If you’ve been following the news or experienced delays with your solar project recently, you’ve likely heard whispers about “tariffs” and “trade issues” affecting the solar industry. We know these terms can feel abstract, but their impact on your solar journey has been very real. Today, we want to pull back the curtain and explain exactly what’s happening — and why it matters to you.
The Global Solar Supply Chain: A Quick Primer
For over 15 years, My Energy has been navigating the complex world of renewable energy, helping families and businesses across Central America, the Caribbean, and North America harness the power of the sun. During this time, we’ve learned that the solar industry operates on a truly global scale.
The majority of the world’s solar panels, components, and materials are manufactured in China — not because of any single company’s choice, but because that’s where the industry naturally developed its expertise and manufacturing capacity. Chinese manufacturers like Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, and others produce some of the highest-quality, most cost-effective solar equipment available anywhere in the world.
For years, this global supply chain worked seamlessly. We would source premium equipment directly from these manufacturers, consolidate shipments through our distribution hub in Miami, and efficiently serve our clients across our regions.
Then, in 2024 and early 2025, everything changed.
The Tariff Reality: What Actually Happened
The United States government has implemented significant tariffs on Chinese solar products — and we mean significant. Here are the numbers that directly impact our industry:
- Solar cells: 50% tariffs as of September 2024
- Solar wafers and polysilicon: Increased from 25% to 50% as of January 1, 2025
- Overall Chinese solar products: Now facing up to 60% tariffs under Section 301 trade policies
To put this in perspective: a solar panel that previously cost $200 to import into the U.S. now costs $300-$320 due to tariffs alone. These aren’t small adjustments — they’re industry-reshaping changes.
Why This Affected Your Projects
If you’ve experienced delays or uncertainty with your solar installation over the past 4-5 months, we want you to know that these external trade policy changes were the primary cause. Our team has been working around the clock to navigate these challenges, but we’ll be completely transparent: the situation caught many companies in the solar industry off-guard.
Here’s what happened to projects routed through our Miami distribution hub:
- Customs delays: New tariff classifications meant longer processing times
- Cost uncertainties: Fluctuating duty rates made pricing unpredictable
- Supply chain disruptions: Manufacturers began rerouting shipments away from U.S. ports
- Documentation complexities: New compliance requirements slowed clearance processes
We know how frustrating these delays have been. When you’re excited about your solar future and have made the investment in clean energy, waiting months for installation feels unacceptable. We felt that frustration too, and it drove us to find a better solution.
This Isn’t Just About Tariffs — It’s About Independence
While these trade policies created immediate challenges, they also highlighted a larger opportunity. Why should clean energy solutions for Central America and the Caribbean be subject to the trade policies of a third country? Why should your solar installation in Costa Rica or the Bahamas depend on customs processes in Miami?
The answer is: they shouldn’t.
These challenges have reinforced what we’ve always believed — that regional energy independence starts with regional supply chain independence. Just as solar panels free you from dependence on utility companies and fluctuating energy costs, a direct supply chain frees your projects from external political and economic disruptions.
Our Commitment During This Transition
We want to acknowledge the real impact these delays have had on our customers. Whether you’re a homeowner waiting to start saving on your electricity bill, a business owner looking to reduce operational costs, or an installer serving your own clients, these delays have affected your plans and your bottom line.
This wasn’t a result of poor planning on our part, inventory shortages, or service issues — it was the result of external factors that no individual company could have prevented. However, how we respond to these challenges is entirely within our control.
Looking Forward: A Better Path Ahead
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing the comprehensive solution we’ve developed — one that not only solves the current challenges but actually creates a stronger, more reliable service for all our customers.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Faster delivery times by eliminating U.S. customs processes entirely
- More predictable pricing without tariff uncertainties
- Better inventory transparency with real-time tracking
- Enhanced customer service with direct manufacturer relationships
- Regional distribution hubs designed specifically for our markets
The solar industry is changing, but at My Energy, we’re not just adapting to change — we’re leading it.
The Sun Still Shines
Despite the trade complexities and supply chain challenges, one thing remains constant: the sun continues to provide free, clean energy every single day. The fundamental value proposition of solar hasn’t changed. If anything, the current global emphasis on energy independence makes solar more valuable than ever.
We’ve been in this industry for over 15 years because we believe deeply in the transformative power of renewable energy. These current challenges, while frustrating, are temporary obstacles on the path to a more sustainable, energy-independent future.
Next week, we’ll be sharing the exciting details of our new direct-to-customer model — and why we believe it will make us the most reliable solar partner in the region.
Have questions about how these changes affect your specific project? Contact our customer service team at [contact information] or reach out to your dedicated project manager. We’re here to help navigate this transition together.
The My Energy team has been serving North America since 2010 and Central America since 2014, providing premium solar solutions with a focus on reliability, sustainability, and customer service. Learn more at myenergyglobal.com.