Tariffs On Buying Solar Equipment Directly From China?

blobert · 24-08-2021 07:07PM #1

Hi There,

I'm planning a very large (up to 30kW) solar installation on a new build house in the near future.

I'm looking at buying the panels, inverter etc directly from China as opposed to from an EU/Irish supplier.

I'm trying to work out the total charge here.

Obviously I'd be paying VAT on the total of the good plus shipping charges (if it's anything like importing a car from outside the EU)

What I'm wondering is if there is a separate tariff on the solar equipment also?

I've found a few articles from 2018 talking about the abolishing of tariffs on them and the pricing that Chinese panels are sold for here (vs the prices I'm being offered from China) would suggest there is not some massive tarrif on them.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

slave1 · 24-08-2021 08:37PM

Why are you looking to China?

There are often excellent value panels posted here as wholesaler discount last stock.

I think you could be better looking up North and see would a supplier sell ex VAT to you for a bulk once off (as for immediate export from NI)

bullit_dodger · 25-08-2021 10:19PM

If it's not too nosey - can you share what requires 30Kw. Curious as to what might have that load (crytomining?)

slave1 · 25-08-2021 10:47PM

If I had the (land) space I’d deffo go for at least two 6kW inverters if not three and 20+kWp panels alongside 30kWh of storage.

There are too many poor sun days here so oversize to generate year long and really fill those EVs from April - Sept

bullit_dodger · 25-08-2021 11:48PM

I'm sure it's possible to do the math and work it out, but I often wondered what size array you'd need to cover yourself all year round. I guess the trick is to figure out the long term storage. Batteries, yeah they're good an all for short - medium term, but it's hard to store the excess energy you have in July for the depths of winter. Hydrogen I guess or some other fuel.....I'd love to be able to get rid of the gas fired central heating, but don't have the space for ground heat pump.

Can't imagine the neighbors would be too too happy to have me with the Hindenberg out in me shed though..... :-)

Some roof to house 30Kw - jealous.

graememk · 26-08-2021 12:36AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117804239#Comment_117804239

Without an ev, say 15kwh/day, 30kwp should cover it in Jan/Feb but you'd want a decent battery too!

That same array, would generate 3500+ in may though! Maybe some big well insulated underground water tanks as a thermal store?

MAULBROOK · 14-09-2021 08:29PM

Jesus a good few installers would be very interested in that and take away many problems that you wont have to worry about.

Tariffs On Buying Solar Equipment Directly From China?

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