MaximusAnonus
New Member
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.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.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?
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.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.
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
Hey you've bought the same panels I'm looking at now! How are they? OK?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 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.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.
Hey you've bought the same panels I'm looking at now! How are they? OK?
I'm from Europe and even with VAT (there is 0% import duty on solar panels) it still beats buying locally.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.
GWL is expensive as hell (I do have their batteries tho. OK quality after the years, nothing stellar).@MaximusAnonus Just read you're in Europe - have you checked out GWL:
European battery storage manufacturer and distributor | GWL Group
A wholesale distributor of LiFePO4 and LTO battery cells, photovoltaic solutions, and electric car charging systems. Worldwide delivery of Industry grade batteries directly from Czech (EU) warehouse.shop.gwl.eu