I believe many forget that some people build a system not only to save money, but also for reliability, comfort, and more control over their own power. It means you can use more electricity than you normally would, as long as the batteries keep charging.

Nobody here pays 7 baht per kWh? Well, some do. We live outside the normal PEA limits, about 300 meters from the last PEA post, and we have a 30/100 amp meter. Because of that, we are on temporary/construction-style electricity, around 6.8 baht per kWh before Ft and VAT, so in reality it is over 7 baht all-in. On top of that, we also had poor and uneven voltage.

With our setup, we can actually produce up to 18 kWh during peak time, even with a 10 kW inverter. That gives us a lot of flexibility when the sun is strong and the batteries are taking charge. Last month was higher than normal too, since we also have ongoing construction.

Now we can also use a proper welding machine on our land without voltage problems, which will be useful for my workshop later on.

It is also about having a reliable system that protects the house equipment and gives us future possibilities too, like adding an EV next. We also see the need for being more self-dependent in the future, especially after how the world situation has escalated.

Last month usage

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I'm aiming for the 3bht a unit rate for users consuming under 200 units a month.

Thought it was starting in June (125 units), but were still charging me 4bht ...........

PEA software flags meters that have big drops in usage compared to previous usage. They also can send readers to log numbers throughout the month on those meters. When do you export?

Many lose their non-digital meters because PEA caught them and the homeowner has no idea. They just swap the meter and don't inform the owner.

I would only export at the end of the month and always have a positive balance.

7 minutes ago, Hummin said:

I believe many forget that some people build a system not only to save money, but also for reliability, comfort, and more control over their own power. It means you can use more electricity than you normally would, as long as the batteries keep charging.

Nobody here pays 7 baht per kWh? Well, some do. We live outside the normal PEA limits, about 300 meters from the last PEA post, and we have a 30/100 amp meter. Because of that, we are on temporary/construction-style electricity, around 6.8 baht per kWh before Ft and VAT, so in reality it is over 7 baht all-in. On top of that, we also had poor and uneven voltage.

With our setup, we can actually produce up to 18 kWh during peak time, even with a 10 kW inverter. That gives us a lot of flexibility when the sun is strong and the batteries are taking charge. Last month was higher than normal too, since we also have ongoing construction.

Now we can also use a proper welding machine on our land without voltage problems, which will be useful for my workshop later on.

It is also about having a reliable system that protects the house equipment and gives us future possibilities too, like adding an EV next. We also see the need for being more self-dependent in the future, especially after how the world situation has escalated.

Last month usage

With the 10kW inverter you have lots room to add panels which you will probably need to do if you get an EV. Also, you could add a water pond and pumps to the property which is energy intensive. Watching fish jump in the pond and the hilly landscape while drinking coffee would be nice. 10kW is ideal and I only have 6.5kW but can handle 8kW ( over panelled -10kW)of panels. It produced over 900 kWh the each of the last three months without exporting!

Edited July 4Jul 4 by atpeace

1 hour ago, atpeace said:

With the 10kW inverter you have lots room to add panels which you will probably need to do if you get an EV. Also, you could add a water pond and pumps to the property which is energy intensive. Watching fish jump in the pond and the hilly landscape while drinking coffee would be nice. 10kW is ideal and I only have 6.5kW but can handle 8kW ( over panelled -10kW)of panels. It produced over 900 kWh the each of the last three months without exporting!

I only have 4x kitchen sockets on my 6k2 inverter which exports itself to the other sockets in the house.

No need to rewire your entire house.

Why not just plug in another 6k2 inverter with no outputs except export to grid?

The 10K inverter costs much more than 2x 6k2 inverters (6,700bht each).

And 2 units are unlikely to break at the same time.

EDIT

I tell a lie, PowMR have just reduced the price of their 10Kw grid tie (no battery) inverter to 9,100 (inc wifi)

https://shopee.co.th/product/1685942015/27094086618

That's a huge price drop.

Edited July 4Jul 4 by BritManToo

Please note my EDIT may be incorrect, and the link may be bogus.

But I can't edit my post to remove it.

40 minutes ago, BeastOfBodmin said:

rid per month?

23 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I only have 4x kitchen sockets on my 6k2 inverter which exports itself to the other sockets in the house.

No need to rewire your entire house.

Why not just plug in another 6k2 inverter with no outputs except export to grid?

The 10K inverter costs much more than 2x 6k2 inverters (6,700bht each).

And 2 units are unlikely to break at the same time.

EDIT

I tell a lie, PowMR have just reduced the price of their 10Kw grid tie (no battery) inverter to 9,100 (inc wifi)

https://shopee.co.th/product/1685942015/27094086618

That's a huge price drop.

I would because it is more clean and not too difficult for an electrician to do. I have some locals that know little about solar but are good at figuring it out. They will work all day and are happy with a 1000 baht. Wife has watched me get zapped too many times so I just mention I need to fix something that is 220v (we have many 12v -24v batteries I use on the property) and they magically show up. She must want me to stick around...

Tempting to get the PowMR inverter at that price. That is how easy it is to add months onto to the ROI. Always a reason to upgrade but in reality most would be better just sticking with their current setup and let it depreciate for many years.

I could also upgrade my Neta EV ( you own) but it is the best car I have ever owned. If I upgrade, it would be 100% an ego thing :) I could get BYD seal for that is a year old for around a million baht. I'm off on a tangent....

Edited July 4Jul 4 by atpeace

Installing solar is not rocket science.

If you understand the basics, it’s not difficult. I’ve read a few posts on here which I can only describe as pompous justification for paying enormous sums for the dubious advantage of getting a piece of paper.

Now to the technical bit. If you install an inverter with anti-islanding capability (this is what PEA looks for to keep the lines safe), it’s impossible to harm any human being working on the power lines.

They limit your output to 5 Kw because the network can become unstable if too many people feed back into the grid. Also, part of the process for inverter certification is to ensure the inverter stops expiry if the voltage output rises too much. This protects those clients on a high impedance side of the transformer.

Some amateur installers hold degrees in electrical and electronic engineering and is actually understand the “why” rather than just the “rules”.

There can be a massive profit margin in some of the solar installers. It reminds me of double glazing installers in the 70’s.

Some of the DIY installations done here are because the consumers are “tech savvy”, rather than cheap Charlie’s risking their homes.

19 hours ago, Hummin said:

I know we could have paid half the amount, maybe even less, if we had used certain installers we would never see again after installation.

With our installer, who has a great reputation for after-service and follow-up, we know they will not just run away. And the factory warranty is valid, with or without their company.

Panels have a lifespan of around 30 years with 12 years warranty. The batteries are rated up to 10,000 cycles, and Sigenergy gives 10 years warranty on the battery and inverter/controller.

Brand names and choice of installer matter, but I agree, it is hard to know for sure. That is what I actually paid for: a competent installer and a brand with a good reputation, proper documentation, warranty, after-service, and the newest technology.

But,

I can buy 3 cheap inverters (with 3 year manufacturer warrenty) for the same price as your approved inverter.

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

But,

I can buy 3 cheap inverters (with 3 year manufacturer warrenty) for the same price as your approved inverter.

With the SigenEnergy system stack, you're not just paying for an inverter. You're paying for an integrated system: AI energy management, BMS, online monitoring/service, built-in fire suppression, thermal and smoke monitoring, pressure relief, arc-fault protection, and the inverter, battery, EMS and optional EV charger designed to work together.

And to me, being quite green about solar systems, it sounded good. I’m not here to claim my system is the best on the market or the best bang for the buck, but I liked what I found when investigating the product line, those behind SigenEnergy, and the company that delivered a plug-and-play system within reasonable time. SigenEnergy did not come out of the blue, and I think they will stay in the market for a long time, not be some bloomer you cannot find in a few years. So far, I have not been disappointed.

Fact check: SigenEnergy describes SigenStor as an AI-optimized 5-in-1 system with solar inverter, EV DC charger, battery PCS, battery pack, and EMS. Their brochure lists cell-level temperature monitoring, internal fire extinguishing kit, insulated pads, aerogel pads, and decompression valve. Datasheets list protections including AFCI, ground fault, anti-islanding, overcurrent/overvoltage, short circuit, insulation monitoring, residual current monitoring, and surge protection. Also worth knowing: they require cloud connection for firmware/safety checks/warranty extension, and there was a UK low-risk safety report in 2026 about an AC plug overheating if installed incorrectly

On 7/4/2026 at 2:11 PM, BritManToo said:

He probably paid 400kbht for a 100kbht install.

You can't fix stupid!

Just pumped into his install while looking at the "Solar Power in Thailand" thread. Hilarious and I would feel bad for him if he wasn't such a pompous jerk.

Packer paid 100k for a tiny starter system that would only run my bedroom AC!!!!! and only during peak sunlight hours. At best he could clear 5 baht on average a day with the PEA incentive. Most days I bet he can't even come close to powering his house so 5 baht is being extremely generous. He is grasping at straws trying to figure out to justify his stupidity.

They professionally ripped him off and I'm a big fan of his installer. I wonder how he even manages not to trip the inverter all throughout the day. It would be constantly be switching between PEA and solar. Unless the installer wired like you did directly to individual sockets.

Enjoy!

Packer's Install:

One A/C running at a time . Duh - your system is too small for 2

Five 600w panels .

3Kw inverter . "wow- you are going to clean up at 2.2 baht -555"

All the railings, breakers etc installed and signed off by a certified electrician, less than 100,000 THB .

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

With the SigenEnergy system stack, you're not just paying for an inverter. You're paying for an integrated system: AI energy management, BMS, online monitoring/service, built-in fire suppression, thermal and smoke monitoring, pressure relief, arc-fault protection, and the inverter, battery, EMS and optional EV charger designed to work together.

And to me, being quite green about solar systems, it sounded good. I’m not here to claim my system is the best on the market or the best bang for the buck, but I liked what I found when investigating the product line, those behind SigenEnergy, and the company that delivered a plug-and-play system within reasonable time. SigenEnergy did not come out of the blue, and I think they will stay in the market for a long time, not be some bloomer you cannot find in a few years. So far, I have not been disappointed.

Fact check: SigenEnergy describes SigenStor as an AI-optimized 5-in-1 system with solar inverter, EV DC charger, battery PCS, battery pack, and EMS. Their brochure lists cell-level temperature monitoring, internal fire extinguishing kit, insulated pads, aerogel pads, and decompression valve. Datasheets list protections including AFCI, ground fault, anti-islanding, overcurrent/overvoltage, short circuit, insulation monitoring, residual current monitoring, and surge protection. Also worth knowing: they require cloud connection for firmware/safety checks/warranty extension, and there was a UK low-risk safety report in 2026 about an AC plug overheating if installed incorrectly

It is a learning process and you didn't spend more than you could afford. Your system is scalable and can produce much more power by just adding panels. Now if you paid 100k for a system with a 3.5 kW inverter like Packer did, to be polite, that would be outrageously dumb.

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

With the SigenEnergy system stack, you're not just paying for an inverter. You're paying for an integrated system: AI energy management, BMS, online monitoring/service, built-in fire suppression, thermal and smoke monitoring, pressure relief, arc-fault protection, and the inverter, battery, EMS and optional EV charger designed to work together.

And to me, being quite green about solar systems, it sounded good. I’m not here to claim my system is the best on the market or the best bang for the buck, but I liked what I found when investigating the product line, those behind SigenEnergy, and the company that delivered a plug-and-play system within reasonable time. SigenEnergy did not come out of the blue, and I think they will stay in the market for a long time, not be some bloomer you cannot find in a few years. So far, I have not been disappointed.

Fact check: SigenEnergy describes SigenStor as an AI-optimized 5-in-1 system with solar inverter, EV DC charger, battery PCS, battery pack, and EMS. Their brochure lists cell-level temperature monitoring, internal fire extinguishing kit, insulated pads, aerogel pads, and decompression valve. Datasheets list protections including AFCI, ground fault, anti-islanding, overcurrent/overvoltage, short circuit, insulation monitoring, residual current monitoring, and surge protection. Also worth knowing: they require cloud connection for firmware/safety checks/warranty extension, and there was a UK low-risk safety report in 2026 about an AC plug overheating if installed incorrectly

Yes, almost all hybrid inverters have that, mine costing 6,700bht has most of that. Add a 15kwhr battery for 50kbht and a DC charger no idea what that costs, my AC charger cost 1,300bht).

32 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Just pumped into his install while looking at the "Solar Power in Thailand" thread. Hilarious and I would feel bad for him if he wasn't such a pompous jerk.

Packer paid 100k for a tiny starter system that would only run my bedroom AC!!!!! and only during peak sunlight hours. At best he could clear 5 baht on average a day with the PEA incentive. Most days I bet he can't even come close to powering his house so 5 baht is being extremely generous. He is grasping at straws trying to figure out to justify his stupidity.

They professionally ripped him off and I'm a big fan of his installer. I wonder how he even manages not to trip the inverter all throughout the day. It would be constantly be switching between PEA and solar. Unless the installer wired like you did directly to individual sockets.

Enjoy!

Packer's Install:

One A/C running at a time . Duh - your system is too small for 2

Five 600w panels .

3Kw inverter . "wow- you are going to clean up at 2.2 baht -555"

All the railings, breakers etc installed and signed off by a certified electrician, less than 100,000 THB .

Haha, the parts would be worth about 16,000bht.

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Haha, the parts would be worth about 16,000bht.

It would have been a rip off even if they included a 5kW battery. I want give the installer a hug :)

33 minutes ago, atpeace said:

paid 100k for a system with a 3.5 kW inverter like Packer did

I paid far more than 100k and my inverter is far bigger than 3.5 KW 555

Someone's not enjoying their Sunday drive in their...... Neta. 😁

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Yes, almost all hybrid inverters have that, mine costing 6,700bht has most of that. Add a 15kwhr battery for 50kbht and a DC charger no idea what that costs, my AC charger cost 1,300bht).

That’s good for you, and your purpose and knowledge as well. I’m more dependent on people when I’m not there, and therefore a local installer I can trust was my first choice.

Time will show if this system lasts longer than my ROI payback, but compared with what we had before, this is heaven. We are at the end of the PEA line, 600m+ from the transformer.

2 minutes ago, Packer said:

I paid far more than 100k and my inverter is far bigger than 3.5 KW 555

Someone's not enjoying their Sunday drive in their...... Neta. 😁

Below are your "exact" words from the Solar in Thailand thread from a couple month back --555:

One A/C running at a time .

Five 600w panels .

3Kw inverter .

All the railings, breakers etc installed and signed off by a certified electrician, less than 100,000 THB .

You are delusional... Stop - you are past redemption. Now you are just going to make up numbers because by now you might have figured out, I have my doubts :), that you got reemed. I don't like you but hard not to feel bad for you.

Edited July 5Jul 5 by atpeace

Not to forget something I have not seen discussed about solar systems and excess electricity: we now have excess electricity to keep rooms at a stable temperature 24/7, such as storage rooms and rooms we want to use for fermenting food in the future. It also helps keep vegetables and fruit fresh longer, and protects shoes, jackets, and other items that would otherwise be ruined by the climate here. Quite a few Gore-Tex shoes and jackets have been spoiled here because of heat, humidity, and poor storage.

On 7/4/2026 at 3:08 PM, atpeace said:

Do you think I would waste my time with someone as inconsequential as yourself.

17 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Below are your "exact" words from the Solar in Thailand thread from a couple month back --555

Called it.

The weekend away in the Neta isn't going to plan. 😁

17 minutes ago, atpeace said:

One A/C running at a time .

Five 600w panels .

3Kw inverter .

All the railings, breakers etc installed and signed off by a certified electrician, less than 100,000 THB .

No idea if those are my 'exact words' or not, if they are, they're obviously not about the system I got installed... because.... that's not the system I got installed 5555

Let's have your next bit of searching while the Neta is charging. 😁

1 hour ago, Packer said:

Called it.

The weekend away in the Neta isn't going to plan. 😁

No idea if those are my 'exact words' or not, if they are, they're obviously not about the system I got installed... because.... that's not the system I got installed 5555

Let's have your next bit of searching while the Neta is charging. 😁

Those are your exact words and it is your system that you built for 1 AC because you didn't want to spend money for a system that could handle 2 air cons. Again, these are your words and not mine. My system can handle 3 air con and charge my humble Neta and cost 70k vs your 100k. I added ESS for another 55k.

You got robbed and now you are a sour loser. Kharma sucks dude for you but many here are enjoying your dish of it.

What a jerk you are and then you lie to try to hide it. You have made many post bragging about your instal. Below are a couple screenshots.

Stop lying or I will report you to the moderators -555.

By golly it would suck to be you and your poor wife. I bet you put her in the room without AC because you were too foolish to figure out you could have 4ac running on solar for the price you paid. You didn't even get a tiny batery for that price to go along with your huge 3kW inverter. You are living it up dude :)

5 minutes ago, atpeace said:

your 100k.

My system was a lot more than that mate. 🙂

6 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Below are a couple screenshots.

You do realize that's two people discussing the price of different setups, not what one of them had set up...... right? 😁

Oh man, you have a great sense of humor calling yourself 'atpeace' when you're turned inside out by a bloke online laughing at your car. 😂

BTW, here's the full screen shot, I'm answering a question about how much such a system would cost for another member lol

Edited July 5Jul 5 by Packer

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

Not to forget something I have not seen discussed about solar systems and excess electricity: we now have excess electricity to keep rooms at a stable temperature 24/7, such as storage rooms and rooms we want to use for fermenting food in the future. It also helps keep vegetables and fruit fresh longer, and protects shoes, jackets, and other items that would otherwise be ruined by the climate here. Quite a few Gore-Tex shoes and jackets have been spoiled here because of heat, humidity, and poor storage.

True because you right sized your system. Another guy on this thread spent 100k for a 3kW inverter system with no ESS. Forget about shoes! his wife now roasts in the non-ac room which I'm sure is much better than being around him in his AC room that is fully powered by solar for about 6 hours a day. I'm sure she dreads the moment the sun goes down and he drags his ogre arse from his AC.

3 minutes ago, Packer said:

My system was a lot more than that mate. 🙂

You do realize that's two people discussing the price of different setups, not what one of them had set up...... right? 😁

Oh man, you have a great sense of humor calling yourself 'atpeace' when you're turned inside out by a bloke online laughing at your car. 😂

Yawn - keep lying. Many have asked for your specs and you were embarrassed to show them. You are quite proud of yourself. Can only imagine being with you. Poor woman.

1 hour ago, Packer said:

No idea if those are my 'exact words' or not, if they are, they're obviously not about the system I got installed... because.... that's not the system I got installed 5555

Now I do know.

It was my answer for a member that asked out much a system like that would cost 555

'atpeace' is driven insane online with a little jibe about his girly kid's car lol

Funny.

Anyway, back on topic. Has any member of the web board had a proper system properly installed and properly registered applied for the buy back contract ?

2 hours ago, Hummin said:

Not to forget something I have not seen discussed about solar systems and excess electricity: we now have excess electricity to keep rooms at a stable temperature 24/7, such as storage rooms and rooms we want to use for fermenting food in the future. It also helps keep vegetables and fruit fresh longer, and protects shoes, jackets, and other items that would otherwise be ruined by the climate here. Quite a few Gore-Tex shoes and jackets have been spoiled here because of heat, humidity, and poor storage.

Now that is the weird dynamic. I think most are programmed to save electricity and that goes for those that have the funds where it is financially not a concern. I'm not rich but a 5k baht electric bill isn't going to really matter much.

When you get solar it opens so many possibilities because waste isn't an issue. Ice baths, fountains, water pumps, swimming pools, excessive night lighting..........................................

On 7/3/2026 at 4:43 PM, motdaeng said:

you would probably have to switch off all the electrical loads in your house, which doesn't seem like a practical solution ..

If you're away for the day (ie., vacation, work, shopping), not a problem.

Is PEA still limiting single phase to a 5KW invertor for this?

9 hours ago, rwill said:

Is PEA still limiting single phase to a 5KW invertor for this?

Answer...Yes.... I have a 10kw Huawei system which can be "throttled" back to only export 5Kw to the grid. Its in the too hard basket for PEA to understand this even though the Inverters are approved by PEA and installation was done by certified contractors.. If you have 3 phase power lines passing your Bahn then you can export more...

I'm on a bit of a mission to see if I can get PEA to run with a 10kw system "Throttled" to 5kw export... Most important I have My Issan Luv Machine on side after I explained we could have saved 800bht last month with export @2.2bht.... Just to add we visited PEA Nang Rong today and they had no idea of the Solar Rebate.....!!! Come back later...! @Crossy

11 hours ago, Thaifish said:

Answer...Yes.... I have a 10kw Huawei system which can be "throttled" back to only export 5Kw to the grid. Its in the too hard basket for PEA to understand this even though the Inverters are approved by PEA and installation was done by certified contractors.. If you have 3 phase power lines passing your Bahn then you can export more...

I'm on a bit of a mission to see if I can get PEA to run with a 10kw system "Throttled" to 5kw export... Most important I have My Issan Luv Machine on side after I explained we could have saved 800bht last month with export @2.2bht.... Just to add we visited PEA Nang Rong today and they had no idea of the Solar Rebate.....!!! Come back later...! @Crossy

I doubt you are going to have any luck with PEA. PEA has no incentive to help you. THey are just following what they are being told to do by higher ups :) Somebody outside PEA is going to have to start the process to simplify applications and needed components. PEA will drag their feet through the whole process...

Maybe I'm being cynical but humans usually don't do things that don't benefit them.

On 7/4/2026 at 11:14 AM, atpeace said:

3. The Local Feeder Bottleneck

This is the hidden trap that trips up homeowners who try to expand later. PEA limits how much solar power can be fed back into any single local transformer district to prevent grid instability. If you try to upgrade your system size a year or two down the line, you might find that your neighbors have taken up the remaining transformer capacity. PEA can—and will—reject your expansion request simply because the local grid can no longer accept the extra power.

No, you will not infringe on transformer capacity. What you feed in before the transformer will be used before the transformer by the other customers under the same transformer.

That also means that there will be less need of energy for the transformer to transform and if there are enough solar plants within the transformers distribution area then these plants could feed all non-solar customers so that the transformer would be idling.

Edited July 7Jul 7 by lom