Hello everyone,

I live in Ohio and am traveling to Ontario, Canada. I was wondering if it is worth buying any products across the border and bringing them back to the U.S?
Are the Canucks better supported with solar products and the value of the U.S. dollar worth the travel and driving across of P.V. panels or inverters?

Right now, the value of the dollar is pretty near all-time-lows (for recent history). Canadian dollar is pretty strong right now too... So, everything outside of the US tends to be more expensive for US dollar holders.

Also, many countries have VAT taxes too--which tend to be higher than the US--don't know about Canada.

In the US, if you live in a state/city with high sales taxes, buying outside of your state (through the mail--sometimes even you can talk an out of state supplier to sell you local sales tax free when you show them an out-of-state driver's license) will save you another 8.5% (in my area).

Lastly, you can only bring in something like $800 per person (may be higher now) from outside the US without duty (although, some states like California will even try to collect local sales tax on items brought in through customs).

All in all--check out the prices for the components in the US first and make sure that anything you buy outside the US is a real deal. Bringing mail-order items across international boarders is frequently very expensive when UPS/FedEx/etc. charge you clearing fees (like $30--$50 + the duty per shipment--and sometimes delays).

-Bill

Don't waste your time. I buy my stuff from the US cause even with exchange, duty, shipping and brokerage it is still cheaper. There does'nt seem to be enough competition up here yet.
Now having said that, if you do find someone who is willing to deal please let me know.
Thanks Eh.

Thank you for the great replies! I really appreciate the good, honest advice and will save my money for other things.

I know that NJ is supposed to have a great solar program, can anyone suggest a good and reputable dealer there?

the programs you speak of are for those that reside in new jersey. if you want dealers, there's dealers in nearly every state, but if you want state grants/rebates then check on www.dsireusa.org

Solar Guppy (on the www.Wind-Sun.com board) also recommended this site for a very good deal on factory 2nd's...:



-Bill