New Solar technology is in the pipeline as solar perovskites are moving from lab to production across the world. Compared to traditional silicon panels, these panels are peaking at more than 28 percent efficiency for turning light into power, versus the record for silicon photovoltaics of 26.7 percent. Additionally, they have the potential for greater flexibility, greater consistency, and lower cost, according to industry experts. This could be the future of solar, and it could be a dominant one.

The solar import tariff implemented this year has caused significant dispute between policy makers, economists, and supporters of the solar industry. Now, U.S. based solar company, SunPower, has filed an exemption request with the U.S. Trade Representative. This motion reflects the most central debate regarding the trade case: is the tariff helping, or hurting, the U.S. solar industry?