One Of Few Bright Spots In Rural Ga.’s Economy Is At Risk: Solar

Decatur Commission Chairman Pete Stephens said solar energy production helped stabilize the county’s budget following the recession.

Johnny Kauffman / WABE

An international trade case over solar panel imports could mean an end to the solar industry boom in Georgia, putting one of the few prosperous parts of the state’s rural economy at risk.

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The case coming from two U.S. solar panel manufacturers, Solar World and Georgia-based Suniva, had its first hearing in Washington, D.C. this week before the U.S. International Trade Commission. A decision about whether to impose tariffs on solar panel imports would ultimately fall to President Trump.