Mexico vs United Kingdom: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to Mexico and United Kingdom β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both Mexico and United Kingdom offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π Mexico North America | π United Kingdom Europe (non-EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 0% (duty-free for solar modules under PROSEC) | 0% (UK Global Tariff) |
| Anti-Dumping | None | None (UK terminated measures post-Brexit) |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 16% IVA | 20% standard; 0% on residential battery+solar since April 2022 until March 2027 |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β Yes |
| Main Ports | Manzanillo (Pacific), LΓ‘zaro CΓ‘rdenas, Veracruz (Atlantic), Altamira | Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway |
| Typical Lead Time | 22-28 days sea freight Pacific route from Shanghai | 28-35 days sea freight from Shanghai |
| Preferred Incoterms | CIF Manzanillo, DDP Monterrey (for nearshoring projects) | CIF Felixstowe, DDP |
| Top Brands | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Canadian Solar, Trina Solar, JA Solar | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, JA Solar, Q CELLS |
| Popular Wattage | 540-580W bifacial (C&I dominant), 450-550W (distributed generation) | 430-470W mono (residential dominates), 550-600W (C&I) |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | Landed CIF Manzanillo TOPCon 560W: ~$0.10-0.11/W. Nearshoring boosts industrial rooftop demand. | Landed CIF Felixstowe TOPCon 580W: ~Β£0.08-0.10/W (Q1 2026). UK CBAM from 2027 β plan carbon reporting now. |
Regulatory Notes
π Mexico
Nearshoring boom: US companies relocating manufacturing β huge industrial rooftop solar demand. CFE grid capacity auctions resumed. UL certification preferred (easier for cross-border projects).
π United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, UK has own tariff regime + UKCA marking (fully replacing CE by 2025). MCS certification essential for residential market (required for Smart Export Guarantee + zero-VAT). UK CBAM launching 2027.
JUST SOLAR β Mexico Delivery
JUST SOLAR ships via Manzanillo with UL-certified modules β ideal for US-Mexico border industrial projects.
JUST SOLAR β United Kingdom Delivery
JUST SOLAR ships CIF Felixstowe with UKCA documentation and MCS-eligible modules from Tier 1 factories.
π Sourcing to both markets?
JUST SOLAR GROUP delivers to 40+ countries worldwide with localized compliance documentation and flexible payment terms.