WASHINGTON, DC – After a decision today by the European Commission (EC) to impose provisional duties on Chinese solar exports, John Smirnow, SEIA vice president of trade and competitiveness, issued the following statement:

"We view today's decision by the European Commission to adopt a thoughtful two-stage approach to the imposition of duties on solar panels from China as a positive development. The EC's measured response creates a positive environment for negotiations, which we think is critically important given the global nature of the solar supply chain. It's time for everyone to work together toward a mutually-satisfactory resolution of these solar trade cases. Importantly, potential settlement options must consider not only the interests of solar manufacturers but also solar consumers and service providers. We've already seen how a dispute within one segment of the solar industry affects the entire solar supply chain, and so too will any negotiated settlement."

About SEIA®:

Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org