Solar/PV Suppliers

steve66

steve66

Senior Member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
Engineer
Just curious if anyone has any recommendations for where to purchase solar equipment.

It seems like online ordering seems to be the only option. Not many of those places have storefronts with regular hours (especially in the midwest) , and there don't seem to be many that even references. Oddly enough, this seems to be the one thing you can't really get on Amazon either, at least not quality, panels.

How does anyone ever get confident enough to send 5K or 10K to an online store you have never done business with and not feel like you have just been had? Some won't even take credit cards - they want banking info.
 
I rarely order from the online guys. Only if I need an unusual part.

I order by phone or email.

I can recommend:
Wesco Renewables
Greentech (formerly CED)
Soligent (maybe not in your area. Formerly Solar Depot, been around since about 2000)

These are actual supply houses (elec. distributors) and will often have their own trucks and deliver to the job site....... for free, or low cost.

Why not order in chunks? Start with the inverter. Pleased? Not had? Order the racking. Etc.
Eventually business relies on experience with the supplier and developed trust based on the relationship.

Also companies have ratings, and you can look them up.
 
Oh and if you are in the business, THEY will extend YOU credit. Not vice versa. You may order 10s of $1000s and they will be waiting for a check from you.
 
You want to develop a relationship with a couple of suppliers. You can't do that through Amazon. Having a relationship will help when you need something right now, need a special order, or getting NET 30 payment terms. I don't buy equipment but I have heard good things about BayWa and Greentech Renewables.
 
ggunn said:
Absolutely right. Amazon is great for some things, but individual customer service where they remember you and your project isn't one of them.
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Nor will they negotiate pricing with you or ask you to forecast your needs or hold product for you.
 
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solarken said:
Please explain? I own a solar design and installation company, and buy primarily from solar distributors like Baywa, Soligent, Greentech, etc. we don't sell retail.
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True, but it puts you in a position to know who builds good equipment and who builds cheap crap. From there, it's a step or two to find the retail outlets (assuming, of course, the quality components are even available through retail channels) where said equipment can be purchased.
 
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