MOQ, lead time, and payment terms are the 3 questions every solar buyer asks — and the 3 answers most suppliers hide behind vague emails.
This article gives you complete, honest answers from Mars Solar — a verified China factory with 17+ years of solar manufacturing and 3,000+ export projects. No marketing fluff. No hidden conditions.
MOQ exists because manufacturing has fixed costs. Every production run requires machine setup, raw material procurement, and quality testing.
| Product Type | MOQ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Complete solar system (any size) | 1 set | Even 3kW residential = 1 MOQ |
| Solar panels only (loose) | 10 panels | Mix sizes allowed |
| Inverters only | 1 unit | Most brands |
| Batteries (LiFePO4) | 1 unit | 15kWh, 30kWh, rack |
| OEM/custom panels | 50-100 panels | Depends on customization |
| Custom packaging | 20 sets | Your brand box design |
Yes. One Mars Solar order can include solar panels + inverters + batteries + mounting systems, multiple system sizes, and mix of panel brands.
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Order confirmation | 1-2 days | Payment confirmed, PI issued, specs locked |
| 2. Raw material procurement | 3-7 days | Panels, inverters, batteries sourced |
| 3. Production / assembly | 5-10 days | System assembled, components matched |
| 4. Full-system testing (72h) | 3-4 days | Every system runs 72 hours |
| 5. Documentation | 2-3 days | Invoice, packing list, CO, BL, test reports |
| 6. Packaging & pickup | 1-2 days | Export-grade wooden crating |
| Total (standard) | 15-28 days | From payment to ready-for-shipment |
| Order Type | Lead Time |
|---|---|
| Standard system (from stock) | 7-15 days |
| Standard system (custom config) | 15-25 days |
| Large project (500kW-1MW) | 20-35 days |
| OEM/custom panels | 20-40 days |
| Destination | Transit Time |
|---|---|
| China to Manila (Philippines) | 7-10 days |
| China to Lagos (Nigeria) | 28-35 days |
| China to Tema (Ghana) | 30-38 days |
| China to Mombasa (Kenya) | 25-32 days |
| China to Los Angeles (USA) | 25-30 hari |
| China to Jebel Ali (UAE) | 15-20 days |
Tip: Place orders in October-November for Q1-Q2 delivery to avoid CNY delays.
| Order Value | Recommended Term | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Under $5,000 | 100% T/T before shipment | Full payment upfront, fastest processing |
| $5,000 - $30,000 | 30% deposit + 70% before shipment | Standard B2B term |
| $30,000 - $100,000 | 30% T/T + 70% T/T (or L/C) | Most common for distributors |
| $100,000+ | 30% T/T + 70% L/C at sight | Letter of Credit recommended |
| Long-term partners | T/T 30% + OA 70% (credit) | After establishing payment history |
| Incoterm | Factory Responsibility | Buyer Responsibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Goods ready at factory door | Everything | Buyers with own logistics |
| FOB (Free on Board) | Goods loaded onto ship | Freight, insurance, duties | Most buyers |
| CIF (Cost Insurance Freight) | Goods to destination port | Port handling, duties | Buyers wanting seller to arrange shipping |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Goods to buyer's door | Unloading only | First-time importers |
| Route | 20ft Container | 40ft HQ Container |
|---|---|---|
| China to Manila | $800-1,500 | $1,200-2,000 |
| China to Lagos (Nigeria) | $3,500-5,500 | $5,000-7,500 |
| China to Tema (Ghana) | $4,000-6,000 | $6,000-8,500 |
| China to Los Angeles | $2,000-3,500 | $3,000-4,500 |
| China to Jebel Ali (UAE) | $1,500-2,500 | $2,000-3,500 |
Most factories test individual components. Mars Solar tests the complete system — connected and running.
| Komponen | Product Warranty | Performance Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels (Mono PERC) | 12 years | 25 years (linear, 0.5%/yr) |
| Solar Panels (N-Type TOPCon) | 15 years | 30 years (linear, 0.4%/yr) |
| Inverters (on-grid) | 5-10 years | Tidak tersedia |
| Inverters (hybrid/off-grid) | 3-5 years | Tidak tersedia |
| Baterai LiFePO4 | 5 years | 10 years (80% SoH) |
| Complete System Integration | 3 tahun | Tidak tersedia |
| Negara | Panel Surya | Inverter | Batteries | VAT/GST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filipina | 0% | 0-5% | 5-15% | 12% VAT |
| Nigeria | 0% | 10% | 20% | 7.5% VAT |
| Ghana | 0% | 0% | 20% | 13.5% VAT |
| Kenya | 0% | 0% | 10% | 16% VAT |
| UAE | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% VAT |
| Cost Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Equipment (FOB China) | $13,000 |
| Ocean freight (40ft HQ) | $5,500 |
| Marine cargo insurance | $65 |
| Import duty (inverters 10%) | $500 |
| Import duty (batteries 20%) | $800 |
| VAT (7.5%) | $1,500 |
| Port handling + clearance | $1,200 |
| Local delivery to warehouse | $800 |
| SONCAP certification | $600 |
| Total landed cost | $23,965 |
| vs FOB price | +84% markup |
Key takeaway: Always budget 50-100% above the FOB price for landed cost in Africa.
Yes. Mars Solar welcomes trial orders starting from 1 complete system. Standard payment for trial orders: 100% T/T before shipment.
Yes. For direct orders (T/T bank transfer), we offer: 30% deposit + 70% before shipment, 72-hour full-system test report, third-party inspection welcome (SGS/BV/TUV), and warranty as specified above.
Yes, and we strongly encourage it for orders over $50,000. Address: 7th Floor, Building 5, Phase II, Wanyang Innovation City, Xiaotang Industrial Avenue, Shishan Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong, China.
Marine cargo insurance covers transit damage. Document damage at destination port with photos before accepting delivery. Do not sign delivery receipt as "received in good condition" if there is visible damage.
For first orders: 100% T/T upfront (under $5,000) or 30% deposit + 70% before shipment (over $5,000). After 2 successful orders, you qualify for OA terms.
Mars Solar has shipped to 130+ countries. If you have a seaport or airport, we can deliver.
We provide: Remote installation guidance (free, via WhatsApp/video call), detailed installation manual, and on-site installation service for large projects over 500kW.
Mars Solar makes sourcing solar equipment from China simple, transparent, and reliable.
| Barang | Details |
|---|---|
| MOQ | 1 complete system |
| Standard lead time | 15-28 days |
| Payment (new customer) | 30% deposit + 70% before shipment (T/T) |
| Payment (established) | T/T 30% + OA 70% (up to 60 days) |
| Testing | 72-hour full-system test |
| Warranty | Panels 12-15yr, Inverters 3-10yr, Batteries 5yr |
| Certifications | IEC 61215, IEC 61730, TUV, SGS |
| Factory experience | 17+ years (since 2008) |
| Projects completed | 3,000+ in 130+ countries |
Mars Solar (Foshan Mars Solar Technology Co., Ltd.) telah memproduksi dan merekayasa sistem tenaga surya sejak tahun 2008. Dengan Pengalaman lebih dari 17 tahun, 30+ insinyur, Dan Lebih dari 3.000 proyek sukses di lebih dari 130 negara., we are a trusted factory-direct partner for solar distributors, EPC contractors, and project developers worldwide.
Last Updated: July 2026
Keywords: solar panel MOQ, China solar factory payment terms, solar equipment lead time, FOB CIF DDP solar, solar import from China, Mars Solar procurement guide
