Importing Solar Panels from China

Benefits of importing solar panels from China for Iranian traders
China is the world’s largest producer of solar panels, accounting for more than 70% of global output. This concentration of manufacturing enables large-scale production and low-cost pricing. Economies of scale in China significantly reduce the final cost of panels for Iranian importers—making them far more affordable than locally manufactured products or those sourced from other countries.

Chinese manufacturers have also invested heavily in research and development, resulting in high-efficiency panels equipped with advanced technologies. Importing from China gives buyers access to state-of-the-art solutions such as multi-busbar cells, PERC modules, and bifacial panels.

The Chinese market offers an extensive variety of brands and models, ranging from monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules to thin-film systems. This product diversity lets Iranian traders choose panels that best match the project’s budget and technical requirements. China also benefits from a highly stable supply chain and strong transportation infrastructure, ensuring steady availability and large production capacity.

Government incentives and export-support policies in China reduce production costs even further, making Chinese solar panels extremely competitive on the global market.

From an environmental and economic standpoint, importing solar panels supports clean-energy development, reduces greenhouse-gas emissions, and lowers the carbon footprint. Affordable solar power also helps Iranian businesses cut operational costs while creating local jobs across the renewable-energy value chain.

By importing cost-effective and reliable Chinese panels, Iran avoids massive capital investment in domestic production while strengthening its sustainable-development goals and stimulating local economic growth.

Top global solar panel brands
The global solar-panel market is dominated by several major manufacturers. Well-known Chinese brands include JinkoSolar, Trina Solar, JA Solar, and LONGi, all of which rank highly in production and exports. These companies are recognized for mass manufacturing, competitive pricing, and strong quality control.

Canadian Solar, although headquartered in Canada, operates large production facilities in China and is widely known for reliable and cost-effective panels.

Several non-Chinese brands also hold a strong global reputation. Hanwha Q CELLS (Korea/Germany) is known for premium build quality and strong residential-market performance, while REC Group (Norway) is respected for high-quality panels with extended warranties. Panasonic (Japan) and SunPower/Maxeon (USA) are long-standing leaders in high-efficiency panel technology, though typically at higher price points. Companies like Silfab (Canada/USA) are also recognized in advanced markets for meeting strict manufacturing standards.

In short, the ideal brand depends on project requirements. Chinese companies such as Jinko or Trina offer high value and good quality, while premium brands like Q CELLS or REC deliver superior performance and broad support. Verifying technical certificates (ISO, IEC) and reviewing real-world performance data ensures the imported panels meet project expectations.

China’s global market share in solar panels
China’s massive investment in photovoltaic manufacturing has given it overwhelming dominance in the global market. According to the Fraunhofer Institute, roughly 86% of the world’s solar-panel production takes place in China.

Nearly every major global manufacturer either operates in China or relies on Chinese facilities. For example, JinkoSolar alone exported more than 47 GW of panels in the first half of 2024. In fact, eight out of the world’s top nine panel manufacturers are Chinese, and the top ten producers of 2024 were all based in China.

This dominance is driven by a complete domestic supply chain (raw materials to final assembly), strong government support, and extremely low production costs. Even markets like Europe and the United States—which have imposed tariffs and attempted to diversify production through Vietnam, Malaysia, and other countries—still depend heavily on Chinese supply.

Overall, international data consistently shows that 80–90% of the world’s solar panels originate from China.

Steps to import solar panels from China to Iran
Importing solar panels is a multi-stage process that begins with supplier selection and ends with final delivery in Iran.

Supplier research and selection:
The process starts with identifying reputable factories or exporters. This can be done through international PV exhibitions, B2B platforms (such as Alibaba or Made-in-China), and specialized consultants. A reliable supplier must have proven export experience, international quality certifications (ISO, IEC/TÜV), and strong production capabilities.

Negotiation and contract:
After shortlisting suppliers, buyers negotiate pricing, order quantity, delivery timelines, payment terms (e.g., L/C or bank transfer), and technical specifications. A small sample order is often requested for quality testing. The contract should clearly define delivery terms (FOB China or CIF Iran), quality standards (IEC/UL), and warranty duration (typically 10–25 years).

Registering the order in the Iran Trade System:
Once the contract is finalized, the importer registers the order in the National Trade System (سامانه جامع تجارت), which facilitates later steps like currency allocation.

Obtaining required permits:
Before shipment, the importer must secure approvals from regulatory bodies, including SATBA (Renewable Energy Organization of Iran) and compliance certificates for standards such as IEC 61215, IEC 61730, and national standard 8493. These ensure the panels meet Iran’s technical and safety requirements.

International shipping:
Upon completing documentation, panels are shipped by sea (more economical) or air (faster) from Chinese ports. A reliable freight forwarder experienced in handling fragile cargo should be selected. Proper packing—palletized, foam-protected, and fully insured—minimizes the risk of damage.

Customs clearance and delivery:
After arrival (e.g., Bandar Abbas), customs procedures begin. Required documents include the bill of lading, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and relevant technical certificates. Duties and taxes are then paid according to the tariff code. Once cleared, the panels are transported to the warehouse or project site.

Buying solar panels from a Chinese supplier: practical guidelines
To minimize risk and ensure a smooth transaction, these points are essential:

Verify seller authenticity and qualifications:
Confirm the supplier is a true manufacturer—not a trading company—and holds certificates like ISO 9001, IEC 61215/61730, and IEC 61701 (salt-mist resistance). Third-party inspection reports (SGS/BV) or virtual factory tours help validate credibility.

Request samples before placing a bulk order:
A pilot order—typically 10–50 panels—allows the buyer to test electrical performance, physical quality, and packaging durability. This reduces the risk of receiving substandard products in the main shipment.

Clear contract and payment terms:
The contract must specify order volume, technical specs, payment terms (e.g., 30% deposit and balance against documents), delivery method (FOB/CIF), insurance, and all fees. It should also include a quality-assurance clause based on IEC/UL standards and a warranty period of 10–25 years. Using secure payment methods like letters of credit (L/C) significantly lowers financial risk.

Shipping and insurance:
Choose sea or air freight based on budget and urgency. The shipping company must have experience handling solar modules and provide adequate insurance. Panels must be packed on reinforced pallets with protective foam.

Use guarantees and financial safeguards:
Contracts should include penalties for late delivery or defective products. Platforms like Alibaba’s Trade Assurance can offer refund protection if the supplier fails to meet agreed specifications.

HS code for solar panels in Iran
Solar panels are classified under semiconductor-equipment categories. In Iran, the primary customs tariff code for photovoltaic panels is 8541.4200 (and in some cases 8541.4300).
In customs declarations, correct registration of this code ensures accurate calculation of duties and prevents administrative issues.

Under Iranian regulations:
• Import duty is 2% of the CIF value.
• Business profit tax is 15%.
• VAT is 9%.

For example, if the CIF value of a container is USD 100,000, the importer pays approximately USD 2,000 duty, USD 15,000 business profit tax, and USD 9,000 VAT. Correct tariff coding ensures these charges are calculated properly and avoids clearance delays.

Required permits for importing solar panels into Iran
Importing solar panels requires several official approvals:

Order registration and Ministry of Industry approval:
Importers must register the order in the National Trade System. Some cases may require approval from the Trade Promotion Commission (کمیسیون ماده ۱).

Commercial card:
The importer must have a valid commercial card with the correct business category.

Standard certification:
Before clearance, a conformity certificate must be obtained from the Institute of Standards & Industrial Research of Iran, confirming compliance with IEC 61215, IEC 61730, Iran National Standard 8493, and others. Samples may be tested to verify product quality.

SATBA approval:
SATBA publishes a list of approved solar-panel brands. Importers benefit from having their brand in SATBA’s approved list, which speeds up administrative procedures.

Customs documentation:
Customs clearance requires the certificate of origin, standard approval, currency-allocation documents, and proper registration in the customs system.

Costs involved in importing solar panels from China
The final cost of solar-panel imports includes several components:

Panel price (EXW/FOB):
This is usually 50–65% of total import cost, depending on the brand, technology, and order volume. Large orders generally receive better pricing.

International transport:
Sea freight typically accounts for 10–20% of the goods’ value. Air freight is faster but far more expensive. Additional charges include loading/unloading and cargo insurance (usually 0.5–2% of cargo value).