The International Trade Commission said that imported solar panels from China were being sold in the United States at less than fair value...
The vote clears the way for additional steps by the commission and the Commerce Department that could result in heavy tariffs on Chinese imports. The Commerce Department had responded to the industry filing last month by agreeing to open an investigation into the complaints.
In theory, some tariffs could begin in January. But a decision could be delayed, experts said.
Chinese officials, angered by the trade complaint, have already vowed to investigate American subsidies to renewable energy. And some American importers of solar panels, and operators of solar power installations, have warned that sanctions against the Chinese could raise the cost of solar energy in the United States....