France vs United Kingdom: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to France and United Kingdom β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both France and United Kingdom offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π France Europe (EU) | π United Kingdom Europe (non-EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 0% (EU MFN) | 0% (UK Global Tariff) |
| Anti-Dumping | None | None (UK terminated measures post-Brexit) |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 20% standard; 10% reduced on solar installations | 20% standard; 0% on residential battery+solar since April 2022 until March 2027 |
| CBAM Applicable | β Yes | β Yes |
| Main Ports | Le Havre, Marseille, Fos-sur-Mer | Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway |
| Typical Lead Time | 30-35 days sea freight from Shanghai | 28-35 days sea freight from Shanghai |
| Preferred Incoterms | CIF Le Havre, CIF Marseille, DDP Paris | CIF Felixstowe, DDP |
| Top Brands | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, Voltec (local), Systovi (local) | JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trina Solar, JA Solar, Q CELLS |
| Popular Wattage | 430-500W mono (residential), 580-620W (agri-PV & utility) | 430-470W mono (residential dominates), 550-600W (C&I) |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | Landed CIF Le Havre TOPCon 580W: ~β¬0.09-0.10/W. Carbon footprint scoring impacts tender eligibility. | 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 France
France uses carbon footprint scoring (empreinte carbone) for public tenders β low-carbon modules (fluorinated glass, EU cells) get preference. Agri-PV law unlocks rural deployment. CBAM applies.
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 France Delivery
JUST SOLAR provides modules with verified low-carbon footprint certification β eligible for French public tenders.
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.