For DIY installations, where do you buy parts from ?

[nbtiot]

Hi, new here.

I've done two different installations, one 5kW grid-connected house and one off-grid on a small farm running pumps and lights and such. Both are pretty far from any big cities. Also, i don't live in Thailand, i manage most of this remotely with local help.

I started with near zero experience, for the first install i ordered inverter/panels from Chinese supplier over Alibaba, dealt with import logistics, checked PEA approval lists. And then went through a long process on getting all the paperwork signed and done, certified engineer reviewing and signing off on plans etc. It's all connected and selling energy back to grid now.

The farm was a lot easier, bought components ( panels/AGM batteries/inverters/charge controllers ) from GlobalHouse.

Both ways of getting things done have pros and cons : direct from China has overhead, but you get very competitive prices and a full kit in one order. GlobalHouse has very limited choices of parts and limited stock in any stores as well. E.g i was just looking, they have no LFP batteries / ESS systems as far as i could find. HomePro + Watsadu have even less.

Curious, how and where does everyone else buy from ? I have a list of bespoke Thai e-commerce store links for solar gear, no idea how reputable/reliable.
 

[tuk75]

Lazada, Shoppe or NocNoc/

[Crossy]

Our inverters and ancillary bits n bobs came from Lazada. If you wait for the various discount coupons you can get very competitive pricing.

 

Panels initially came from Global, later ones came from an estate clearance. I did get a few from Lazada but with delays, disappearing panels and breakages I've not bought any more.

 

Batteries are from China, specifically Shenzen Luyuan https://szluyuan.en.alibaba.com/ who have a universally good reputation among the DIY solar community. Sensible pricing and DDP shipping to Thailand. Beware, there is a LOT of rubbish out there!

 

Our inverters are on the PEA approval list but we are running off-grid with an ATS to switch over to grid if the solar fails.

 

 

[nbtiot]

On 9/22/2024 at 4:25 PM, tuk75 said:

Lazada, Shoppe or NocNoc/

That's what i was afraid people would say - i don't trust those one bit 🙂 

I just went with another major order direct from China/factory. 10kW panels, 10kWh LFP battery, great prices. Logistics is still a little annoying

[mistral53]

There are quite a bunch of companies on FB that sell to installers, but claim to sell to retail as well. I believe they have better prices than on Lazada etc, they also concentrate on Tier 1 suppliers, which is an absolute must in my view.

[Yellowtail]

Make sure that the exact motel you order from China has TISI certification or at least been delivered into Thailand before. We ordered a bunch of LED lights for the plant, and ended up spending about B50K just for certification to get them through. 

[mateusz1945]

type panels and stuff you like on FB search . Some wholesaler near you probably  posted  some advertisement. Respond. Might be necessary to chat to negotiate prize (use translator). Many times you can do cash on delivery or pickup yourself from warehouse. prices will be better than Lazada/ shopee

that is what installers do anyway, if you find right people they will pass the savings to you and just come with all stuff and install. (happened to me)

[Fruit Trader]

For an official Jinko panel distributer where you can pay then collect and inspect the goods :-

 

JTN ENERGY CO LTD
 

[Yellowtail]

What are your favorite panels and inverters? 

[lom]

59 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

What are your favorite panels and inverters? 

Longi or Jinko panels, Deye inverter.

[Yellowtail]

25 minutes ago, lom said:

Longi or Jinko panels, Deye inverter.

Do you have a favorite supplier?