The True Cost of Sourcing Solar & Storage Equipment from China

Every cost category explained — equipment, shipping, duties, certifications, and the hidden fees most suppliers won’t tell you about. Free downloadable checklist included.

A Complete Breakdown of Your Sourcing Costs

① Service Fee

Our design and procurement management fee — 5%-10% of equipment cost, listed as a separate line item so you always know what you’re paying for our work versus what goes to the factory.

② Equipment Cost

Factory-direct pricing with zero markup from us. You see every supplier invoice. We help you compare quotes from 2-3 manufacturers to find the best value for your specifications.

③ Ocean Freight

$150-400/m³ depending on route and volume. We compare quotes from 3+ freight forwarders for every shipment and show you all options before booking.

④ Air Freight

For urgent shipments, samples, or emergency replacement parts. $3-8/kg depending on weight and destination. Used selectively when speed justifies the premium.

⑤ Domestic Transport in China

Factory to port trucking. $200-600 depending on distance and cargo volume. We coordinate pickups across multiple factories into one consolidated load.

⑥ Customs Clearance & Duties

Varies by country, HS code, and trade agreements. We help classify your equipment correctly and estimate duties before you commit. Documentation support included in our fee.

⑦ Destination Port Charges

Terminal handling, unloading, documentation fees at your destination port. $200-800 typical. We help you understand and budget for these before shipment.

⑧ Certification Costs

CE, UL, UN38.3, CEC, and other certifications. $500-3,000 per certification depending on product category and testing lab. We manage the process end-to-end.

⑨ Payment & Currency Fees

Wire transfer fees, currency conversion spread, intermediary bank charges. Typically 1-3% of transaction value. We help structure payments to minimize these costs.