The department is seeking to levy duties of between 18.56 to 35.21%, which is much higher when compared to tariffs announced in 2012, BBC News reported.
Intended to help offset the subsidies of China to solar panel makers, the new duties will be imposed on solar panels as well as the cells used to make them.
Meanwhile, critics argued that imposing high duties will discourage consumers from switching to renewable energy since the solar panels prices will be increased.
The Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy said, "The ruling is a major setback for the entire US solar industry because it will immediately increase the price of solar power and cost American jobs in one of fastest-growing sectors of the US economy."
The final duties will be confirmed by the commerce department in the coming months.
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) will review the tariffs prior to the decision.
