HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8501.80 – Electric generators; (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators)
HS code 8501.80 is the 6-digit subheading for electric generators, (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators). It is used for integrated PV AC modules, micro-inverter equipped solar panels, AC solar panels, specialized PV AC alternators and direct AC output solar units.
What HS 8501.80 covers
This HS code specifically identifies photovoltaic (PV) Alternating Current (AC) generators, also known as alternators, excluding generating sets. While most PV systems generate DC and then convert to AC via inverters, this category covers PV systems that directly produce AC or integrate the AC conversion so closely that the entire unit functions as an AC generator. This often includes solar panels with integrated micro-inverters, where the panel and inverter are considered a single AC generating unit. Importers and exporters are typically specialized solar equipment manufacturers, renewable energy integrators, and distributors focusing on simplified AC solar solutions. Key aspects include ease of installation, module-level power optimization, and direct grid compatibility, simplifying system design for certain applications.
- Covers
- Integrated PV AC modules
- Micro-inverter equipped solar panels
- AC solar panels
- Specialized PV AC alternators
- Direct AC output solar units
- Examples
Enphase IQ Series Microinverters integrated with panels (when marketed as a single AC generating unit), AC Solar Modules (e.g., from SunPower, LG, if they market them as direct AC generators)
Codes often confused with 8501.80
Common mistake. Often confused with 85017x (PV DC generators) or 850440 (inverters) because most PV systems are DC with separate inverters. This code implies a direct AC output from the PV generator itself, not just a DC generator paired with an inverter.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850180, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850180 in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 60% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$276M 57% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $120M 25% of world exports
- 3 France $21M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $483M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Chile $654M 60% of world imports
- 2 South Africa $174M 16% of world imports
- 3 Guatemala $31M 2.9% of world imports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 8501.80
Brazil does not split HS 8501.80: its NCM code is 8501.80.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8501.80
What is HS code 850180?
HS code 850180 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electric generators; (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators). This HS code specifically identifies photovoltaic (PV) Alternating Current (AC) generators, also known as alternators, excluding generating sets. While most PV systems generate DC and then convert to AC via inverters, this category covers PV systems that directly produce AC or integrate the AC conversion so closely that the entire unit functions as an AC generator. This often includes solar panels with integrated micro-inverters, where the panel and inverter are considered a single AC generating unit. Importers and exporters are typically specialized solar equipment manufacturers, renewable energy integrators, and distributors focusing on simplified AC solar solutions. Key aspects include ease of installation, module-level power optimization, and direct grid compatibility, simplifying system design for certain applications.
What products fall under HS code 850180?
Integrated PV AC modules, micro-inverter equipped solar panels, AC solar panels, specialized PV AC alternators, direct AC output solar units
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850180?
Often confused with 85017x (PV DC generators) or 850440 (inverters) because most PV systems are DC with separate inverters. This code implies a direct AC output from the PV generator itself, not just a DC generator paired with an inverter.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850180?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850180 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $276M, 57% of world exports), China ($120M) and France ($21M). World exports came to about $483M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 850180?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850180 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($654M, 60% of world imports), South Africa ($174M) and Guatemala ($31M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 850180 structured?
HS code 850180 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (80) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850180?
In Brazil, HS code 850180 is NCM 8501.80.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.