Trump weaponizes FCC to ban new foreign-made connected solar inverters

The Federal Communications Commission has added foreign-made "connected" power inverters to its restricted import list, starting July 28. This affects inverters that convert power between DC and AC and also have a radio for remote monitoring or control over Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth — the kind used in most modern solar and battery systems. New models that don't meet a US-content threshold can no longer be imported or sold. Despite the "foreign-made" label, this isn't strictly about Chinese products: it's based on a Buy American test requiring over 65% US content and manufacture, so a US-brand inverter assembled overseas could be restricted, while a foreign brand could qualify if enough of it is built domestically.

If you already have a solar or battery system installed, this doesn't affect it. Systems on roofs and in RVs today keep working, and dealers can still sell inventory of already-approved models. The rule only blocks new, not-yet-approved connected inverters from entering the market going forward.

Where this could matter down the road is if you're planning a future solar, battery, or off-grid purchase. Popular brands common in portable and off-grid setups rely heavily on overseas manufacturing, and it's unclear how quickly, if at all, they'll get approval for new models under the stricter rules. Larger US-based manufacturers with domestic factories, like Enphase, SolarEdge, and Tesla, are less exposed. In the near term, industry analysts expect the biggest impact on smaller off-grid and portable solar products rather than standard rooftop installations, where certified inventory is already stocked.