Going green is a trend that is here to stay. The use of renewable energy has been increasing worldwide, and one of the most popular sources of renewable energy is solar power. With the increasing demand for solar power, wholesale solar panels have become a popular option for many individuals and businesses. However, before buying wholesale solar panels, there are several important factors to consider. In this article, we will cover what to know before buying wholesale solar panels to ensure that you make an informed decision.
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Understanding the benefits of wholesale solar panels
The first step in buying wholesale solar panels is to understand their benefits. Wholesale solar panels are typically purchased in bulk and sold at a discounted rate. This means that you can save a considerable amount of money by buying in bulk. Additionally, wholesale solar panels are often of higher quality than retail panels because they are purchased directly from the manufacturer. By purchasing wholesale solar panels, you can have a more reliable and efficient solar system, resulting in lower electricity bills and reduced carbon emissions.
Identifying your energy needs
Before buying wholesale solar panels, you need to identify your energy needs. This includes determining how much energy your household or business consumes daily, weekly, and monthly. Once you have determined your energy needs, you can choose a solar panel system that will meet those needs. A solar panel system that is too small will not be able to meet your energy requirements, while a system that is too large will result in unnecessary costs.
Selecting the right type of solar panel
There are several types of solar panels available in the market, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels. Each type has its pros and cons, and it is essential to choose the right type for your needs. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient but are also the most expensive. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive and less efficient than monocrystalline panels but are still a good option for many homeowners. Thin-film solar panels are the least expensive but also the least efficient. They are a good option for those with limited space or budget.
Checking the warranty and certifications
When purchasing wholesale solar panels, it is important to check the warranty and certifications. Solar panels come with a warranty that guarantees their performance for a specific period. It is important to choose a solar panel with a warranty that covers at least 25 years. Additionally, you should look for solar panels that have certifications from reputable organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These certifications ensure that the solar panels meet international standards for safety and performance.
Finding a reliable supplier
Finally, it is crucial to find a reliable supplier when purchasing wholesale solar panels. The supplier should have a good reputation and provide high-quality solar panels at competitive prices. You can research online reviews, ask for referrals from friends and family, or consult with a solar panel installation company to find a reputable supplier. Additionally, you should ensure that the supplier offers good customer service and after-sales support.
Conclusion
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Buying wholesale solar panels can be a cost-effective way to generate renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. However, it is important to consider several factors before making a purchase. Understanding the benefits of wholesale solar panels, identifying your energy needs, selecting the right type of solar panel, checking the warranty and certifications, and finding a reliable supplier are all crucial steps in the buying process. By following these steps, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy for years to come.
Whether you're a project developer, local installer or a homeowner, the biggest concern before designing a solar project will be solar panels. They take up roughly 50% of all project costs and could have a further cost impact on the overall lifespan of a project (~25 years).
Life can be overwhelming when there are hundreds of suppliers with so many different technologies to choose from. So I interviewed Tier-1 panel suppliers and asked what would be the top 5 things to consider before choosing which panel to buy.
I would like to extend my thanks to guest authors Frank Cestero, CFO at Solartech Universal, Crystal Liu, Senior Sales Manager at Talesun Solar Technologies and Indira Sanchez, Distributed Generation Sales Manager- Mexico at Jinko Solar for sharing the insight and expertise!
Frank (Solartech Universal): Lowest cost of entry? Long term ROI? Environmental impact? Utility offset? Power concentration (i.e. limited real estate)? Location of manufacture (ex. US v. China)? Structural integrity (i.e. Snow load or Wind load)?
These factors and many more could point you in a variety of different directions. Although there may be hundreds of manufacturers who make a 300-watt module, each module has distinguishing characteristics that may make it the best fit for you.
*Photo credit: https://news.energysage.com/understanding-your-solar-panel-payback-period/
Frank (Solartech Universal): The 2 most common sizes are 60 cell (or equivalent) and 72 cell. Typically the 60 cell module (panel) is preferable for residential and rooftop commercial/ industrial jobs. Why? There are many reasons, but the greatest reason tends to be the size and weight. The smaller modules are more easily configured on rooftops where designers often need to work around the building or home's mechanical systems. For installers, the weight and dimensions make them easier to handle with just one person.
*Photo credit: https://www.wholesalesolar.com/blog/60-cell-vs-72-cell-solar-panels/
Indira (Jinko Solar): I would say that you need to consider the quality and brand of the panel. When you buy panels from a brand that has a reputation for timely delivery and quality assurance, you can expect the same type of service every single time. It might be worthwhile to consider the local support network post-purchasing. Not all solar panel companies have the local sales and technical support teams in the country you live in. These teams might also provide training at free-of-cost to help install the panels for your projects. It's also important to feel at ease when you are expecting a delivery of panels. If your project's construction is set to begin at a certain date and the panels arrive late, you might incur postponement fees from the off-take customer.
Crystal (Talesun Solar): It's important to know the financial status of the vendor. What happens if the company supplying panels goes bankrupt? Is there a warranty pass-through in place? You might want to go with a company that has good financial health and has the potential to grow even bigger. Another thing to consider is the company's total capacity. Is the company you are thinking of buying from capped in terms of manufacturing capacity? Check with the sales rep from the company to verify the overall supply they own before placing an order. Sometimes the current capacity and the manufacturing plans could be an indicator of their financial health!
Frank (Solartech Universal): If I&#;m flipping the home or selling the PPA, maybe I can get away with a low-cost option. If I plan on keeping the property beyond the federally mandated minimum to collect the tax credit, I probably want to spend a little more on the front end to maximize my ROI over time. Premium panels tend to fail less often, operate more efficiently and degrade less year-over-year during the life of the panel.
The state of California maintains a listing of modules based on PTC (Photovoltaics for Utility-Scale Applications Test Conditions), which rates expected performance in &#;real-world applications&#; as opposed to laboratory or factory conditions. The higher the rating, the better the performance. These ratings can be found at https://www.gosolarcalifornia.org/equipment/pv_modules.php. (Hint: Look for Solartech near the top.)
Crytal (Talesun Solar Technologies): Price of a panel changes almost every week. With the industry being impacted daily by policy changes and market forces, the quoted price for a solar panel could increase or decrease anytime. It is important to negotiate good payment terms with the supplier. Will you be out of cash when it's time to actually pay for the panels because the payments haven't arrived from your customers? Do you know your projected cash cycle? These are all important questions that you need to ask yourself before deciding to buy panels in bulk.
If you have found this article helpful, please let me know in the comments below!
Justin Jeehoon Park is a Business Analyst at Targray focusing on Solar and Energy Storage. Graduated with an M.B.A. from McGill University- specialization in Business Analytics and a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA, he helps solar companies to maximize working capital by structuring more flexible payment terms with suppliers and customers. In addition, he is a returned Peace Corps volunteer (Cameroon -) and worked with Syrian refugee youth in Canada.