2017 was a banner year for the solar industry in general and for Trina Solar in particular. In April, we launched the high-efficiency bifacial module DUOMAX Twin, continuing our track record as an industry leader in the research and development of PERC cell technology and development. In September, we were named the most bankable module supplier in a survey by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Overall, we remain deeply committed to the growing U.S. market and to developing the partnerships and products that will continue to serve our customers around the globe in the new year and beyond.

Building on solar success in 2018

Trina is excited to remain at the forefront of solar innovation in a rapidly changing industry. The American solar market saw a very strong finish to 2017: In terms of imports into the U.S. shipments actually doubled between November 2016 and November 2017, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

We have already invested more than $200 million in research and development over the last 10 years and filed nearly 1,400 patents. These financial and technical contributions have played a significant role in improving solar technology and fueling the recent solar industry growth stateside. 

Trina's cumulative installed U.S. capacity, including large utility-scale projects, currently exceeds 6 Gigawatts. To put that into perspective, that capacity is equal to what three Hoover Dams produce, with the collective ability to power over 4.3 million homes. Just as importantly, this clean power source offsets approximately 7.2 million tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of removing 1.5 million cars from the road for a year.

Our partnerships with U.S.-based MLPE manufacturers and other BOS providers have supported the highly efficient solar supply chains supporting ongoing capacity growth and general emissions reductions. We are proud of our efforts in developing the U.S. solar industry, boosting economic activity and creating jobs.

Navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead

At the same time, we are conscious of the industry's challenges stemming from recent trade action in the U.S. We fully support the SEIA's continued opposition to these attacks on the country's solar industry, which might ultimately cost tens of thousands of American jobs as well as billions in potential project revenue.

We remain optimistic about solar in the U.S. and worldwide. We know the solar industry is too strong - and too important - to suffer a major setback from current affairs. We'll remain hard at work to ensure 2018 will be an exciting and formative year for the industry as we help more individuals and organizations explore deployment options and adapt to the new economic and regulatory environments. Trina will remain front and center in providing practical, high-quality and smart solar products and solutions to deliver clean, renewable energy across the country and the world.