There's scummy ways to operate in the free market and there's ethical ways. No, what they're doing isn't illegal or uncommon - but it doesn't communicate to the customer that they're a priority concern for Sol-Ark.
If they came out and just plainly stated that they utilize a design from Sun-Synk/Deye and make their own improvements to it or customize it for the US market and explain how their improvements and development are worth the massive added cost - then that would be a very ethical and upfront way of doing business in the "free market". As the customer could then decide the best path for their situation.
Instead, Sol-Ark appears to have hidden the fact that they didn't design the overall unit - then proceed to remove some features (Parallel smaller units) and at the same time jack the price up 300-400%. Then when customers (free market) start to find other sources for the original design - instead of trying to compete with the market and meet the customer needs, they decide to force the market by making deals to limit customers' ability to obtain the products in the "free market". Reducing customer options and securing their own bottom line. If they can't find a business model that works outside of scummy tactics - then maybe they should get the hint.
Very anti-free market in my mind. Yes, tons of companies do it - but I despise every single one of them that does. If that's the kind of "free market" you guys support and encourage - then I guess you enjoy getting bent over and used. Companies need to be called out on this and stop harming what really is a Free Market where the best products are widely available and customers ultimately get the choice on which business to support via purchases.
Wasn't directing this at anyone personally - so don't take this as an attack on you, Scorch - just giving an alternate opinion and you happened to be last. Just a difference of viewpoints.