EV Accessories and Mounting
VAT-Free B2B Solar Procurement Across Europe – 3Buy Solar
Helping installers, EPCs, and resellers source solar panels, inverters, and energy storage VAT-free
The solar industry in Europe is growing faster than ever. Professional installers, EPCs, wholesalers, and resellers are the driving force behind this growth, delivering PV and energy storage projects to homeowners, businesses, and institutions. But one of the most common questions we hear from our professional customers is:
“Can I buy solar panels, inverters, batteries, or complete kits VAT-free?”
The short answer: yes, in many cases you can.
The long answer: it depends on your VAT registration, your country, and how cross-border trade rules apply.
At 3Buy Solar, we make this process clear, simple, and compliant, so you can focus on growing your solar business instead of worrying about VAT paperwork.
Why VAT-Free Matters for Solar Professionals
For homeowners, some EU countries offer 0% VAT on their own PV or ESS installations. That’s great for consumers.
But for professional buyers like you — installers, wholesalers, or resellers — VAT-free works differently. It’s not a subsidy or incentive, it’s a legal mechanism under EU VAT rules that allows businesses to buy and sell across borders without paying VAT upfront.
For you, VAT-free means:
Better cash flow – no need to pre-finance VAT.
Simpler procurement – cross-border sourcing without VAT complications.
Competitive pricing – offer sharper bids to your customers.
Transparent compliance – stay aligned with EU tax rules.
In the fast-moving solar market, those advantages can make the difference between winning and losing a project.
Who Qualifies for VAT-Free Procurement?
Inside the EU
If you’re a solar installer or reseller based in the European Union, you qualify for VAT-free purchasing when:
Your business is VAT-registered in your home country.
Your VAT number is valid and visible in the VIES system.
Goods are shipped from one EU country to another (intra-community supply).
We invoice you at 0% VAT, and you declare VAT in your own country using the reverse charge mechanism.
Outside the EU
If your company is registered outside the EU — for example in the UK, Switzerland, Norway, the U.S., or the Middle East — you also qualify for VAT-free purchasing. In this case, it’s handled as an export:
We invoice you at 0% VAT.
You handle import VAT and customs duties when the goods arrive in your country.
If you plan to resell inside the EU, you may need an EU VAT registration or fiscal representative.
Who does not qualify?
Businesses without a VAT number.
VAT numbers not active in the VIES database.
Small businesses below VAT thresholds that choose not to register.
Domestic orders where the goods never leave the supplier’s country.
VIES – The Gatekeeper for VAT-Free Trade
The VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) is how we and every other solar distributor check whether a VAT number is valid for intra-community trade.
If your VAT number is valid in VIES, we can issue you an invoice at 0% VAT.
If it isn’t, we must legally charge VAT, even if you show us paperwork from your national tax office.
This is why we always run VIES checks when you register your account with us. If your number is invalid, we’ll let you know immediately so you can fix it before your first VAT-free order.
Real-Life Examples Across Europe
Let’s look at how VAT-free works in practice in different countries.
Germany
A German installer orders Huawei hybrid inverters and BYD solar batteries from our warehouse in Austria. Their VAT number is active in VIES. We ship the order to Germany, issue the invoice at 0% VAT, and the installer accounts for VAT in Germany under reverse charge.
Spain
A Spanish EPC buys Jinko solar panels from us in Slovakia. Spain’s VAT number is valid in VIES, so the invoice is VAT-free. The EPC self-declares Spanish VAT, but can deduct it in the same return. Result: no VAT cost, no cash-flow hit.
Italy
An Italian reseller sources Sofar hybrid inverters and Pylontech batteries from our Hungarian warehouse. Because Italy has strict transport proof rules, we provide all courier documents and CMR notes. The invoice is issued VAT-free, fully compliant.
France
A French wholesaler buys Canadian Solar pv modules for delivery in Lyon. Because this is a domestic supply (goods come from our French stock), VAT must be charged. If the same goods ship from Austria to France, then it’s VAT-free.
Poland
A Polish installer buys complete PV kits from Germany. The Polish VAT ID is valid in VIES. The order is shipped cross-border, so it qualifies for 0% VAT. The installer applies reverse charge in Poland.
These examples show the core principle: cross-border + valid VAT number = VAT-free.
Exports Outside the EU
If you’re based outside the EU, the process is even simpler.
A UK reseller ordering solar panels for delivery to London pays 0% VAT on the invoice. Import VAT is due in the UK.
A Swiss EPC sourcing Huawei inverters for a commercial project receives a VAT-free export invoice. Swiss customs handle import VAT.
A U.S. wholesaler importing energy storage products from us for resale pays 0% VAT on our invoice, and then U.S. import rules apply.
Documentation Matters
For every VAT-free order, documentation is key. At 3Buy Solar we provide:
VIES validation proof.
Correct invoices with “Intra-community supply – reverse charge” wording.
Transport documents (courier tracking, CMRs, delivery notes).
Export paperwork for non-EU buyers.
These records protect both us and you in case of an audit.
Common Mistakes Installers Make
Even experienced professionals sometimes get caught out:
Assuming a business license is enough without VAT registration.
Using a VAT number that has been delisted in VIES.
Ordering for delivery in the same country as the warehouse, expecting VAT-free.
Forgetting to declare reverse charge VAT in their own return.
At 3Buy Solar, we guide you through these pitfalls so your procurement runs smoothly.
Benefits Beyond VAT
VAT-free procurement isn’t just about saving money. It also enables:
Cross-border price comparison – buy where the best deals are.
Faster project execution – no waiting for VAT refunds.
Stronger cash flow – especially important for large solar battery or inverter orders.
Better competitiveness – in tenders, every euro counts.
FAQ – Your VAT-Free Questions Answered
I’m a new installer. Can I register for VAT-free right away?
Yes, once your VAT number is active in VIES, we can activate your account.
What if my VAT number works locally but not in VIES?
That means your tax office hasn’t enabled it for intra-community trade. Contact them to fix it.
Do non-EU companies always get VAT-free?
Yes. Exports are always VAT-free. But you must pay VAT and duties on import into your country.
Do I get the same 0% VAT rule as homeowners?
No. That’s a consumer scheme. As a business, you qualify through VAT registration and cross-border rules.
What about mixed orders for projects inside my own country?
Domestic deliveries require VAT. Only cross-border deliveries qualify.
How 3Buy Solar Makes It Simple
When you work with us, you don’t have to worry about the complexity. We handle VAT-free compliance in five easy steps:
You register with your VAT details.
We run a VIES check.
Your account is marked as VAT-free.
Every cross-border order is invoiced at 0% VAT.
We provide all required transport and export documents.
Simple, fast, and compliant.
Join hundreds of professional installers, EPCs, wholesalers, and resellers who already source from 3Buy Solar VAT-free.
👉 Register your B2B account today. Once validated, you can purchase solar panels, solar inverters, solar batteries, energy storage solutions, and complete kits VAT-free across Europe.
Register Now for 3Buy Solar Account
Contact Our Team for VAT-Free Orders
Need help validating your VAT exemption or finding the right kit?
Get in touch with our multilingual support team:
📞 +44 204 577 1078 (UK)
📞 +421 233 070 448 (EU)
