AIO system sourcing in Canada recommendations

[steve_bc]

Good day

I was hoping to get some recommendations on sourcing parts for an off grid cabin in Canada. Considerations for exchange rates, shipping and warranty/parts. After searching there does not seem to be a supplier for the type of DIY systems seen here in Canada. What are your recommend suppliers or where to order from (ie an aliexpress store?)

What I am looking for:
AIO (24v 2400-3000w) - this is my biggest problem to find.
-MPP solar 2424LV-MSD (most likely aliexpress or ebay)
-MPP solar 2724LV-MR (i have not been able to find a supplier for this new product)
-Growatt SPF 3000tl LVM-24p (I have not been able to find a North American or China supplier)

Solar Panels-300-400W (we are also going to have a generator backup)
-most likely from renogy Canada. $120 CAD for 100w 12v panels.

Batteries - LiFePO4, cottage used for mostly weekends
I am debating to DIY a pack or buy new. Any preference for DIY (aliexpress?) or new thats cost effective? Canada does not seem to have any good suppliers? Knowing that will has posted some links on his website for DIY kits.

Thank you

 

[Steve_S]

Steve, there are a LOT of Canadians in this forum and we all get stuff from everywhere.
There is an MPP-USA : https://usa-mpp-solar.com/home
Growatt USA: https://www.growatt-america.com/list-8.html

Are you aware that Samlex America is in BC ? I happen to use a Samlex EVO-4024 Inverter/Charger and love this unit which has held up extremely well and it's features a& functions are well worth it. (they are Tier-1 and NOT Cheap.) Links in my signature

Word on Renogy : RUN ! That is the Low Fruit of gear and with so many bad experiences with them it's a wonder why they are still in business. Just avoid anything from them. I have read constant complains about them for YEARS.

New & Used panels can be bought easily enough in BC. You have to shop it around, there are companies that do used & tested panels, old stock and so on. Use Kijiji, Amazon & Ebay . CA's (not com) Check this site out: https://www.solarshoppingmall.com/24V-Solar-Panel_c_25.html You can also buy from Santan Solar and they can ship to BC but you would have to contact them to know the costs. https://store.santansolar.com/product-category/solar-panels/

Batteries: Battleborn, Relion and such are drop in manufactured batteries with their own BMS (Battery Management System) and they are typically around $1,000 for 100AH @ 24V. You can DIY for 1/2 that cost and double the capacity. Best Bang for Buck are teh XUBA 280AH cells (I have 16 of them, see link in my signature for BIG thread on them).
8 Cells delivered roughly $1,000 USD 8 Cells makes 24V/280AH, add BMS ($75-150) and a box / case and your done.
XUBA LINK: https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...a2700.icbuShop.0.0.764520d22qNJc8&bypass=true

Don't be discouraged, you came to the right place and there are many here that can be helpful, just hang loose. BEFORE buying a single screw, sort out what you "need", "want" and would "like". Once you know how much power you will need / want and how much storage you will need, then figure out how many panels to support the batteries & inverter and create a PLAN. I must mention, that a Failure to Plan is a Plan to Fail and it's usually costly to boot. I'm personally allergic to throwing away money, so gotta say it eh.

BTW: I live Offgrid, near Algonquin Park, Ontario. See "About my system" link in my signature. NOTE that is a little out of date as I am in transition from Lead Acid to 910AH of LFP (LiFePo4) and increasing my system to incorporate more panels and another SCC (Solar Charge Controller). That thread might give you an idea or two.

Hope it helps, Good Luck.
Steve

 

[steve_bc]

Steve, there are a LOT of Canadians in this forum and we all get stuff from everywhere.
There is an MPP-USA : https://usa-mpp-solar.com/home
Growatt USA: https://www.growatt-america.com/list-8.html

Are you aware that Samlex America is in BC ? I happen to use a Samlex EVO-4024 Inverter/Charger and love this unit which has held up extremely well and it's features a& functions are well worth it. (they are Tier-1 and NOT Cheap.) Links in my signature

Word on Renogy : RUN ! That is the Low Fruit of gear and with so many bad experiences with them it's a wonder why they are still in business. Just avoid anything from them. I have read constant complains about them for YEARS.

New & Used panels can be bought easily enough in BC. You have to shop it around, there are companies that do used & tested panels, old stock and so on. Use Kijiji, Amazon & Ebay . CA's (not com) Check this site out: https://www.solarshoppingmall.com/24V-Solar-Panel_c_25.html You can also buy from Santan Solar and they can ship to BC but you would have to contact them to know the costs. https://store.santansolar.com/product-category/solar-panels/

Batteries: Battleborn, Relion and such are drop in manufactured batteries with their own BMS (Battery Management System) and they are typically around $1,000 for 100AH @ 24V. You can DIY for 1/2 that cost and double the capacity. Best Bang for Buck are teh XUBA 280AH cells (I have 16 of them, see link in my signature for BIG thread on them).
8 Cells delivered roughly $1,000 USD 8 Cells makes 24V/280AH, add BMS ($75-150) and a box / case and your done.
XUBA LINK: https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...a2700.icbuShop.0.0.764520d22qNJc8&bypass=true

Don't be discouraged, you came to the right place and there are many here that can be helpful, just hang loose. BEFORE buying a single screw, sort out what you "need", "want" and would "like". Once you know how much power you will need / want and how much storage you will need, then figure out how many panels to support the batteries & inverter and create a PLAN. I must mention, that a Failure to Plan is a Plan to Fail and it's usually costly to boot. I'm personally allergic to throwing away money, so gotta say it eh.

BTW: I live Offgrid, near Algonquin Park, Ontario. See "About my system" link in my signature. NOTE that is a little out of date as I am in transition from Lead Acid to 910AH of LFP (LiFePo4) and increasing my system to incorporate more panels and another SCC (Solar Charge Controller). That thread might give you an idea or two.

Hope it helps, Good Luck.
Steve

Awesome, thank you for the quality information. Did you pay any tariffs for the imports? DHL seems like the only shipping company that dings me for things of alibaba/express.

 

[Steve_S]

When I purchased my cells, they were DPP some everything was included and I had them shipped Air UPS (not the cheapest).
I had UPS once try to pull the extra distance shtick BUT as I receive many packages I sent then copies of their own paperwork which never had such extra charges. DHL is a Mixed Bag... half the time they want to charge extra and the other half not... again having multiple slips from them too without extras makes it hard for the to add them now.

Even Canada Post is puling fraudulent crap ATM while whining they are losing money.... Send a package with CPC an they tack on that Fuel Surcharge that was permitted when Oil hit $110 a barrel way back in the day... Slide it under the radar and hope noone notices it, sorry BCB News knows about it now and going after CPC for Fraud....

I know Amy @ Xuba does her best for trying to get the best deals they can for S&H but she has to deal with shipping broker's who I know are certainly not the most upstanding & honest businesses.

 

[Mfleming]

Hi All. New to forum. I am in Newfoundland Canada and am doing an upgrade from 1200W Solar Domestic Hot Water to go to ~10KW Grid-Tie.
Looking to get recommendations on :

- panels and roof racking. I have used Solarshoppingmall in the past with no issues but want to ensure I shop the best price. Looking for places to get a pallet(28-30) >400W solar panels with CSA/Cul/ETL listing and shingle roof racking.
- looking at SMA Sunny Boy

Any suggestions much appreciated.