I'm about 50% done with a build project in Central Thailand (Chainat vicinity) and plan to put a solar panel array on roof. The build is two-story with guest quarters above and gym/fitness area on lower floor. Our main home is on an adjacent lot and typically comes in with a PEA bill of around 6,000 Baht per month. I am from a cool climate and I run the air-con all day and refuse to swelter. I may also put a solar system on our main house to reduce that large monthly PEA bill.
My question is about most efficient/quality solar systems readily available in Thailand. I know no one locally who can assist, so I am reaching out for advice.
Most efficient, high quality and long life solar panels?
Best install companies operating in or around Chainat?
I saw the article posted here about different systems and an on-grid hybrid system seems to make the most sense. I spoke briefly with a cafe owner in Chainat who recently put up a 10KW on-grid hybrid solar system. He said he spent about 300,000 Bhat on that system but complained that it did not cover his full power requirements. He has a large two-building set up at his cafe and I can see that he probably will use the same or more power than I will use with my in gym/guest house build.
I also spoke yesterday with a sales reps from QCells
They sent me a quote estimate of 500,000 to 600,000
I know nothing about the QCells brand other that they have great marketing and talk a lot about their high performance/efficiency. If my PEA bills stay at the 6,000 per month range, then my payoff (solar system pay back) timeframe would be about 8 years on a 600,000 Baht set up.
QCells 10K-15K an on-grid hybrid system
Estimated price 500,000 - 600,000 baht
Specifications
1. Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11.3 -585 W <12 Years Product Warranty >
(In stock Thailand)
2. Q.PEAK DUO XL-G9.3 480 W <12 Years Product Warranty>
(Importing to Thailand in Oct 2022)
My project design here (about half way done):
Rail height is absolutely an issue in Thailand. I'm 6' 4" (193+ cm) and many a time I've been near to railings in Thai hotels/resorts that are far too low to pass international safety standards. It is way too easy to topple over railings here as being over 190 cm is in Thailand is treated as a rarity and not give due consideration in construction. Yes, everyone needs to be self-responsible and recognize the inherent dangers. And being elderly or in any altered condition (drugs, alcohol, illness, etc) heightens (pun yes) the danger. But as many will no doubt say... those risks 'come with the territory.' Same thing (magnified risks) applies to driving and road conditions/design in Thailand. I don't like it one bit. But in a society that's not litigious and w lax enforcement of existing safety rules + cost cutting, serious 'accidents' will be allowed to continue.
