Last week, we found out about a 145% tariff that affects Star-Batt. Although we’re proudly based in North Idaho, manufacturing here in the U.S., and supporting dozens of American jobs, the truth is that some of our core components, like solar panels and lithium battery cells, still come from overseas. Roughly 80 to 95 percent of these parts originate in Asia, and ours are no exception.
As a 6-month-old, bootstrapped company, we didn’t have resources to react before the impact was felt. Our first batch of solar panels has not made it through customs, more than doubling our cost overnight. We’re doing everything we can to absorb the blow and stay true to what we promised. Here’s what it means for you:
Solar panels originally scheduled to ship in April (meaning you ordered yours on or before 1/12/2025) will now ship at the end of May. The full 145% tax has hit our first run of panels and we cannot bear the cost of air freight, adding 30 days for sea shipment.
Cradles and SUX lead times for our batch 1 customers are not affected and those will begin shipping in the next two weeks.
We are set to begin production on our second batch of 1,000 Star-Batt Minis in a few short weeks. Production starts in May, with current orders being fulfilled in July. Over half of these are already sold. Once this batch is gone, the price of Star-Batt Mini’s will increase to $1,599. This is subject to change either direction. Right now, we’re still offering the remaining units at $999—but that window is closing fast. When they are gone, they are gone… and less than 500 remain. Use promocode “LASTCALL” to take advantage of this pricing as this is the last change to purchase your Star-Batt Mini under $1,000!
We’re not a massive corporation with padded margins. We’re a small team doing everything we can to build something great, and updates like this one aren’t easy to write. But you believed in us early, and that means a lot—especially now.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to order your Star-Batt Mini, this is it. Support a homegrown American startup. Take advantage of early pricing while it lasts. To our customers impacted by the solar delay—thank you. Your patience means everything, and we’re working hard to make it right.
Questions? Feedback? Send us an email at support@star-batt.com and we will get back to you.
With gratitude,
Alex
President, Star-Batt