How can a small solar business establish ties with the manufacturers?

System
System Posts: 2,511 admin
in Solar Information links & sources, event announcements #1
Hello, we are a new solar panel business and would like to know why it is so difficult to purchase equipment directly from the manufacturers? Is there a specific way to establish ties with them in order to buy equipment as needed for projects that we quote? We appreciate any inputs or tips on this matter. Thank you!
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: How can a small solar business establish ties with the manufacturers?

    I think most manufacturers want to only sell to a couple of distributers, and not have to deal with invoiceing dozens of small operations.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

    · Share on Twitter
  • rgs03833
    rgs03833 Registered Users Posts: 16 ✭
    #3
    Re: How can a small solar business establish ties with the manufacturers?
    SunPowerTechs wrote: »
    Hello, we are a new solar panel business and would like to know why it is so difficult to purchase equipment directly from the manufacturers? Is there a specific way to establish ties with them in order to buy equipment as needed for projects that we quote? We appreciate any inputs or tips on this matter. Thank you!

    Hi, most Mfrs. wants you to buy a large amount, they wanted to see if the products are in demand / post productions or if you are willing to take a risk at something, regardless... I'm in Stoves and Fireplaces business and they forced us to buy 25 to 50 at a time or we will NOT be able to purchase. Also, the investors that they have doesn't want the money to sit there and wait for small fries like us to buy just 1 or 2 and hundreds to thousands sitting there taking up stock spaces and not even talking about interests on the money. Sometimes it's hard to small people like you or myself to start a small business, but don't ever let them stop you from your goals / succeess... Good Luck!
    · Share on Twitter
  • solarix
    solarix Solar Expert Posts: 713 ✭✭
    #4
    Re: How can a small solar business establish ties with the manufacturers?

    No problem.... if you want to buy direct from the manufacturers - you need to do a minimum of container quantities, pay in advance, and commit to a long term relationship. There is a reason for distributors, they work hard for their margin. Earn your money by serving your customers, not by "cutting out the middleman". On the other hand, there are lots of Chinese businessman who would love to do business with you. Go for it.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories