FAQ — Solar Procurement Guide

PVFinder is the most comprehensive global PV (photovoltaic) industry directory. We list 63,000+ companies across 82 countries — manufacturers, distributors, installers, EPC contractors, and component suppliers. The directory is free to use; suppliers can pay for featured placement.

Yes, browsing companies, products, and submitting inquiries is completely free for buyers. We have paid plans for suppliers who want featured placement, and for businesses who need bulk data export.

PVFinder offers 3 unique advantages: (1) AI-powered Landing Cost Calculator — instant FOB/CIF/DDP estimates, (2) Bilingual interface (English + Chinese), (3) Modern UX. We also operate JUST SOLAR GROUP, a Tier-1 module trader, so we can provide real quotes alongside directory information.

As of Q2 2026: PERC modules $0.085-0.12/Wp FOB China, TOPCon $0.09-0.14/Wp, HJT $0.13-0.18/Wp. Prices depend on volume, specifications, and shipping terms. Use our free Landing Cost Calculator for destination-specific pricing.

Ocean freight for a 40HQ container (720 pcs of 600W or 612 pcs of 730W panels) varies by destination: $900 to Japan, $1200 to India, $1800-2100 to Europe, $3500 to US West Coast, $3800 to Brazil. Use PVFinder's Cost Calculator for accurate per-destination pricing.

Standard loading: 720 pcs of 600W or 640W modules (≈432-461 kW per container), or 612 pcs of 700W/730W bifacial modules (≈428-447 kW per container). Actual count depends on module dimensions and packaging.

Standard terms: 30% T/T deposit + 70% against copy of B/L. For orders under $30,000 USD, full prepayment (100% T/T before shipment) is typical. For large established buyers, 10-20% deposit + 80-90% balance may be negotiable. South America, Africa, and India typically require full payment before shipment.

CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) is an EU policy that imposes carbon costs on imported goods. For Chinese solar panels: 2026 is the transitional reporting phase; 2027 onwards involves financial costs (~$0.005-0.01/Wp additional). Low-carbon manufacturers gain competitive advantage.

Duty rates vary: EU/UK 0%, USA 14.25% (AD/CVD), India 40%, Brazil 12%, Turkey 5%, UAE 5%, Mexico 5%, Australia 0%, Japan 0%, Philippines 0%, Pakistan 3%, Nigeria 5%. Check our Cost Calculator for your specific destination.

TOPCon offers 22-24% efficiency (vs PERC 20-22%), better temperature performance, lower degradation (<1% first year), and 25-30 year warranty. PERC is $0.01-0.02/Wp cheaper but will be phased out gradually. For new projects in 2026+, TOPCon is the better long-term choice.

Standard: IEC 61215 (design qualification) + IEC 61730 (safety). For USA: UL 1703 or UL 61730. For specific markets: TÜV (Europe), CE, CQC (China), INMETRO (Brazil), BIS (India), JET (Japan). Also look for salt mist (IEC 61701) and PID-free certification for harsh environments.

Standard 2026 warranties: Product warranty 12-25 years (covers manufacturing defects), Power warranty 25-30 years (guaranteeing at least 84-87% output after 30 years). Premium brands offer 25+ year product warranty. Always verify warranty terms from the actual manufacturer, not re-brand sellers.