where to buy solar panels (and other solar related parts) in NY/NJ?

Hey there!

I live in Brooklyn NY and I bought a piece of land in upstate NY to build a nature gateway for me and my wife. I am going to be off grid and I want to start buying the many solar components I need for my system. Anyone knows a good supply store for 'all things solar' anywhere near me? (NY,LI,NJ, and so on)...

Thanks!!!

Hello, Uri Go

I found a few stores in your area with wide range of solar energy products. You can visit and check their products here:
1. 105 Lock Street #215, Newark, NJ (973) 893-7804 ‎ · www.rennergyllc.com
2. 160 Johnson Ave, Hackensack, NJ (561) 488-8928 ‎ · www.henrystonersales.com
3. (973) 810-0936 ‎ · www.solarnmorestore.com
4. 630 Huyler Street, S. Hackensack, NJ (888) 884-0911 ‎ · www.mrsupply.com

I hope this helps.

S Bengi wrote:http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-203505963/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=solar&storeId=10051#.UNbxZ28azuo

It seems that this solar panel kit is not so suitable to Uri Go as I understand. It's "ideal for running small pumps and lights or charging your portable electronic devices" as it said in spec. This system provides only 1.2 kWt/hrs per day that is 36 kWt/hrs per month. This is very small amount of energy for somebody that wants to be off the grid:). Each panel here is 100Watt and it is not enough. Maybe in the case of buying a large number of panels and building a big array on a large area. You can read the following post that may help you on the best solar panels for home.
Thanks.

If your plan is just for a weekend get-a-way a 400 w system is probably more than you will need. If you are electrically inclined I would look at the "Grape" monocrystalline 250 w panel (also at Home Depot) and buy the other parts that you will separately. Storage batteries, consider one battery for each 50w in your system and let it charge for at least a week before using or make sure each battery is fully charged prior to hooking them into your solar set-up. Then you have to decide on how big of an inverter you want. Lots to consider for surge power.

250 w solar panel - http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=203079647&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&MERCH=REC-_-product-3-_-203505963-_-203079647-_-N#.UOB6FKyGmSp

Hi, a few recommendations/thoughts...

I'm in Milwaukee WI, home to Helios Solar - one of the few US solar panel manufacturers; if you were closer I'd recommend their panels which are available right off the loading dock. When buying commercial panels, some of the greatest cost is incurred in shipment, see if you can partner with someone local to buy a portion of a full pallet. Beware the $cost/watt, most panels or systems in the big box stores are horrendously overpriced...

the following links may be helpful:
builditsolar.com (no sales, just a treasure trove of DIY alterative energy informtion and links)

alt-estore.com (online reseller, lots of good info, tutorials, calculators etc. get one of their catalogs as a reference book of sorts)

otherpower.com (discussion board, read into their forum as deeply as you can)

sunelec.com (sometimes have close-out panels and controls for sale, WIDELY varied customer reviews - not a recommendation, but worth looking at)

mrea (Midwest Renewable Energy Assn.) they might be able to link you up with a similar group out east

...if you're just getting into this, start by building small systems so that you understand how they work before spending alot of money; collecting energy (solar included) is easy - controlling and storing it is where you'll loose your hair

Andor

For anyone looking to get solar panels for their homes, I work at a solar company and would be happy to get you a quote. We currently serve NY, NJ, CA, CO, MD, CT, MA, DE, AZ.

We offer a few financing options so that you can purchase a solar system with cash or get a lease on one for $0 down. The company is sungevity.com use referral code, jmahler, to speak with me.

You can use this link to get a quote with my referral code:http://www.sungevity.com/get-your-iquote?referral-code=jmahler

If Paul is into it, we can get him up with his own referral program and he can earn $500-$1000 for every permie who goes solar.

Give me a call if you have any questions about solar at 510 496 5589, my name is Jon.

def get one of these for hot water.

http://www.siliconsolar.com/solar-evacuated-tube-collectors.html

There is also a panel builder kit on ebay, for smaller, in place collectors. A lot of folks sell em, but i think there is only one manufacturer doing it on there.
china company, and can buy em with/wout contacts pre soldered.

Many companies are selling solar panels in your area. Recently I have contact one such company called Kingtec Solar (http://kingtecsolar.com/contact/) and very happy with the service and support they provided.