Foreign Inverter Ban Hits US Solar: Here's What Changes

The Federal Communications Commission's new ban on foreign-produced solar inverters left the industry without clear answers on warehoused stock, firmware updates, and grid cybersecurity risk. 

On this episode of The Clean Power Hour Live, hosts Tim Montague and John Weaver break down the foreign inverter ban alongside new Section 232 solar tariffs that set a 38 cent per watt minimum price on modules. They also cover a Reuters report on Chinese electric truck exports climbing as diesel prices spike across Southeast Asia, a 30% efficient perovskite-silicon solar panel from Tandem PV headed to market this fall, and a phishing scam using fake zoning invoices to target solar contractors. Recorded live on August 21, 2026, this episode covers solar policy, battery storage, and grid security in one sitting.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• FCC added foreign inverters and communication devices to its Covered List on July 28, citing grid cybersecurity risk from remote firmware updates. (PV Magazine)
• Section 232 solar tariffs raise panel costs. New tariffs set minimum import prices of 38 cents per watt for modules, 22 cents for cells, and roughly 14 cents for wafers. (PV Tech)
• Chinese electric truck exports climb amid Iran war fuel spike . (Reuters)
• Tandem PV ships a production-quality 30% efficient perovskite-silicon panel (PV Magazine). 
• Enphase launches the IQ Battery C80 commercial battery. The 80 kWh AC-coupled unit delivers up to 40 kVA of continuous power and targets small commercial and industrial demand charge management projects. (Enphase)
• Octopus Energy customers earn nearly 100 million pounds in solar export payments. (Solar Power Portal).
• Security alert: fake zoning permit invoices target solar contractors. John shares an AI-generated phishing email built from public permit records, disguised as a $6,700 town zoning fee. (Blue Sky)

This episode is built for solar installers, project developers, and policy watchers tracking how tariffs and cybersecurity rules are reshaping equipment sourcing. With Section 232 tariffs taking effect in December and the FCC inverter ban already in force, procurement decisions made this fall carry real cost and timeline consequences.

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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems.  Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com