Nature can provide us with clean energy. Among all the clean energy alternatives, solar energy is one of the most efficient sources. The technology has been improved considerably over the years, and the costs of solar panels maintenance are low. Most importantly, although it depends on the weather, we cannot run out of solar energy. The world’s largest producer of photovoltaic power is China due to massive government investment. Having confidence in its creations, China plans to install the world’s first solar station in space. If you are interested in importing solar panels, this article can come in useful. Check the current US duty rates on solar panels from China.
Solar panels from China – production areas
The most popular cities providing solar panels are Ningbo, Yangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Huai’an. The factories are mainly placed in provinces like Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Guangdong. These are the most industrialized Chinese provinces.
If you are looking for a trading company dealing with solar panels, it’s best to start searching in cities such as Ningbo, Shanghai, Nanjing, Huai’an, Yangzhou, Suzhou, and Guangzhou. The largest concentration of trading companies you mainly found in the same provinces as the factories listed above.

Solar panels from China – trade fairs
Trade fairs are the best place to familiarize yourself with the latest trends in the market and successfully negotiate deals. Below, we present you with approaching solar panels and new energy trade fairs in China.
- China International Battery, Raw Material, Producing Equipment, and Battery Parts Fair
Location: Beijing – China National Convention Centre (CNCC), Beijing, China
Website: bhoec.com/batterychina/default.asp
- Guangzhou International Solar Photovoltaic Exhibition
Location: Guangzhou – China Import and Export Fair Complex Area A, Guangzhou, China
Website: pvguangzhou.com
- AsiaSolar Photovoltaic Innovation & Cooperation Exhibition and Forum
Location: Hangzhou International Expo Centre, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Website: asiasolar.net
US duty rates on solar panels from China
Solar panels consist of many elements. There is a list containing chosen assembles. Before making an order, check for updated US duty rates on solar panels here. Assuming that you’re importing standalone solar panel components, it is required to have checked if they are completely compliant with local electrical safety regulations in your country.
Article – Heading/Subheading – Rates of duty
- Generators – 8501.31.81 – 2.5%
- Inverters – 8504.40.95 – 0%
- Diodes, other than photosensitive or light-emitting diodes (LED) – 8541.10.00 – 0%
- Crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells assembled into modules – 8541.43.10 – 0%
When calculating US duty rates on solar panels from China, you need to remember to check the additional tariffs. In matters of the current US and China trade war, the tariff is 25%.
Importing solar panels from China
It’s best to choose goods with certificates, such as ECT (Electrical Safety Tester) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). In the US, your solar panels need a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory mark (NRTL). There are many Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories, of which UL is one (Underwriters Laboratories) – this certification is non-compulsory.
One of the highly popular and reliable quality management systems is the ISO9001 certificate. Make sure that the solar panel supplier in China of your choice is properly following a quality management system to ensure that you receive high-quality solar panels. We also advise you to conduct quality control and pre-shipment inspections.
Before signing the commercial agreement with your Chinese business partners, we recommended having the other company verified.
Check the duty rates and requirements for importing solar panels from China to the EU.