diy solar

diy solar

buying panels in bulk

MaximusAnonus

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I'm tripling my offgrid system since I bought an EV and I need solar panels in bulk. Is there a reputable Chinese seller (something like Amy for lifepo4) that can ship panels in bulk?
 
I'm tripling my offgrid system since I bought an EV and I need solar panels in bulk. Is there a reputable Chinese seller (something like Amy for lifepo4) that can ship panels in bulk?
You don't say your location, but I'm in the US and had good luck buying used panels (40 of them) from Ebay santansolar https://www.ebay.com/usr/santansolar?ul_noapp=true They were listed at 9yrs old but @santansolar agreed to a minimum capacity. I tested them against a new/reference panel and they came in at 90%+ so I had a good experience and saved a ton of $ 1 of the 40 was shattered and 1 had a defective diode that I replaced for $5. So I'd suggest buying a couple more than you're minimum need.
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They offered a discount on next purchase for the shattered one - too expensive to ship a single panel in either direction.
 
I'm from Europe. The used market with solar panels used to be pretty good around here but now it's almost nonexistent (I mean in approx 500km radius around my house which is really the maximum I'm willing to drive for to buy something used).
 
I'm tripling my offgrid system since I bought an EV and I need solar panels in bulk. Is there a reputable Chinese seller (something like Amy for lifepo4) that can ship panels in bulk?
In my area it's not uncommon to see some sizable complete used systems for sale on Craigslist and FB Marketplace. Not totally sure of the situation but I sometimes think the new property owners don't want the giant solar array tarnishing the yard of their million dollar house. Of course some are scams, others are way overpriced but there is the occasional deal to be had.
 
Doesn't really work like that around here. There are genuine panels for sale but it's just a few pcs here and there and I don't want an Frankenstein setup.
I would rather buy a whole pack in China and had it delivered.
 
Doesn't really work like that around here. There are genuine panels for sale but it's just a few pcs here and there and I don't want an Frankenstein setup.
I would rather buy a whole pack in China and had it delivered.
That's too bad. I've picked up a few local systems for pennies on the dollar either for my own use or for the sole purpose of parting out and reselling. I've seen plenty of ugly set up and just pass on them.

I do think you're going to be hard pressed to find a "reputable source of modules directly from China" in less than multiple megawatt quantities. If I'm incorrect about that then someone will definitely set me straight and soon! In the meantime please keep looking and report back with what you find out.
 
Be Cautious ! Stick to Known Good Name Brands to get quality components.

For example, Canadian Solar panels are made in China and in Canada and can all be ordered through Alibaba even. CIS has a presence in 23+ Countries and that is important as well, for supply and support.

Note they have "Kits" with standard & string inverters and more so Very Worthwhile looking at !

The USED Solar Gear Market in EU will be extremely pressed for product because as we all KNOW, the entire Russia / Ukraine MESS has pushed a lot of folks to consider RE on their Homes & Businesses when faced with out of control escalating energy costs AND potential Grid Interruptions as well. BTW, the Conflict is affecting shipments to EU as well so be prepared for that extra pile of trouble.
 
Both these sellers I've mentioned sell the same panels. Seems like members of this forum are buying them quite regularly and they seem ok.

BTW I've never ever seen Canadian Solar solar panel made in Canada here in EU. LOT'S of Chinese ones tho.

It's the same situation as with lifepo4 batteries. Every single cell is made in China you just need a good seller (like Amy). That's why I'm posting here.
 
CIS has a factory about 500km from me, here in Ontario.
That may only serve the North American market space though.
Many panels are made in Germany by a few companies as well... That may actually mean you can get Blems (Blemished) panels and quite likely B-Grade panels as well for a heck of a lot less cash. I am unsure what kind of services like Kijiji or Craigs Lists you have access to there but there must most certainly be a marketplace that has EU Produced solar panels.

@upnorthandpersonal pinged as he may have some handy tips & tricks for "more local" sources for goodies in the EU.
 
I bought two sets of Chines cells from 2 suppliers and it was smooth sailing. I have tried hard like 5 times to buy China panels and it is almost like they don't want to sell them, or you can get them for the same price here in the states... I am in Michigan and keep going back to Alte on the east coast....I have bought 3 sets from them...Local Michigan suppliers were expensive also.
 
I have tried hard like 5 times to buy China panels and it is almost like they don't want to sell them, or you can get them for the same price here in the states

It's because of tariffs on solar panels to the States. Most vendors don't want to deal with it, and the price would get the same as the local ones.
 
It's because of tariffs on solar panels to the States. Most vendors don't want to deal with it, and the price would get the same as the local ones.
Hey you've bought the same panels I'm looking at now! How are they? OK?
CIS has a factory about 500km from me, here in Ontario.
That may only serve the North American market space though.
Many panels are made in Germany by a few companies as well... That may actually mean you can get Blems (Blemished) panels and quite likely B-Grade panels as well for a heck of a lot less cash. I am unsure what kind of services like Kijiji or Craigs Lists you have access to there but there must most certainly be a marketplace that has EU Produced solar panels.

@upnorthandpersonal pinged as he may have some handy tips & tricks for "more local" sources for goodies in the EU.
It may be that "many" panels are "made" in Germany but as with Canadian Solar I've only seen Made in China ones (my current panels are AEG and Sharp bought in reputable local shops). Although I admit I haven't bought new panels in years.

Again I'm browsing used markets every day and they are pretty empty unless you need like 5 panels and such (I need 60).
 
Hey you've bought the same panels I'm looking at now! How are they? OK?

I think they're great. I specifically wanted them because of the aesthetics and the ground mount I had in mind, and at the time they were impossible to get in Europe (still difficult to find anywhere since they're more intended for commercial installations - they're heavy!). You're going to be hit with tariffs getting them to the States though - Europe doesn't have tariffs on solar panels (any more), so that was the reason this was even an option.

I do think that if I were to buy solar panels right now, I'd look at other ones. Shipping has gotten way more expensive, and price between locally available panels and these isn't that big anymore.
 
I think they're great. I specifically wanted them because of the aesthetics and the ground mount I had in mind, and at the time they were impossible to get in Europe (still difficult to find anywhere since they're more intended for commercial installations - they're heavy!). You're going to be hit with tariffs getting them to the States though - Europe doesn't have tariffs on solar panels (any more), so that was the reason this was even an option.

I do think that if I were to buy solar panels right now, I'd look at other ones. Shipping has gotten way more expensive, and price between locally available panels and these isn't that big anymore.
I'm from Europe ;) and even with VAT (there is 0% import duty on solar panels) it still beats buying locally.
 
@MaximusAnonus May I ask: did you ask for a quote already for those 500W panels from Yangtze? If so, what are they at currently and what do you pay shipping them (DDP I assume, or DAP) - if you're willing to share of course.
 
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