Timely to stock up prior to tariffs?

softdown
softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,937 ✭✭✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
New tariffs are scheduled for April 2nd, 2025. 10% for China. I believe 25% for Europe, Canada and Mexico? 

Seems like a no brainer to get a back up inverter for the inevitable failure. So I did. Especially with the rumors about a possible demise of Outback at some future point in time. 

Very exciting times!


A beauty of offgrid is that one may expect low expenses after the significant outlay to get a proper system installed. That could become very ugly indeed if one had to replace major parts at a very bad time. 

Government was funded by tariffs prior to the 1913 Federal Reserve/IRS/taxation. This is going to be quite interesting. 
First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • SumPower
    SumPower Registered Users Posts: 85 ✭✭
    #2
    Rumors about the demise of Outback! Well, they are just rumors, why would they continue to manufacture equipment if they were going out of business?
    · Share on Twitter
  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 388 ✭✭✭✭
    edited February 27 #3
    SumPower said:
    Rumors about the demise of Outback! Well, they are just rumors, why would they continue to manufacture equipment if they were going out of business?
    As I recall the VFXR3648 I got for a spare last December had a Mfg label that it was assembled in Mex three years ago. I sure don't think it was NAZ sitting on it for that long. One has to wonder how much unsold inventory is out there not yet sent to distributors. And rotation of inventory? Hmmm.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
    · Share on Twitter
  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,937 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    In 2012 Outback seemed to be the king of offgrid solar gear. No longer seems the case. So yea, it is likely to be unsold inventory here and there. That could change in a month with a really big sale. Can’t see gnashing my teeth over a decision to have a back up inverter ready to plug in. 

    Especially when FedEx pulls stunts like this:
    Friday, 2/21/25
    4:14 AM
    On the way
    NAVAJO NATION, AZ
    4:42 PM
    On the way
    GLENDALE, CO
    8:19 PM
    Arrived at FedEx location
    HENDERSON, CO
    Tuesday, 2/25/25
    11:10 AM
    Departed FedEx location
    HENDERSON, CO
    Wednesday, 2/26/25

    That shipment has moved a mile in a week. 
    2:25 AM
    On the way
    AURORA, CO



    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
    · Share on Twitter
  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,937 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Last Outback charge controller was made in India. I think my 2012 Outback equipment buy was all made in the USA?

    Bold move to try to reinstate US manufacturing at this point in time. In my opinion - necessary. A daunting challenge for so many reasons. First maybe have to fix almost everything, perhaps all at once? Going to be a ride for certain. Certain list scheduled to be unfolded today. 

    Another question - what is BB still doing in SF? It's like the roots are 70 years old or something. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
    · Share on Twitter
  • SumPower
    SumPower Registered Users Posts: 85 ✭✭
    #6
    JRHill said:
    SumPower said:
    Rumors about the demise of Outback! Well, they are just rumors, why would they continue to manufacture equipment if they were going out of business?
    As I recall the VFXR3648 I got for a spare last December had a Mfg label that it was assembled in Mex three years ago. I sure don't think it was NAZ sitting on it for that long. One has to wonder how much unsold inventory is out there not yet sent to distributors. And rotation of inventory? Hmmm.
    Thats an unknown at this point, but I wonder about unsold inventory also.

    · Share on Twitter
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,664 admin
    #7
    Still have family here (not SF proper, just 15 miles south)... Although, 1/2 my family is now elsewhere. What do you do when brother lives on Long Island and tells you gas is cheaper, overall taxes less, and government leaves him alone better than what is happening in California.

    -Bill  :'(
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
    · Share on Twitter
  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 388 ✭✭✭✭
    #8
    BB. said:
    Still have family here (not SF proper, just 15 miles south)... Although, 1/2 my family is now elsewhere. What do you do when brother lives on Long Island and tells you gas is cheaper, overall taxes less, and government leaves him alone better than what is happening in California.

    -Bill  :'(
    Frankly, Bill, that doesn't surprise me at all.
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
    · Share on Twitter
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,664 admin
    #9
    For others... Long Island, New York State...

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
    · Share on Twitter
  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,937 ✭✭✭✭
    #10
    BB. said:
    Still have family here (not SF proper, just 15 miles south)... Although, 1/2 my family is now elsewhere. What do you do when brother lives on Long Island and tells you gas is cheaper, overall taxes less, and government leaves him alone better than what is happening in California.

    -Bill  :’(
    What would I try to do? Idaho and Wyoming topped my list when seeking to relocate. Moving pretty well sux though. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
    · Share on Twitter
  • JRHill
    JRHill Registered Users Posts: 388 ✭✭✭✭
    #11
    A low population state with reasonable property tax, no income tax and no sales tax. Is there such a place?  :/
    Off Grid. Two systems: 1) 2925w panels, OB VFXR3648, FM80, FNDC, Victron BMV-712, Mate3s, 240 xformer, four SimpliPHI 3.8; 2) 780w, Morningstar 30a, Grundfos switch, controller and AC/DC pump, 8 T105. Honda EU7000is w/AGS. Champion 3100. HF 4550, Miller Bobcat.
    · Share on Twitter
  • Marc Kurth
    Marc Kurth Solar Expert Posts: 1,176 ✭✭✭✭
    #12
    Choose your battles and decide on where you are willing to compromise. It is a truly beautiful thing that we are able to choose where we live! There are some things that no man should be willing to compromise.
    I always have more questions than answers. That's the nature of life.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories