Solar panels- DIY- links?

o1aa · 16-10-2021 11:32pm #1

Hi all,

Could anyone recommend good sites for buying solar panels and all things needed for the install? Not looking at the cheapest but good quality with longer warranty.

We are going to install them ourselves but we don't know where is the best place to start looking in Ireland regarding shipment etc.

Assuming UK is out due to vat /tax implications. What about Germany or other European countries? Could anyone advise?

Thanks 👍

graememk · 17-10-2021 12:12am

Midsummer or solartricity are two well used suppliers.

o1aa · 17-10-2021 1:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118031024#Comment_118031024

Thank you! Would you know what's the lead time with these companies ? Is it a few weeks or months?

graememk · 17-10-2021 2:57pm

With solartricity if it's in stock it will be with you the next day if you get it ordered in the morning.

Pataman · 17-10-2021 3:15pm

I have mine ordered from Yangtze solar, total package including 14 panels (425w), wires, hybrid inverter, roof brackets, shipping etc: approx €2500k

Direct from China. It takes about 6/8 weeks.

SouthWesterly · 17-10-2021 3:51pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118032492#Comment_118032492

What's your customs bill?

Pataman · 17-10-2021 7:00pm

Not sure yet.

I have a customs agent who will process the delivery for €85

Vat @23% and duty payable at port

SouthWesterly · 17-10-2021 7:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118033173#Comment_118033173

Was there a saving to be made?

Pataman · 17-10-2021 7:18pm

Yes. Just looking back at exact figures, its usd$2876 roughly €2480

embraer170 · 17-10-2021 9:14pm

Let us know your customs bill.

Any restrictions on self installing a solar system in Ireland? In Germany, it is a bureaucratic nightmare with needing an electricians approved by the local network operator. The DIY route is strongly discouraged (except for small systems up to 600W, but even that is debated).

slave1 · 17-10-2021 9:23pm

I'd imagine you'd have to get a RECI at some stage as we're not allowed to DIY at the consumer board. As to mounting and cabling, I'd say you are good to go

SouthWesterly · 17-10-2021 11:12pm

A question.

If the max export is 6kw and a diverter is limited to 6. What advantage is it having a pv array bigger then this.?

Jonathan · 17-10-2021 11:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118034116#Comment_118034116

DC oversizing allows you to generate more on the cloudy days.

SlitDrip · 18-10-2021 7:48am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118032492#Comment_118032492

Will be interested to see how you get on.

Bad time for installing the panels, will you wait until spring ?

idc · 18-10-2021 9:43am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118032492#Comment_118032492

Just out of curiosity is that hybrid inverter certified to be connected to ESB Networks?

slave1 · 18-10-2021 11:09am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118034215#Comment_118034215

Plus, if you have different aspects in your array you will never achieve 6kW anyhow with just 6kWp because the sun simply cannot hit all aspects at once

SouthWesterly · 18-10-2021 11:25am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118035353#Comment_118035353

I think its going to be a spring job at this stage. Was chatting to the SAAS owner recently about configuration.

Suggested I don't get a hybrid inverter but I'll probably add batteries before they become incompatible with the inverter in a few years time.

Is there a parts list anywhere for a DIY ground mounted system?

idc · 18-10-2021 12:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118035353#Comment_118035353

Between April and July my panels regularly exceed their 4.65kWp using 2 aspects - SE and SW. Highest i hit was 5.09 kW. So no reason why a 6kWp multi aspect setup would not also exceed 6kW. Is not continuous though as occurs when panels have been shaded and then can exposed to bright sun causing a spike in generation.

SlitDrip · 18-10-2021 12:14pm

I think he means the have 6kw facing east and 6Kw facing west with one 6kw inverter

slave1 · 18-10-2021 1:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118035615#Comment_118035615

I've 4.1kWp SW and 3.3kWp NE and there were just micro occasions this year when I exceeded 6kW instantaneously.

Both yours are ~South so more likely to happen.

I'm planning new E and SW arrays and again will be sticking to oversizing due to aspect and angle of panels. Hopefully getting to another 6kWp

Pataman · 18-10-2021 7:53pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118034954#Comment_118034954

Yes he sent me the certification needed before I ordered

Pataman · 18-10-2021 7:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118034616#Comment_118034616

Nope get them up and working

Andrea B. · 18-10-2021 8:58pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118032492#Comment_118032492

Hi, if at all possible could you supply breakdown of parts and costs?

Like a screenshot of order?

Would be really appreciated as just starting to explore this stuff.

Pataman · 19-10-2021 11:21am

Here you go

I have subsequently changed to a hybrid invert for approx €300 extra

Yangtze Solar- 5.7kw on grid solar system -Pat.pdf

Andrea B. · 20-10-2021 7:46pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118040939#Comment_118040939

Thanks so much for that.

Gives me great starting ground for consideration.

Looking forward to hear about how the rest of it goes for you.

seoinin · 25-04-2022 10:41am

Hi @Pataman,

It's a brave journey you took going down the DIY install and I'm sure fraught with risks. So well done !

Any update on your system ? I'd love to hear how you are progressing.

I'd really like to do DIY install and I would love to put 20+ panels on my roof and build a 15kWh LiFePO4 battery system. I have a fairly good plan for the battery and an ideal inverter in mind but I really need to come up with a plan for the panels.

I have been emailing Mario from Yangtze Solar and have a quote for panels but he will only ship them to Berlin! I would appreciate any advice you could give me on how you arranged shipment to Ireland and also how you arranged customs clearance etc.

DM's welcome

spose · 25-04-2022 11:19pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118972986#Comment_118972986

Have you looked locally? Rexel or Kelliher’s have shops around the country and will give you a full parts list if you tell them what you are looking for. Bought 400w panels off them recently for less than 140 a panel. Unless the import option was massively cheaper I’d prefer to have somewhere local to go back to if I was short anything or had any problems

irishchris · 26-04-2022 8:45am

Second that and suggest checking out solartricity and midsummer here in Ireland. Solartricity will also do not of discount if ordering all parts from them generally