Hi everyone, especially those in Cebu City who have recently installed solar.

I'm currently planning a 6kW hybrid/off-grid solar setup for my house and I'm trying to determine if a ₱150,000 materials-only budget is realistic.

I'm considering something around:

• 6kW hybrid inverter – Deye, Sungrow, SRNE, or similar
• 4–6 solar panels – preferably around 550–620W each
• ~5kWh LiFePO4 battery – around 48/51.2V 100Ah
• Basic DC/AC breakers and protection
• Cables, MC4 connectors, mounting rails, etc.
• Installation not included in the ₱150k budget

My idea is to source/buy the equipment and materials myself, then find a qualified solar installer/electrician in Cebu to do the installation.

I'm considering this approach because I've been getting quotations from installers and the overall pricing seems quite high. I understand that installation, design, permits, transportation, warranty handling, and after-sales support have value, but I'm trying to see if I can reduce the cost by sourcing the materials myself.

Consumption is 200-300kw per month.

My questions:

1. Is ₱150k realistic for the materials only for a setup like this?
2. If so, what brands/models would you recommend for the inverter and battery?
3. Would you prioritize a 6kW inverter + smaller battery and add more battery capacity later?
4. Is 4–6 panels reasonable for a 6kW hybrid inverter, or would you recommend getting more panels?
5. For those in Cebu, how much should I realistically budget for installation/labor if I already have all the equipment?
6. Are there any Cebu-based installers/electricians who are willing to install customer-supplied equipment?
7. Are there any hidden costs I should consider—permits, grounding, breakers, mounting, transport, testing/commissioning, etc.?
8. Or should i wait for sept - december, will the prices lower by this months?

I'm not trying to cut corners on safety. I just want to understand whether the current installer quotations I'm receiving are reasonable or whether sourcing the equipment separately makes more sense.

Would appreciate any advice from people who have actually installed solar in Cebu/Philippines, especially recent 2025–2026 installations.

Thanks!