In Part 1 of our series, we saw how time consuming traditional sourcing can be. Now in Part 2, we follow John’s story as he uses Sunhub’s RFQ platform to find parts faster and cheaper. We will also cover how to find discontinued solar panels for system expansions and repairs, and how to keep prices low with competitive bidding. The process is simple and powerful.
Post Your RFQ
Create a free account on Sunhub’s marketplace. Then go to the RFQ Source Center and enter all your equipment needs: panel brand or model, inverter type, racking system, batteries, and other components.
Be as specific as possible. If you need discontinued or legacy components, list the exact model number or specifications. You can also attach photos of your current equipment to help suppliers confirm compatibility.
Sunhub listings include both new and used inventory. The platform maintains extensive listings with options for partial orders and real time availability updates. Suppliers on the platform are vetted for quality and reliability. Sunhub functions as a large solar equipment marketplace that enables safe and efficient buying at competitive prices.
Get and Compare Quotes
Once your RFQ is posted, verified suppliers across the country can view it and submit bids.
Within a day or two, John received multiple quotes in his inbox. Each quote included total price with shipping and estimated delivery time. One vendor offered brand new panels with delivery in five days. Another supplier offered lightly used panels that were available immediately at a discounted price.
John also used Sunhub’s built in chat to ask sellers questions and clarify product details. This allowed him to compare pricing, lead time, and purchase terms side by side before making a decision.
Accept a Quote and Place the Order
After reviewing all bids, John selected the quote that best matched his project needs and clicked Accept.
Sunhub generated a digital purchase order and processed payment securely. Funds were held in escrow until delivery was completed. The supplier received a notification to ship the equipment, and John received confirmation along with the expected delivery date.
Receive Equipment and Confirm Delivery
Once the quote was accepted, the equipment was shipped to John’s site. He tracked the shipment through his Sunhub dashboard.
When the parts arrived, John inspected them to ensure they matched the specifications from his RFQ. After confirming everything was correct, he marked the order as complete on Sunhub. The platform then released payment to the supplier.
This final step completed the transaction and allowed John to move forward with installation knowing the procurement process was fully handled.
Ensuring Compatibility in System Expansions
Solar array components must match in voltage, amperage, and form factor. When posting an RFQ, it is important to include details about the existing system such as inverter model, panel wattage, and battery specifications.
Suppliers review these details before submitting quotes to avoid mismatched equipment. In John’s case, he listed the model of his existing inverter. One supplier confirmed that their panels would integrate correctly with the system and prevent voltage compatibility issues.
Sunhub can also handle requests beyond solar panels. John included inverter and mounting bracket requirements within the same RFQ. Suppliers responded with quotes for those components as well.
The platform supports sourcing of many solar products including inverters, batteries, racking hardware, and EV chargers. This makes it a complete procurement tool for solar installations.
Real Example of Finding Discontinued Panels
In one case, John needed a rare 280 watt panel that had been discontinued by the manufacturer. After posting an RFQ, he received two competitive quotes the next day.
One quote offered slightly used panels at a ten percent discount. Another offered equivalent new panels priced five percent lower than his previous distributor.
These options were possible because Sunhub connected him with a wider supplier network. As a result, John saved money and avoided weeks of unsuccessful searching.
Bulk Pricing for Small Installers
Even smaller orders can benefit from competitive pricing. Because multiple suppliers bid on the same RFQ, installers often gain access to pricing similar to large scale buyers.
For a 10 kW installation, John received a per watt price close to what national installers typically pay. Competitive bidding naturally drives pricing down and helps installers control project costs.
No Upfront Fees or Risks
Posting RFQs on Sunhub is completely free for installers. Platform fees are paid by suppliers.
John received several quotes without paying any subscription fee or making any commitment. Buyers only pay when they accept an offer from a supplier. This means installers can compare multiple offers before deciding.
Using Sunhub can also significantly reduce procurement time. What previously required weeks of calls and emails can often be handled by completing a single request form.
One installer reported reducing sourcing time from seven days to just one day by posting RFQs and selecting the fastest supplier response. Reviewing multiple bids also helped John reduce costs by about $0.03 per watt on average, which can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings per project.
Communicate and Negotiate with Suppliers
Installers can also communicate directly with suppliers through Sunhub’s messaging system.
If a quote is slightly higher, John can contact the supplier to discuss bulk pricing or ask about delivery options. Suppliers may offer bundled discounts when multiple items are purchased together, such as panels and racking systems.
This communication happens directly on the platform, giving installers flexibility without the need for additional phone calls.
Access to a Larger Supplier Network
Sunhub connects buyers with a wide range of suppliers. In addition to domestic distributors, the platform may surface quotes from specialty resellers that handle discontinued or hard to find products.
If a panel model is no longer manufactured, the quote might come from a supplier with remaining inventory or from a reseller specializing in used equipment. Community features also help members share leads for rare parts.
In practice, this broad network increases buying power and replaces manual searching with a streamlined digital process.
Ready to Start Sourcing?
Upload your equipment list and compare quotes from multiple suppliers. If you need a hard to find or discontinued component, submit a request through the RFQ Source Center.
Many installers have already seen how a solar equipment marketplace like Sunhub can simplify procurement and reduce sourcing time. By connecting buyers with a nationwide supplier network, the platform helps installers secure equipment quickly while maintaining competitive pricing.
Sources
Industry analyses and manufacturer reports support these points, and the data reflects current solar procurement trends. Sunhub platform information is based on publicly available company materials. Additional vendor pricing comparisons are supported by market catalogs and industry surveys.