Solar PV Cost Model
Solar Import Stage Simulator
Compare sourcing strategies: full domestic manufacturing in Vietnam vs importing wafers, cells, or finished modules from China. Based on IRENA cost model + real tariff/freight data.
Indicative model combining IRENA manufacturing costs with published tariff schedules for CN→VN. Not legal or customs advice. Regime: Current Policy (2026).
Best strategy: Import Modules
Lower upstream manufacturing cost
$0.174
$/Wp · -2.4% vs domestic
Scenario Index
Delivered scenario cost divided by the underlying factory-side scenario value. Higher values mean more trade friction or downstream cost layered on top of the source manufacturing value.
1.0x
finished cost / base cost
Factory-side value
$0.167 /Wp
Finished Cost
$0.174 /Wp
Trade / delivery layer
$0.007 /Wp
Base Share
95.9%
Biggest driver: Factory value gap ($0.011 /Wp)
Sourcing Strategy Comparison
| Strategy | Final Cost | vs Domestic |
|---|---|---|
Full DomesticBaseline | $0.179/Wp | — |
Import Wafers Import wafer from China | $0.178/Wp | -0.1% |
Import Cells Import cell from China | $0.174/Wp | -2.3% |
Import ModulesCheapest Import module from China | $0.174/Wp | -2.4% |
Import Wafers — Stage Breakdown
Cost Waterfall
EXW: $0.0571FOB: $0.0594CIF: $0.0621DDP: $0.0639Trade adder: $0.0068/Wp
Import Cells — Stage Breakdown
Cost Waterfall
EXW: $0.0865FOB: $0.0888CIF: $0.0916DDP: $0.0934Trade adder: $0.0069/Wp
Import Modules — Stage Breakdown
Cost Waterfall
EXW: $0.1672FOB: $0.1695CIF: $0.1725DDP: $0.1743Trade adder: $0.0071/Wp
Assumptions
Manufacturing Model
Source: solar-irena-v2026.03
Destination: Vietnam (TOPCON, 2025)
Source country: China
Trade Model
Source: landed-cost-v2026.03
Route: CN→VN
Regime: Current Policy (2026)
HS Codes: 8541.43 (module), 8541.42 (cell), 8541.49 (wafer)