Southern Oregon has long been a haven for those seeking sustainability, independence, and resilience. At True South Solar, we’ve proudly supported that vision for fifteen years—bringing clean, affordable solar energy to homes and businesses across the Rogue Valley. But lately, there’s a new factor shaping the future of solar in our region: tariffs on imported solar equipment.
What’s Happening with Tariffs?
Over the past several years, the U.S. government has imposed tariffs on imported solar panels and equipment, particularly from China and Southeast Asia. These tariffs were intended to curb unfair trade practices and support domestic manufacturing. The result has been a more expensive and complex solar supply chain, with ripple effects felt throughout the industry—including right here in Southern Oregon.
While the long-term goal is to boost American manufacturing (a goal we support), in the short term, these tariffs can make certain solar systems more costly and harder to source. Fortunately, for the past three years, thanks in part to the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, many of our suppliers have made significant investments in on-shoring their production facilities.
A new report by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie found that the industry had reached a critical threshold in late 2024:
After a record Q3, U.S. solar manufacturing has reached a critical threshold. At full capacity, American solar module factories can now produce enough to meet nearly all demand for solar in the U.S.
Investing in American-Made Products
At True South Solar, we believe in doing things the right way. That’s why we’ve proactively aligned ourselves with U.S.-based manufacturers, like Qcells, which produces high-quality solar panels in Georgia. These panels not only meet our strict performance and reliability standards—they also help mitigate the risk of price spikes and delays caused by international trade conflicts.
We’re also proud to source domestically assembled inverters and battery storage systems whenever possible, supporting American innovation and reducing our dependency on volatile foreign supply chains.
Why This Matters for You
Tariffs can cause uncertainty in pricing and availability across the solar market, but our local-first approach shields our clients from much of that volatility. Here’s how:
- Stable, transparent pricing – By sourcing from consistent, domestic suppliers, we help you avoid unexpected cost jumps.
- Reliable availability – No waiting on cargo ships or clearance delays. Our local and U.S.-based partners keep equipment flowing.
- Better long-term support – U.S.-made systems often come with stronger warranties and responsive support teams.
- Economic impact – Choosing American-made helps fuel job creation and energy resilience right here at home.
Standing Strong for Southern Oregon
Solar energy is more than a financial decision—it’s a statement of values. Our clients are united by a desire to take control of their energy future. Tariffs and trade debates may come and go, but our commitment to resilient, American-made solutions is here to stay.
We’re proud to serve as a trusted, local partner that doesn’t just install panels—we help you own your energy future with confidence. By building systems that are reliable, tariff-resilient, and made to last, we’re making solar simpler, smarter, and more sustainable for Southern Oregon.
Ready to explore solar—without the uncertainty?
Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, from custom system design to financing options and incentive planning.