India vs United States: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to India and United States β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both India and United States offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π India Asia | π United States North America |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 40% BCD (Basic Customs Duty) on modules, 25% on cells | 0% (Section 201 safeguard expired Feb 2026) |
| Anti-Dumping | None currently; BCD protects domestic manufacturing | AD/CVD from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia (2024 petition), 25% Section 301 on China-origin cells |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 5-12% GST (varies by HS code) | Sales tax varies by state (0-9%) |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β No |
| Main Ports | Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Chennai, Mundra, Kolkata | Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Houston, Savannah, New York/Newark |
| Typical Lead Time | 15-20 days sea freight from Shanghai/Ningbo | 18-28 days sea freight from Shanghai to LA/Long Beach |
| Preferred Incoterms | CIF Nhava Sheva, FOB China | CIF Long Beach, DDP |
| Top Brands | Adani, Waaree (local), Vikram Solar (local), JinkoSolar India, LONGi (for private projects) | First Solar (local), JinkoSolar US, Qcells (Georgia plant), LONGi, Canadian Solar |
| Popular Wattage | 540-580W bifacial for utility, 400-460W for rooftop | 550-600W bifacial for utility, 400-440W mono for residential |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | Landed CIF Nhava Sheva TOPCon 560W + 40% BCD: effective ~$0.16-0.18/W. Domestic ALMM modules 10-15% premium. | Landed CIF LA utility-scale TOPCon 610W: ~$0.15-0.18/W (Q1 2026). UFLPA compliance documentation mandatory. |
Regulatory Notes
π India
ALMM-listed modules required for all government/utility projects. Private commercial/residential can use any certified module. PLI scheme boosts domestic capacity (50+ GW by 2027). Customs clearance complex β always use experienced CHA.
π United States
UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) blocks all Xinjiang-sourced materials β requires complete polysilicon traceability. IRA domestic content bonus (10%) available for US-made cells+modules. AD/CVD circumvention investigation on SE Asia imports.
JUST SOLAR β India Delivery
JUST SOLAR has Indian distributor partners pre-cleared for Nhava Sheva customs and can ship via Mundra for Gujarat projects.
JUST SOLAR β United States Delivery
JUST SOLAR provides full UFLPA polysilicon traceability and ships weekly to Long Beach with customs pre-clearance support.
π Sourcing to both markets?
JUST SOLAR GROUP delivers to 40+ countries worldwide with localized compliance documentation and flexible payment terms.