What equipment do you need to install solar in 2026? Which brands should you choose? How much does it cost? This article gathers everything you need to know before making a purchase, comparing 10+ leading brands sold in Thailand.
Table of Contents
- What equipment is in a solar system
- Choosing system size by electricity bill
- Solar panels: Aiko vs Trina vs Longi
- Inverters: Solis vs GoodWe
- LiFePO4 batteries
- Mounting structures
- DC/AC protection devices
- Rapid Shutdown & PV Optimizer
- Total budget by system size
- Where to buy in Thailand
- Pre-purchase checklist
- FAQ
1. What equipment is in a solar system
A standard solar system consists of 7 main parts:
- Solar Panels - the heart of the system, converting sunlight into electricity
- Inverter - converts DC power into AC power for home use
- Mounting Structure - steel/aluminum frame that secures the panels
- PV Wiring (DC Cable) - special UV-resistant cables
- DC/AC Protection Devices - Breaker, SPD, Fuse
- Battery (Optional) - stores power for nighttime use
- Rapid Shutdown (Optional) - emergency power cutoff for added safety
2. Choosing system size by electricity bill
The right system size depends on your monthly electricity bill:
| Bill/Month | Recommended Size | Number of Panels (665W) | Roof Area | Approx. Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000-5,000 THB | 3 kW | 5 panels | 10-15 sq.m. | 120,000-150,000 |
| 5,000-8,000 THB | 5 kW | 8 panels | 20-25 sq.m. | 180,000-220,000 |
| 8,000-12,000 THB | 10 kW | 15 panels | 35-40 sq.m. | 330,000-400,000 |
| 12,000-20,000 THB | 15 kW | 23 panels | 50-55 sq.m. | 480,000-580,000 |
| 20,000-30,000 THB | 20 kW | 30 panels | 65-70 sq.m. | 650,000-780,000 |
* Total price includes equipment + installation / 3-phase (15kW+) requires a TIS-MEA meter change request
3. Solar Panels - Aiko vs Trina vs Longi
In 2026, there are 3 main brands popular in Thailand, all ranked among the Top 10 Global Solar Module Brands:
| Topic | Aiko | Trina | Longi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | ABC (All Back Contact) | N-Type TOPCon | HPBC (Hybrid PBC) |
| Power Output | 620-670W | 715W | 585-610W |
| Efficiency | 23.5-24.8% | 23.0% | 22.6-22.8% |
| Product Warranty | 15 years | 15 years | 15 years |
| Performance Warranty | 30 years | 30 years | 25 years |
| Temp Coefficient | -0.26%/°C | -0.30%/°C | -0.29%/°C |
| Best For | Homes with shade/limited space | Large projects/maximum power | General residential homes |
| Price per Panel (665-715W) | 3,399-3,499 | ~3,800 | ~3,200 |
Editor's Pick: Aiko Comet 3N72 665W
Why? Highest efficiency at 24.8% + the lowest temperature coefficient = excellent generation in Thailand's hot climate + better shade tolerance than typical P-type panels
Why? Highest efficiency at 24.8% + the lowest temperature coefficient = excellent generation in Thailand's hot climate + better shade tolerance than typical P-type panels
Runner-up: Trina Vertex N 715W
Why? Highest power output on the market at 715W + proven TOPCon technology + 30-year performance warranty
Why? Highest power output on the market at 715W + proven TOPCon technology + 30-year performance warranty
👉 View Aiko | View Trina | View Longi
4. Inverter - Solis vs GoodWe
The inverter is the heart of the system. Deciding between 2 Top 10 brands:
| Topic | Solis | GoodWe |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Models | 11 models (5-50kW) | 14 models (5-125kW) |
| Peak Efficiency | 98.7% | 99.0% |
| AFCI | 2.0 (option on some models) | 3.0 built-in on all models |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years |
| Monitoring | SolisCloud (Thai language) | SEMS Portal |
| Hybrid 10kW 1P Price | 42,100 THB | 46,900 THB |
| On-Grid 3P 10kW Price | 29,300 THB | 28,600 THB |
| Best For | Home/SME/budget-conscious | Home/factory/safety-focused |
Editor's Pick: GoodWe (for Home + Commercial)
Why? AFCI 3.0 as standard on every model = maximum fire safety + models available up to 125kW
Why? AFCI 3.0 as standard on every model = maximum fire safety + models available up to 125kW
Runner-up: Solis (for budget-conscious buyers)
Why? 15-25% cheaper on Hybrid models + SolisCloud supports Thai language with an easy-to-use UI for everyday users
Why? 15-25% cheaper on Hybrid models + SolisCloud supports Thai language with an easy-to-use UI for everyday users
👉 Read the full Solis vs GoodWe comparison
5. LiFePO4 Batteries
Batteries let your solar system work at night + protect against power outages:
| Topic | QES Battery (GSL-W-16K) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 16.08 kWh |
| Voltage | 51.2V (LiFePO4) |
| Cycle Life | 8,500+ cycles |
| IP Rating | IP65 (water/dust resistant) |
| Parallel Connection | Up to 15 units = 241.2 kWh |
| Monitoring | WiFi + Bluetooth + App |
| Standards | CB IEC62619, CE, UN38.3 |
| Warranty | 5-10 years |
| Price | 65,000 THB |
Editor's Pick: QES Battery 16.08kWh
Why? Best price (4,043 THB/kWh) + IP65 rated for outdoor installation + 8,500-cycle lifespan = 23+ years if used once per day + compatible with nearly every Hybrid Inverter brand
Why? Best price (4,043 THB/kWh) + IP65 rated for outdoor installation + 8,500-cycle lifespan = 23+ years if used once per day + compatible with nearly every Hybrid Inverter brand
6. Mounting Structures - Antai Solar
A quality mounting structure protects the entire system from wind/snow/rain. Antai is the most popular brand in Thailand:
- Rail: 2100 / 4200 / 4800mm - 185-460 THB per rail
- End Clamp: 30/33/35mm - 16.5-18 THB each
- Mid Clamp: 30/35mm - 16.7-17 THB each
- L-Feet H85/H165: 35.6-42 THB each
- Hanger Bolt (for steel/wood purlins): 73-79 THB each
- Tile Hook: 142 THB each (for tile roofs)
Standard: UL 2703 + 10-year warranty
7. DC/AC Protection Devices - Beny + Moreday
Protection devices are essential in every system, guarding against fire + power surges:
- DC MCB: disconnects the DC circuit during maintenance (Beny / Moreday) - 141-289 THB
- DC SPD: protects against surges/lightning (Beny BUD-40-2/3) - 489-609 THB
- AC SPD: protects the AC side (Beny BUA-40) - 254-559 THB
- DC Isolator Switch: cuts DC power (Beny BYT.2-32) - 396 THB
- Combiner Box: combines multiple strings (Beny BHS-1/1, BHS-2/2) - 3,584-6,570 THB
- RCCB Type-B: protects against AC+DC electric shock (Moreday EKL6-100B) - 2,324-2,432 THB
- ATS Automatic Transfer Switch: switches power sources (Moreday) - 626-887 THB
8. Rapid Shutdown & PV Optimizer - AndSolar
Add-on devices that increase safety + output:
- AMCL-E2 Rapid Shutdown: cuts DC power within 30 seconds (NEC 2017/2020) - 1,240 THB each
- AMCP 1200-1500 PV Optimizer: boosts output +25% for shaded panels - 1,870 THB each
- AESS-001 Emergency Stop: emergency switch - 700 THB
- ADCU Gateway 10/30: monitor every panel in real time - 3,330-5,780 THB
💡 When should you add AndSolar?
• Roof shaded by trees/neighboring buildings → add the AMCP Optimizer
• 2+ story homes / requiring high safety → add the AMCL Rapid Shutdown
• Commercial projects → add both + the ADCU Gateway for monitoring
• Roof shaded by trees/neighboring buildings → add the AMCP Optimizer
• 2+ story homes / requiring high safety → add the AMCL Rapid Shutdown
• Commercial projects → add both + the ADCU Gateway for monitoring
9. Total budget by system size (all equipment included)
5 kW System (small home) - 180,000-220,000 THB
- Aiko 665W solar panels × 8 = 27,200
- Solis S6-EH1P6K Inverter (Hybrid 1P) = 26,200
- Antai Mounting (rails+clamps) = 8,000
- Beny DC SPD + Breaker = 1,500
- Xinhongye 100m cable + minor accessories = 8,000
- Installation + permit application = 40,000
10 kW System (medium home) - 330,000-400,000 THB
- Aiko 665W solar panels × 15 = 50,985
- GoodWe GW10K-ES-C10 Inverter (Hybrid 1P) = 46,900
- Antai Mounting = 15,000
- Beny DC SPD + Breaker = 2,500
- Cable + minor accessories = 12,000
- Installation + permit = 80,000
- (Optional) QES Battery 16kWh = +65,000
20 kW System (large home/SME 3-phase) - 650,000-780,000 THB
- Aiko 665W solar panels × 30 = 101,970
- GoodWe GW20K-ET-L-G10 Inverter (Hybrid 3P) = 82,600
- Antai Mounting = 28,000
- Beny DC SPD + DC MCB + Combiner = 8,000
- Moreday RCCB + ATS = 5,000
- AndSolar Rapid Shutdown × 30 = 37,200
- Cable + minor accessories = 25,000
- Installation + 3-phase permit = 150,000
10. Where to buy in Thailand
QES Energy is an authorized distributor of every brand mentioned in this article:
- ✅ Moreday - Breaker + ATS
- ✅ Xinhongye - PV Cables
- ✅ AndSolar - Rapid Shutdown
- ✅ QES Battery - LiFePO4
11. Pre-purchase Checklist
✅ What to check before deciding to buy
- Calculate your average monthly electricity bill → determine system size
- Survey your roof (area + orientation + shade)
- Check your meter type (1-phase = under 10kW, 3-phase = 15kW+)
- Compare prices from 3 or more vendors
- Verify the products are genuine (request datasheet + warranty card)
- Read past customer reviews (Google / Facebook)
- Check warranties (panels 15+25 years, inverter 10 years, battery 5-10 years)
- Request an official quotation detailing every piece of equipment
- Check the required MEA/PEA permits
- Choose installers trained by the inverter brand
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for homes with monthly bills of 5,000+ THB. The payback period is around 3.8-4 years. With a 30-year panel lifespan = cumulative savings of 800,000+ THB over its lifetime + it helps the environment. See the full ROI calculation
You must request a permit from MEA (Bangkok) or PEA (provinces) if the system exceeds 1kW. The fee is approximately 3,000-5,000 THB (application + electrical inspection) and takes 30-60 days. QES Energy can recommend installers who handle the full end-to-end paperwork.
On-Grid: connects to the grid, sells power back to the utility, doesn't work during outages, cheaper. / Hybrid: has a backup function that works during outages, supports battery connection, more expensive. Hybrid is recommended if you have frequent outages or want to store power for nighttime use.
It depends on your usage - you need one if: 1) you're rarely home during the day and use a lot of power in the evening/night, 2) you have frequent outages and want backup, 3) you want 100% self-sufficiency. / You don't need one if: 1) you're home during the day, 2) you use Net Metering / Net Billing with the utility. Adding a battery extends the payback period by 2-3 years.
QES Energy is an authorized distributor of Solis, GoodWe, Aiko, Trina, Longi, Beny, Moreday, Antai, Xinhongye, AndSolar, SolarClean and is the owner of the QES Battery brand. Every product comes with a datasheet + warranty card from the manufacturer.
5-10kW systems: 2-3 days of actual installation + 30-60 days for paperwork and permit applications, totaling 1-2 months. / 20kW+ systems: 3-5 days + 45-90 days, totaling 2-3 months (because a 3-phase meter change is required). QES Energy handles the paperwork for you.
Summary
Buying solar equipment in 2026 offers many options, but the best principles for choosing are:
- Choose a size that matches your electricity bill (not too big/too small)
- Choose brands with representatives in Thailand (easy RMA)
- Invest in safety - AFCI 3.0 + Rapid Shutdown
- Buy from an authorized distributor, not the secondhand market
- Choose genuine products + long warranties = worth it in the long run
Consult the QES Energy engineering team for free before deciding. Line: @qesenergy | Call 083-987-2899