The demand for solar energy is rapidly increasing across residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. As more companies invest in sustainable energy solutions, the logistics of transporting and storing solar components have become increasingly complex. From solar panels and inverters to batteries and racking, these high-value, damage-sensitive materials require careful handling, storage, and transportation to ensure they arrive safely and on time.
In this article, we explore the key logistics challenges in the solar industry and the strategies shippers can use to optimize their supply chain—from port to project site.
The Solar Supply Chain: From Manufacturing to Installation
Solar components often originate from international manufacturers, with a large volume imported from Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia leading the numbers). Additionally, India, Turkey, Mexico and South Korea are key suppliers of panels to the U.S..
Once these shipments arrive at U.S. ports, they require efficient container drayage services, intermodal transportation, and warehousing to ensure they reach installation sites on time.
Key logistics steps include:
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Drayage from ports to warehouses or distribution centers.
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Intermodal transport for moving products across long distances, such as the Port of Los Angeles to the Midwest or Southeast.
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Final-mile delivery to project sites, which may include construction zones or rooftop installations.
Without a well-coordinated logistics strategy, delays in any of these stages can disrupt entire solar projects.
International Logistics & Import Challenges
With many solar components arriving from overseas or across North American borders, companies must navigate:
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Port congestion and customs clearance delays.
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Tariffs and trade policy fluctuations impacting import costs.
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The need for reliable drayage services to move cargo quickly.
A trusted logistics partner with expertise in international customs clearance and cross-border shipping can help solar companies avoid costly delays and streamline the import process.
Warehousing & Inventory Management for Solar Projects
Unlike traditional shipments, solar components are often stored offsite before installation due to the nature of large-scale solar projects. These materials require secure, flexible warehousing solutions that provide:
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Contract-free storage that adapts to shifting project timelines and fluctuating volumes.
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Inventory visibility and management to track materials efficiently.
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Pick-and-pull services for just-in-time deliveries to installation sites.
Averitt’s Distribution and Fulfillment services support solar companies by providing customized storage and inventory solutions that align with project needs.
Safe & Efficient Transportation to Project Sites
Solar panels, batteries, and inverters are fragile and high-cost, making their safe transportation critical. Common transportation challenges include:
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Preventing damage during transit with specialized handling.
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Ensuring smooth last-mile delivery to construction sites.
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Using liftgate-equipped trucks for easy unloading.
Averitt’s trained logistics teams carefully handle solar components in warehouses and during transportation to ensure they arrive in pristine condition.
The Power of a Reliable Solar Logistics Partner
As a proud member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Averitt understands the unique challenges solar companies face in logistics and supply chain management. Our industry expertise enables us to provide tailored solutions that keep projects on schedule and within budget.
For solar companies, partnering with an integrated logistics provider can streamline every step of the supply chain. Averitt offers:
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Seamless import logistics with drayage and intermodal services.
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Flexible, contract-free warehousing with inventory visibility.
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Specialized handling and final-mile delivery with liftgate-equipped trucks.
By leveraging Averitt’s expertise in solar logistics, companies can avoid costly delays, reduce risk, and keep projects on track—ensuring faster, safer deliveries from port to project site.
Watch the short video below to learn more about how Averitt supports the solar industry's logistics and transportation needs.
