SUNPOK Solar System -- Anyone have experience or can recommend alts?

[vonmbogo]

Hi Solar Community,

I am entirely new to solar and electrical systems in general. I am seeking to build a 10kWH solar system in Baja California, MX.

I am digesting threads, YouTube videos, educational materials, and trying to make good decisions --- but I still feel in way over my head. Can anyone with experience help me understand best affordable suppliers in China (or elsewhere but cost is BIG consideration) and accuracy of system configuration?

Off-Grid Solar Setup — Baja (Need Review + Supplier Input)

I’m building a small off-grid development with 2 studios + 1 two-bedroom unit, plus a pool and shared laundry (non-guest use). There’s no grid connection yet, but I may add it later as I get access to the CFE system (currently working on understanding pulling electricity to my land for true hybrid capability).

Planned Solar System (Already Quoted)​

• Panels: 16 × 600W = 9.6 kW array
• Battery Bank: 2 × 15.36 kWh = 30.72 kWh total (LiFePO4)
• Inverter: Sunpok SPI-10K-UP (10 kW split-phase, stackable, WiFi monitoring)
• Estimated Generation: ~45 kWh/day (5.5 sun hrs @ ~85% system efficiency)

Target Daily Load: ​

65–70 kWh/day​

Even though generation is ~45 kWh/day, I plan to stretch usage to 65–70 kWh/day using timed scheduling, battery storage, and load prioritization.

Breakdown includes:

• A/C Units (5 total)
  → 1 in each studio, 3 in the 2-bedroom
  → Each uses ~770W (3.5A @ 220V)
  → Limit of 2 of 3 A/Cs running at once in the 2BR, using WiFi-controlled switching
• Pool pump: ~1.2 kW, run only during peak solar
• Lighting, fans, fridge: Low draw, covered by solar + battery
• Hair dryers, mini ovens, laptops: Intermittent usage
• Laundry: For housekeeper use only, run during solar hours
• Water heating: Propane

Why the Drop from 15 kW to 9.6 kW​

Initial plans called for a 15 kW solar system, but limited roof space (7.5 m × 6.45 m) caps me at 16 panels.
I kept the 30 kWh battery bank for greater flexibility, deeper backup, and battery longevity (less daily cycling).

Strategy​

• All high-load items (A/C, laundry, pool) are limited to solar window hours only
• Battery handles overnight, fridge, and passive loads
• Will consider grid tie-in or generator backup only if needed during peak season

What I’m Looking For:​

1. Does this setup seem viable with smart scheduling?
2. Suggestions for improvement or optimization?
3. China-based full kit suppliers (solar + battery + inverters + racking)
4. Feedback from anyone using Sunpok SPI-10K-UP off-grid

View attachment 303392

 

[NMNeil]

I can't help you with Chinese sellers but what I would recommend if you are totally off grid is having two systems in parallel for redundancy.
I have two 3kW all in one units wired with parallel boards and a few weeks ago one quit. Inconvenient, but the house still had power, we just had to be careful not to overload the remaining inverter (only happened twice)
If we had a single 6 or in your case 10kW unit we would be completely out of power until it was fixed or replaced, which without power to access the internet can be a bit problematic.

 

[vonmbogo]

I can't help you with Chinese sellers but what I would recommend if you are totally off grid is having two systems in parallel for redundancy.
I have two 3kW all in one units wired with parallel boards and a few weeks ago one quit. Inconvenient, but the house still had power, we just had to be careful not to overload the remaining inverter (only happened twice)
If we had a single 6 or in your case 10kW unit we would be completely out of power until it was fixed or replaced, which without power to access the internet can be a bit problematic.

Thank you for this reply, NMNeil. So you would recommend two (2) 5kwh systems instead of a single 10kwh system if I'm understanding? That's good advice and will consider it.

Do you have any idea on where to best source full kit suppliers? Is there a thread I should be checking out here or any references you can think of?

 

[MrSparkle]

but limited roof space (7.5 m × 6.45 m) caps me at 16 panels.

Since suggested 2x smaller 5kWh units instead of 1x 10kWh for dedundancy. Also splitting PV-panels over two buildings? You mention 2x studios and bedroom. Are those one big building or divided in separate? Is there a garage? If so, consider to extend a car-port purely due to need of roof-area?

Feels it would be a little sad if you would limit your self to 10kW, if you actually have 2x buildings to give you total of 15-20.

 

[vonmbogo]

Since suggested 2x smaller 5kWh units instead of 1x 10kWh for dedundancy. Also splitting PV-panels over two buildings? You mention 2x studios and bedroom. Are those one big building or divided in separate? Is there a garage? If so, consider to extend a car-port purely due to need of roof-area?

Feels it would be a little sad if you would limit your self to 10kW, if you actually have 2x buildings to give you total of 15-20.

Thank you for this rec! The roofs of the other buildings are rooftops, so we only have the carport roof. A new development down the road from me has only 12 590W panels and they are running 4 aircons (and a pool!)!

Do you have any recommendations or where to look for reputable Chinese solar power companies that sell full kits? What do you think of the quote?

 

[42OhmsPA]

Feedback from anyone using Sunpok SPI-10K-UP off-grid

I'm running the OEM sourced from Borick Solar.
Lot's of info in my thread. Also check out Doc Zwy on youtube, check out his shop build.

I'd definitely recommend parallel inverters based on your planned loads, balancing loads and monitoring what's being used gets to be a pain...

It sounds like you're going to be quite undersized but that's coming from someone much farther N than you in an area that isn't spectacular for solar.

I can't offer any feedback on the supplier your looking at. If DDP shipping terms are a thing down south, it's what you want to use.

 

[vonmbogo]

Hi Solar Community,

I am entirely new to solar and electrical systems in general. I am seeking to build a 10kWH solar system in Baja California, MX.

I am digesting threads, YouTube videos, educational materials, and trying to make good decisions --- but I still feel in way over my head. Can anyone with experience help me understand best affordable suppliers in China (or elsewhere but cost is BIG consideration) and accuracy of system configuration?

Hybrid (main use Off-Grid Solar) Setup — Baja (Need Review + Supplier Input)

I’m building a small off-grid development with 2 studios + 1 two-bedroom unit, plus a pool and shared laundry (non-guest use). There’s no grid connection yet, but I may add it later as I get access to the CFE system (currently working on understanding pulling electricity to my land for true hybrid capability).

Planned Solar System (Already Quoted)​

• Panels: 16 × 600W = 9.6 kW array
• Battery Bank: 2 × 15.36 kWh = 30.72 kWh total (LiFePO4)
• Inverter: Sunpok SPI-10K-UP (10 kW split-phase, stackable, WiFi monitoring)
• Estimated Generation: ~45 kWh/day (5.5 sun hrs @ ~85% system efficiency)

Target Daily Load: ​

65–70 kWh/day​

Even though generation is ~45 kWh/day, I plan to stretch usage to 65–70 kWh/day using timed scheduling, battery storage, and load prioritization.

Breakdown includes:

• A/C Units (5 total)
  → 1 in each studio, 3 in the 2-bedroom
  → Each uses ~770W (3.5A @ 220V)
  → Limit of 2 of 3 A/Cs running at once in the 2BR, using WiFi-controlled switching
• Pool pump: ~1.2 kW, run only during peak solar
• Lighting, fans, fridge: Low draw, covered by solar + battery
• Hair dryers, mini ovens, laptops: Intermittent usage
• Laundry: For housekeeper use only, run during solar hours
• Water heating: Propane

Why the Drop from 15 kW to 9.6 kW​

Initial plans called for a 15 kW solar system, but limited roof space (7.5 m × 6.45 m) caps me at 16 panels.
I kept the 30 kWh battery bank for greater flexibility, deeper backup, and battery longevity (less daily cycling).

Strategy​

• All high-load items (A/C, laundry, pool) are limited to solar window hours only
• Battery handles overnight, fridge, and passive loads
• Will consider grid tie-in or generator backup only if needed during peak season

What I’m Looking For:​

1. Does this setup seem viable with smart scheduling?
2. Suggestions for improvement or optimization?
3. China-based full kit suppliers (solar + battery + inverters + racking)
4. Feedback from anyone using Sunpok SPI-10K-UP off-grid

View attachment 303392

UPDATING WITH MY LATEST QUOTE:

View attachment 304016

 

[vonmbogo]

I'm running the OEM sourced from Borick Solar.
Lot's of info in my thread. Also check out Doc Zwy on youtube, check out his shop build.

I'd definitely recommend parallel inverters based on your planned loads, balancing loads and monitoring what's being used gets to be a pain...

It sounds like you're going to be quite undersized but that's coming from someone much farther N than you in an area that isn't spectacular for solar.

I can't offer any feedback on the supplier your looking at. If DDP shipping terms are a thing down south, it's what you want to use.

Thank you for your reply! I will check out Borick Solar.

I read through your threads as well! I am afraid it is all still over my head. It will take me quite a bit longer with education to understand everything you're discussing in your threads. I believe the inverter recommended by SUNPOK is a split-phase parallel inverter. Can you view the most recent quote (above) and confirm?

I also asked for a quote with 2 5kWH systems vs one 10kWH system. And for DDP shipping price.

 

[42OhmsPA]

Thank you for your reply! I will check out Borick Solar.

I read through your threads as well! I am afraid it is all still over my head. It will take me quite a bit longer with education to understand everything you're discussing in your threads.

It will all make sense in time.

I believe the inverter recommended by SUNPOK is a split-phase parallel inverter. Can you view the most recent quote (above) and confirm?

The quote disappeared. The inverter you had mentioned was the SPI-10K-UP, it's a white label version of the SRNE ASP. I paid ~$2300 delivered, via air freight, for 2 of them last summer.

I also asked for a quote with 2 5kWH systems vs one 10kWH system. And for DDP shipping price.

Personally I would lean toward 2 10kW systems, I feel that you'll be undersized with 2 5kW.