Buying panels from China | DIY Solar Power Forum

Thanks for the pointers.

Sounds as though ‘buying PV panels from China’ is on the very early stages and not quite as evolved as ‘buying LiFePO4 cells from China’.

And yes, the tarrifs need to be understood since they can wipe out any savings (which is the purpose of tarrifs, no?)

But I’ll start following these threads to hopefully get some solid recommendations on proven suppliers.

I’m only looking for 72-cell panels, not 96-cell, but if the tarrifs+shipping don’t double the effective price, there might be some interesting options to consider...

I think one factor is that the prices for panels sold in the US are not so high compared to panels sold in china. There are cheap sources of panels here in the US. So the potential cost savings generally isn't as great as it is with LFP.

Another difference between lifepo4 and pv panels is that, all lifepo4 cells come from China and Chinese companies regardless of where you buy them or what price you pay, so the logic of buying straight from China is pretty straightforward. But PV panels are manufactured in and out of China and as far as I know you can't go on alibaba and buy name brand panels like you can with LFP cells. Its plausible that they may be getting their solar cells from the same sources as name brand guys, the panels might or might not even be manufactured in some of the same factories, who knows. But there is a lot that is unknown (to me), and the upside is less than with LFP.

There is also the issue of warranty since consumer PV panels often have a 20 or 30 year warranty, there is considerable advantage to buying in your home market.

This is just my speculation, I've never really considered or looked into Chinese PV panels. Its certainly worth exploring.

But its going to be hard to beat the value of places like santansolar.com I thought I was going to have to buy panels online and have them shipped. This was not a China source, just places in the U.S.A. The shipping cost was prohibitive. I finally started digging and found a source here in Colorado that I could pick the panels up from. That source got a little screwy so I bailed on that deal and kept digging. I ended up find a source even closer with a price that was way better. I ended up using CED Greentech. They had my panels waiting on a pallet and loaded them right into my truck.

If you're not finding what you want, you're either not looking hard enough or you live in very strange place.

These days, panels are very close to a commodity. But what fits your specifications and budget, but don't be so set in your specifications that you don't look around. I was aiming for four 200 watt panels, but ended up with four 320 watt panels for less.

Choosing the right solar solutions provider is a crucial step when considering a solar energy system for your business and organisation. With the growing popularity of solar power, an increasing number of providers have entered the market, offering a wide range of products and services.

Read more

However, not all solar solutions providers are created equal, and finding a reliable and reputable provider is essential to ensure the long-term success and efficiency of your solar investment.

In this guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing your solar solutions provider, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your energy needs and financial goals.

5 Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Solar Solutions Provider

1) Investigate Through Their Portfolio & Experience

Before selecting a solar solutions provider, it’s vital to assess the company’s experience and expertise in the solar industry. Look for providers with a proven track record and a substantial portfolio of successful installations.

Experienced providers are more likely to have a deep understanding of solar technology, local regulations, and best practices for installation. They can guide you through the entire process, from evaluating your energy needs to designing and installing a system that maximizes efficiency and meets your specific requirements.

For example, if you have a warehouse that needs solar installation, you want to find providers that have done the same or similar scope of work.

2) The Financing Options

The financial aspect of solar system installation cannot be overlooked as well. Evaluate the pricing options and financing solutions offered by different providers. Compare the cost of the system, installation charges, and ongoing maintenance and support expenses.

Depending on your needs, you might want to consider financing options such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). This allows the provider to install the solar system on your rooftop without any upfront costs. Hence, for an investment like solar, it is important to partner with a reputable company with strong financial background.

Additionally, inquire about available incentives, such as government rebates, tax credits, or net metering programs that can help offset the initial investment and improve the financial returns of your solar energy system. A reputable provider should be able to provide clear and transparent pricing details, helping you understand the long-term financial benefits of going solar.

3) Enquire On The Quality Of The Solar Panel Materials

Another crucial aspect to consider when choosing a solar solutions provider is the quality of the panels and other system components they offer.

Solar panels come in various types and brands, and the performance, durability, and warranty of these panels can vary significantly. Look for providers that offer panels from reputable manufacturers known for their high-quality products.

Consider the efficiency ratings, durability, and warranties offered for the panels. A reliable provider should provide the specifications of the panels they install and provide detailed information on their expected lifespan and performance.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Yijia.

By conducting proper installation and regular maintenance of the solar systems with certified material, potential fire threat is prevented. Besides selection of the panels, this care should be extended towards other components such as the connectors, DC cables, junction boxes and metallic parts.

4) Enquire About Solar Maintenance

When choosing a solar solutions provider, it’s important to consider the level of customer support and after-sales service they offer. Solar systems are a long-term investment, and you’ll want a provider that is responsive and reliable in addressing any issues that may arise.

Inquire about the provider’s warranty terms and conditions, including coverage for both the panels and the installation work.

A reputable provider should offer a comprehensive warranty (e.g. 25 years) that protects your investment and provides peace of mind. Additionally, consider the availability of ongoing maintenance and support services. This is regardless of whether you are under a PPA or have opted for a CAPEX built-your-own model.

Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help optimize the performance and longevity of your solar energy system, so choose a provider that offers reliable and efficient support throughout the lifespan of your panels.

5) Commitment To Sustainability

One often overlooked aspect when choosing a solar solutions provider is their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Look for providers who prioritize sourcing sustainable materials, follow environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, and adhere to proper recycling and disposal practices.

Choosing a provider with a strong commitment to sustainability ensures that your solar energy system aligns with your values and contributes to a cleaner and greener future.

By selecting a sustainable-focused provider, you can enhance the positive impact of your solar panel installation beyond just generating renewable energy.

Build Your Rooftop Solar System With TotalEnergies ENEOS

At TotalEnergies ENEOS, we help companies and organisations across the APAC region build effective and efficient solar systems, allowing them to facilitate their transition towards green energy.

The company is also well-versed with all safety requirements and practices. We select PV modules, connectors, DC cables, junction boxes and metallic parts with the highest fire prevention certificates and installs them according to industry-leading fire prevention practices.

The company has also solarized on our own industrial plants and service stations that are subjected to the most stringent fire safety measures, we bring the same fire prevention standards to our customer’s facilities.

For more solar energy system manufacturer chinainformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.