meanwhile, PT REC Solar Energy Indonesia was given a lower rate of 73.20%. This latter rate also applies to other Indonesian producers.

Commerce also examined if these subsidies began affecting the U.S. sooner. They found “critical circumstances,” meaning imports surged, causing harm to U.S. businesses before the official investigation. This conclusion applies to Blue Sky but not to REC Solar.

Next Steps

The Commerce Department has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to see if these subsidized imports harm U.S. industries. If the ITC confirms this, the Department will order duties on these imports. This means extra charges on these solar products when they come into the U.S.

This decision can lead to changes in how solar cells are imported and traded. It aims to ensure fair competition for U.S. companies. Keep watching as this investigation wraps up and further decisions are made.

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