Solar Photovoltaic Panel Contract Dispute

What role did the Commissioner play in the EU-China solar panel dispute?

The Commissioner had an essential role in the issue identification and decision-making stages. The chapter’s conclusion provides a more detailed summary of the case and the theoretical findings drawn from it. This chapter examines the EU-China solar panel dispute, the largest trade defense investigation ever done by DG Trade.

Why did the escalation of solar panel antidumping lead to a trade war?

In the lead up to the Paris Conference the sharp reduction in the price of solar panels installed in Europe induced by the Chinese imports was seen by many as positive for EU’s climate policy goals. Thus, the escalation of the solar panel antidumping case brought the EU and China to the brink of a trade war.

How will the EU deal with China on a solar panel dispute?

The solar panel dispute revealed a divided EU in terms of how to deal with China on an economic dispute, with, on the one hand, Germany and the UK standing up for their economic interests by claiming that their companies could be disadvantaged in China’s growing markets if the Commission took action against China.

Can the EU dumping solar panels on the EU market?

Like the EU industry needed to lodge a complaint on the dumping of solar panels on the EU market, the Commission could not act in this case (Interview senior EU officials, July 22, 2015). A group of Chinese exporting solar panel producers gave a mandate to the CCCME to submit a price undertaking.

Why did the EU let solar panels lapse?

After considering the needs of both manufacturers and the users or importers of solar panels, the Commission decided it was in the best interests of the EU to let the measures lapse. The Commission’s decision also took into account the EU’s new renewable energy targets.

What happens if you sell solar panels to a company?

Often companies involved in selling solar panels to consumers don’t treat their customers properly. Sometimes they damage people’s roofs while they’re installing the panels. Sometimes they sell the entire residential solar system to a company you’ve never heard of – and that company starts abusing the consumer.