U.S. imports of Photovoltaic AC Generators (HS 850180) totaled $642K in August 2026, imported from 22 countries.
Importers of Photovoltaic AC Generators paid $27K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 4.47% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Photovoltaic AC Generators imports of $642K in August 2026 ran 126% above the year-to-date monthly average of $284K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataPhotovoltaic AC generators — solar generating systems that integrate an inverter to deliver alternating current output — occupy a distinct tariff heading from their DC counterparts, reflecting their role as complete, grid-ready power systems rather than raw PV modules. The US schedule divides the heading into four KVA output bands (lines 8501801000 through 8501809000), covering everything from small rooftop systems to large commercial installations. Germany leads US import supply, with Canada and France also among the top sources; German and French goods benefit from established engineering standards widely accepted in US utility interconnection agreements. Importers should confirm that integrated inverter-plus-panel assemblies are classified here rather than split between PV module and inverter headings.
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21 import shipments a month
Classification as a photovoltaic AC generator under 850180 applies when the AC output is an essential characteristic of the complete article as imported — typically an integrated system presented together. If PV modules and inverters are imported separately under separate commercial invoices and are not presented as a functional unit, each component is classified independently under its own heading. CBP's essential character analysis and GRI 3 may apply to combination shipments; a binding ruling is advisable for high-value or recurring imports.
Customs classification is based on the article's physical characteristics and output, not its compliance certifications. However, UL, IEEE 1547, or utility interconnection certifications are relevant for market access and may be required by state or utility authorities before installation. Importers should track these requirements separately from HTS classification obligations.
Subheading 17 of 17 in heading 8501
Subheading 850180 · $642K of $1.2B
ImportsExports
Imports
$642KYoY · free account
Exports
$421KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $3.1M of Photovoltaic AC Generators and exported $6.8M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8501801000 | AC Phtvltc Gen (Altern), Note 9, Output Lt=75 Kva | $192K | 2.48% | 34.98% | $5K |
| 8501802000 | AC Phtovltac Gen, Output Gt 75 Kva But Lt= 375 Kva | $224K | 0.00% | 0.00% | -- |
| 8501809000 | AC Phtovltac Gen, Output Gt 750 Kva | $135K | 15.45% | 95.32% | $21K |
| 8501803000 | AC Phtovltac Gen, Output Gt 375 Kva But Lt=750 Kva | $48K | 2.50% | 100.00% | $1K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Brazil and Mexico together supply 55% of it. China pays 19.0% duty; Brazil 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
55.3% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 4.47% of imports for consumption.