How to Buy Solar Panels Wholesale: Bulk Purchase Strategies That Save You Money

"Let's be real, who wouldn't want to shave a hefty 10-20% off their next solar panel purchase? Sounds like a brilliant move, doesn't it? Well, that's exactly what wholesale buying empowers you to do.

Imagine your solar project coming to life: your dream home fully powered, that rustic off-grid cabin humming with energy, or your installation business thriving. No matter which path you're on, choosing to buy your panels in bulk isn't just a clever idea—it's a serious game-changer. And we're talking about more than just pocketing a stack of cash (though that’s a win we all love)."

That's the bright idea behind what we do at The Solar Store, and it's why folks love our 'Solar Panels by the Pallet' program—complete with special half-pallet pricing and expert guidance every step of the way.

So, ready to unlock some serious wholesale advantages? Stick with us, because in this post, we're breaking down exactly how to buy solar panels direct, step-by-step. Plus, we’ll share the inside track on snagging the absolute best value, whether you're a seasoned contractor, a savvy business owner, or an ambitious DIY enthusiast ready to make a real impact."

What You Should Know Before Buying a Solar Panel in Wholesale

Buying solar panels in bulk saves you more money than buying them one at a time.

This is a great choice for large-scale installations, such as powering: 

• Entire communities

• Commercial buildings

• Expansive residential projects

• If you’re a contractor or reseller

• If you want to save big upfront

Buying by the pallet also means all your panels are the same type, which makes your setup look better and work more smoothly.

Since all the panels match, it's easier to maintain the system and keep it running at its best over time. 

But don’t rush in blindly.

Since you’re buying in large orders, you want to be more intentional about your chosen supplier. It has to be reliable, have enough inventory, and have a solid support contact who can find the best solutions. 

Tips to Choose the Right Solar Panel for Wholesale Purchase

Below are proven tips for choosing the right solar panel for wholesale purchase.

1. Assessing Your Solar Energy Needs

This is especially useful for a large-scale DIY installation, but most professional installers will probably already know. 

To size your solar system correctly, you must calculate how much energy you or your customers need daily.

• The formula for this is: Total Energy Consumption (kWh/day) = ∑ (Power rating of device in watts × hours used per day) ÷ 1000

To put things in perspective, let’s say you’re powering a small rural home with:

• 4 LED bulbs × 10W × 5 hours = 200Wh

• 1 Fan × 60W × 8 hours = 480Wh

• 1 TV × 100W × 4 hours = 400Wh

• 1 Fridge × 150W × 24 hours = 3,600Wh

So, total daily load = 200 + 480 + 400 + 3,600 = 4,680 Wh = 4.68 kWh/day

If your load is 4,680 Wh/day and your location has 5 Peak Sun Hours, panel capacity = (4680 ÷ 5) × 1.3 = 1216W

That means one home would need about 1.2 kW of panels. If you're doing this for 50 homes, you’d need:

1.2 kW × 50 = 60 kW (or 60,000W) worth of solar panels. If each panel is 400W, that means 60,000 ÷ 400 = 150 panels. 

This is just a use-case scenario. The number of panels you need depends on your project's size, energy requirements, and the panels' efficiency. 

Our team of experts can help you calculate the ideal number of panels based on your energy goals and space constraints.

2. Comparing Pricing and Terms 

Some suppliers charge by the watt, while others charge by the panel. Always check the minimum order quantities (MOQs); larger orders can result in deeper bulk pricing discounts. 

Check for product parts and make sure that after-sales support is accessible.

At The Solar Store, we even offer financing options for large-scale projects. 

We can work with you to find a payment plan that suits your budget, making wholesale solar panels more accessible for businesses and large residential projects.

What About Special Permits or Licenses? 

You usually don’t need special permits to buy wholesale solar panels.

However, depending on where you live and the size of your project, you might need a permit to install them. 

For example, we're based in Oregon. Here, you can buy solar panels in bulk without a special permit, but you do need an electrical permit before installing them.

It's always a good idea to check your local rules or talk to a professional installer for advice.

Common Mistakes Installers Make When Buying Solar Panels Wholesale (How to Avoid)

Purchasing solar panels in bulk may save you a lot of money, but only if you avoid a few simple errors. 

1. Not Knowing the Type of Solar Panels You Need

There are different types of solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film). 

Imagine you plan to install panels on rooftops where space is limited. You buy polycrystalline panels in bulk because they are cheaper. 

Later, you realize monocrystalline panels would’ve given more power in less space. Now you're stuck with less-efficient panels.

HOW TO AVOID:

• Research panel types first.

• Match your needs with the right panel technology.

2. Buying Without Testing or Samples

Not all panels perform as advertised. Some may claim 400W power output but give only 320W in real conditions.

Let’s say a supplier shows you fancy pictures and sends technical specs. Based on that, you order 100 panels.

When they arrive, the frame is weak, and the output is poor. Testing just 1–2 samples before buying could have saved you thousands of dollars.

HOW TO AVOID:

• Request 1–5 samples for testing.

• Test power output, durability, and build quality.

3. Not Confirming the Actual Cost of Bulk Buy

Meanwhile, hidden costs have a way of getting in. 

• Depending on your supplier, additional shipping, handling, or installation fees may appear after you've secured an excellent panel price. 

• To avoid any surprises, get a complete cost breakdown in advance.

Final Checklist Before Buying Solar Panels in Bulk

We created this checklist to help resellers, installers, or anyone who plans to buy solar panels in bulk: 

Once you tick these boxes, you are most likely to get a good deal on your next solar panel bulk purchase. 

Best Place to Buy Solar Panels Wholesale: The Solar Store

At The Solar Store, we bring over 20 years of hands-on experience in supplying solar to contractors and families. 

We offer solar panels from trusted brands such as Hyundai Solar, JA Solar, Jinko, and Trina Solar, providing you with reliable options for any project.

• Our available solar panels in bulk purchase start from as low as $2,076 for 16 units of the Hyundai HiS-S405YH(BK) 405W Black Bifacial Solar Panel (Half-pallet). 

• Larger bulk options are also available, such as the 31 units of the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 550W Clear on White 144 Half-Cell Bifacial Solar Panel, which sells for $6,700. 

Most items ship within one business day, and you get safe and secure payment processing powered by Shopify. 

Contact us if you need help designing your solar system. We provide free technical support with every order.