Solar installers and suppliers

[l3jorn]

Thanks for the replies. I did notice that, but I'm kinda out of options. I've been trying for 2 months to get quotes from other installers and just not getting anywhere. So this isn't the new norm now? It's still possible to get guys who do good work, are available, and don't markup like crazy?

 

[crawler]

Thanks for the replies. I did notice that, but I'm kinda out of options. I've been trying for 2 months to get quotes from other installers and just not getting anywhere. So this isn't the new norm now? It's still possible to get guys who do good work, are available, and don't markup like crazy?

I've found same thing

Calls, whatsapps, some just don't bother with replies at all...

[email protected] had very good communication and got them on a referral

[email protected] had most comprehensive quote, no reply after my questions though

 

[l3jorn]

I've found same thing

Calls, whatsapps, some just don't bother with replies at all...

[email protected] had very good communication and got them on a referral

[email protected] had most comprehensive quote, no reply after my questions though

Thank you. I'll give Dres a try!

 

[W@P]

Hey guys.

I recently got a quote from a company that does work for my employer. These are guys I can trust 100% and I know they do good work. They also use quality components.

The thing is, I was expecting the quote to be no more than 200k, but it's come in at 230. Now that the numbers are real, I'm panicking a bit, and starting to question the whole thing.

I'm happy to pay a bit of a premium for the quality & trust factor. I am aware the markups on the batteries and inverter are quite substantial, but with stock issues, and a massive shortage of installers, I'm wondering if I have to eat it? I've contacted 3 other installers (2 of them were references from forum members) who don't bother responding at all after first interaction.

I guess I'm asking whether you would pay for this kind of markup given the current scenario? Are things only going to get worse?

I would query this. No need to charge these amounts twice. I mean are they gonna give you 2 x COCs? Are they gonna travel to site 3 times? What they are affectifly saying is that they are gonna be busy for 3 days. One day for installing the inverter and batts. And 2 days to mount panels etc. R16500 excl. is a bit rough just for day rate labour.

I paid that for my whole installation in Dec 2021.

And yes the pricing on the inverter and batts are like normal prices atm then they still put VAT on top of that. I would tune them to sharpen their pencil a bit and give you a revised quote.

It's a lot of money. However, you quickly forget about the amount of money once your system is up and running and you give the finger to eskom.

 

[l3jorn]

I would query this. No need to charge these amounts twice. I mean are they gonna give you 2 x COCs? Are they gonna travel to site 3 times? What they are affectifly saying is that they are gonna be busy for 3 days. One day for installing the inverter and batts. And 2 days to mount panels etc. R16500 excl. is a bit rough just for day rate labour.

I paid that for my whole installation in Dec 2021.
View attachment 1476917
And yes the pricing on the inverter and batts are like normal prices atm then they still put VAT on top of that. I would tune them to sharpen their pencil a bit and give you a revised quote.

Thanks for this. I'll definitely ask for a revised quote.

It's a lot of money. However, you quickly forget about the amount of money once your system is up and running and you give the finger to eskom.

It really is a lot. I needed a bit of a motivation on this front, thanks.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Thanks for the replies. I did notice that, but I'm kinda out of options. I've been trying for 2 months to get quotes from other installers and just not getting anywhere. So this isn't the new norm now? It's still possible to get guys who do good work, are available, and don't markup like crazy?

Solar Power Kit - Solar.co.za

Create and download a no-obligation instant quote with our Solar Power Kit Builder.

solar.co.za

Spec your system, get your quote instantly. Book a site visit to accept the quote.

The equivalent of your system (8 kW Deye, 12 x 455 panels, 2 x 5,1 kWh Dyness batteries) + installation comes to R186k...

 

[l3jorn]

Solar Power Kit - Solar.co.za

Create and download a no-obligation instant quote with our Solar Power Kit Builder.

solar.co.za

Spec your system, get your quote instantly. Book a site visit to accept the quote.

The equivalent of your system (8 kW Deye, 12 x 455 panels, 2 x 5,1 kWh Dyness batteries) + installation comes to R186k...

Thank you. Very helpful.

A bit off-topic, but how would you rate a Deye/Dyness setup compared to Sunsynk. I've done so much research on Sunsync, that I have my heart set on them.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Thank you. Very helpful.

A bit off-topic, but how would you rate a Deye/Dyness setup compared to Sunsynk. I've done so much research on Sunsync, that I have my heart set on them.

It's the same hardware, different firmware. Deye is the OEM, Sunsynk is a rebranded Deye.

Dyness is a solid battery. Obviously you won't get the additional 5 year warranty on the inverter by having the Sunsynk inverter+battery combo. But you need to decide whether it's worth the extra price for you...

 

[Speedster]

Thank you. Very helpful.

A bit off-topic, but how would you rate a Deye/Dyness setup compared to Sunsynk. I've done so much research on Sunsync, that I have my heart set on them.

Deye and SunSynk are the same thing. Dyness are solid batteries, quite a few guys on the forum have them.

The bonus in going SunSynk inverter and SunSynk battery is the 10 year inverter warranty.

 

[l3jorn]

Great, thanks for the help chaps. Much appreciated!

 

[crawler]

Thank you. Very helpful.

A bit off-topic, but how would you rate a Deye/Dyness setup compared to Sunsynk. I've done so much research on Sunsync, that I have my heart set on them.

Hardware same

From what I read sunsynk is easier to work on application / setup side

Assuming both have CT capabilities

 

[Zodiak]

Hey guys.

I recently got a quote from a company that does work for my employer. These are guys I can trust 100% and I know they do good work. They also use quality components.

The thing is, I was expecting the quote to be no more than 200k, but it's come in at 230. Now that the numbers are real, I'm panicking a bit, and starting to question the whole thing.

I'm happy to pay a bit of a premium for the quality & trust factor. I am aware the markups on the batteries and inverter are quite substantial, but with stock issues, and a massive shortage of installers, I'm wondering if I have to eat it? I've contacted 3 other installers (2 of them were references from forum members) who don't bother responding at all after first interaction.

I guess I'm asking whether you would pay for this kind of markup given the current scenario? Are things only going to get worse?

This quote is excessive to be frank, for what you are getting you should be in the region of R185k - R190k. Have you tried contacting Smart Tech Solar?

 

[Zodiak]

Hardware same

From what I read sunsynk is easier to work on application / setup side

Assuming both have CT capabilities

And to also add, Sunsynk appartantly have better in country support/SLA for warranties - what I was told

 

[l3jorn]

This quote is excessive to be frank, for what you are getting you should be in the region of R185k - R190k. Have you tried contacting Smart Tech Solar?

Thank you. I have not. I'm in CPT.

 

[RonSwanson]

Hey guys.

I recently got a quote from a company that does work for my employer. These are guys I can trust 100% and I know they do good work. They also use quality components.

The thing is, I was expecting the quote to be no more than 200k, but it's come in at 230. Now that the numbers are real, I'm panicking a bit, and starting to question the whole thing.

I'm happy to pay a bit of a premium for the quality & trust factor. I am aware the markups on the batteries and inverter are quite substantial, but with stock issues, and a massive shortage of installers, I'm wondering if I have to eat it? I've contacted 3 other installers (2 of them were references from forum members) who don't bother responding at all after first interaction.

I guess I'm asking whether you would pay for this kind of markup given the current scenario? Are things only going to get worse?

There is quite a bit of fat in this, but then as you say they are using quality and expensive components like Hager switches ( & pilot lights @ R160).
I'm a bit disappointed that they did not specify Helukabel solar cable.

I honestly think that you can haggle no more than 10K off that price, it's what we pay for peace of mind.

 

[l3jorn]

There is quite a bit of fat in this, but then as you say they are using quality and expensive components like Hager switches ( & pilot lights @ R160).
I'm a bit disappointed that they did not specify Helukabel solar cable.

I honestly think that you can haggle no more than 10K off that price, it's what we pay for peace of mind.

Thanks for the feedback RonSwanson.

it's what we pay for peace of mind.

That's what's eating at me. These guys would sort out any issues/returns immediately and I can trust them, but like you say, there is quite a bit of markup for the privilege.

 

[RonSwanson]

Thanks for the feedback RonSwanson.

That's what's eating at me. These guys would sort out any issues/returns immediately and I can trust them, but like you say, there is quite a bit of markup for the privilege.

Be straight with them, tell them that you want Helukabel cabling, and that you are prepared to pay no more than 220K. Remind them that it is a relationship, and that there is future business because you will probably want another 8 panels come winter. And that they will be invited around every 18-24 months to do corrosion checks and preventative maintenance.

 

[soulie]

There is quite a bit of fat in this, but then as you say they are using quality and expensive components like Hager switches ( & pilot lights @ R160).
I'm a bit disappointed that they did not specify Helukabel solar cable.

I honestly think that you can haggle no more than 10K off that price, it's what we pay for peace of mind.

Helukabel is more or less the same price as China town cable if you buy per roll.but people at china town ,its like a feeding frenzy of junk allmost like black friday sales ., but it looks so nice they say .

 

[W@P]

Helukabel is more or less the same price as China town cable if you buy per roll.but people at china town ,its like a feeding frenzy of junk allmost like black friday sales ., but it looks so nice they say .

People buy solar cable at china town? WTF

 

[soulie]

People buy solar cable at china town? WTF

plenty .mostly all is illegal copper clad conductors or copper clad tinned wire , nasty stuff .fuses,circuit breakers ,brackets and all .