How Sunhub Trader is streamlining deals for the entire industry

In a solar industry racing to keep up with rising demand and increasingly complex supply chains, one company is offering a smart, modern solution. A strategic hub where buyers and sellers meet, negotiate, and close deals in real time — Sunhub Trader is more than just another distributor. And it’s transforming how solar equipment is sourced and sold across the United States.

This evolution didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of a 17-year journey rooted in one core mission: make solar accessible, affordable, and operationally efficient for everyone.

From installer to innovator: Sunhub’s origin story

An Ohio-based residential and commercial solar installation company founded in 2007. Over the years, Yellowlite became Ohio’s largest solar installer by staying committed to providing reliable, clean energy solutions. But the founders saw another opportunity—one that went beyond installation.

In 2020, Sunhub spun off with a singular focus: reimagining the lifecycle of solar equipment. The early years were centered on trading solar panels and solar inverters.  This model gave buyers a chance to access affordable equipment in a market that often favored large-scale procurement. It also introduced the idea that a digital marketplace could offer real value in solar procurement.

What started as a resale platform quickly grew into something bigger. As customer needs evolved, so did Sunhub. The company expanded its services to include new equipment, built strong manufacturer partnerships, and continued to invest in digital tools. The result? A next-generation procurement platform that caters to installers, EPCs, and developers nationwide as an authorized distributor to the solar industry.

The launch of Sunhub Trader: A game-changing solution

In 2023, Sunhub launched the Trader platform—the industry’s first chat-based B2B solar marketplace. Unlike static online catalogs or phone-heavy sales processes, this platform allows for live, real-time negotiations between buyers and sellers. It’s a more intelligent, interactive way to handle deals of all sizes—from a few pallets to multi-megawatt utility-scale projects.

Think of it as the eBay of the solar world—but built specifically for professionals. There are no subscription fees. Users simply create an account, browse live inventory, request quotes, and enter private chats with verified sellers. Once both parties agree on the terms—price, delivery, and more—the platform automatically generates a legally binding contract.

More than just listings

Sunhub Trader is packed with features that make it more than a simple marketplace:

Live inventory updates: Prices and availability shift in real time, giving users up-to-date insight into the solar equipment landscape. This helps avoid delays, backorders, and miscommunication.

Flexible quote requests: Buyers don’t need to purchase on the spot. They can request a quote to lock in pricing and complete the purchase later—ideal for teams that need internal approvals or are finalizing project details.

Negotiation-friendly interface: Unlike many e-commerce platforms that rely on fixed pricing, everything on the Trader site is negotiable. That includes price per watt (PPW), delivery terms, and even logistics support.

Effortless usability: Product data sheets are auto-filled, quantities are pre-loaded, and the entire user interface is intuitive and clean. The goal? Eliminate the headaches of traditional procurement.

A proven track record of growth

Sunhub’s momentum speaks for itself. From 2021 to 2022, the company saw a staggering 5,400% increase in growth. That wasn’t a fluke. From 2023 to 2024, Sunhub achieved:

• A 145% increase in new platform registrations

• A 184% increase in registered sellers

• A 20% rise in marketplace transactions

• A 345% jump in order volume

These milestones reflect not only the market’s appetite for better procurement tools but also Sunhub’s ability to meet that demand with innovation and speed.

Trusted by top solar brands

More than 250 trusted manufacturers and distributors actively use Sunhub, including leading names like SMA, Trina Solar, PEIMAR, Canadian Solar, and APSystem. This level of trust shows that the platform isn’t just for smaller players—it’s also being embraced by some of the biggest names in solar tech.

By creating a space where these reputable sellers can connect directly with installers and EPCs, Sunhub eliminates middlemen and increases transparency throughout the supply chain.

Beyond transactions: Building community

Sunhub is more than a tech platform—it’s a solar community builder. The company sends weekly newsletters, manages forums, and engages with over 30,000 solar professionals each week. It’s a space for conversation, collaboration, and shared progress.

Community is also built into the platform’s functionality. For users who prefer hands-on support, Sunhub offers the option to speak directly with representatives. For more independent users, Sunhub Trader offers anonymous, self-driven deal negotiation backed by automated legal contracts and responsive customer service.

Expanding with the industry

As solar technology evolves, so does Sunhub. What began as a marketplace for modules has expanded to include inverters, batteries, and other critical system components. And Sunhub has no plans to stop there. The company is actively building out the platform to include more product categories and specialized equipment, ensuring it continues to serve the full spectrum of industry needs.

That includes the launch of dedicated categories for 400-watt solar panels, as well as higher-capacity options like 500-watt and 600-watt modules. These new additions reflect growing market demand for higher-efficiency panels and make it easier for buyers to filter and source exactly what they need. 

This adaptability is one of the reasons Sunhub Trader is considered future-proof. It’s not just responding to the market—it’s shaping how solar professionals think about procurement in the first place.

The future of solar commerce 

The solar industry is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade. As that happens, tools like the Sunhub Trader platform will play a critical role in helping businesses move faster, negotiate smarter, and scale efficiently.

By fusing real-time technology, user-first design, and community support, Sunhub has created a platform that doesn’t just meet the needs of today’s solar professionals—it anticipates the needs of tomorrow.

Whether you’re an installer trying to source quality equipment, a distributor with inventory to move, or a manufacturer looking to broaden your reach, Sunhub provides the digital infrastructure to get it done.

As Kadeer Beg, Sunhub’s Chief Operating Officer, puts it: “Sunhub Trader is built to make life easier for everyone in the solar space. Whether you're an installer looking for stock, a supplier trying to move product, or a manufacturer wanting better reach, this platform brings it all together. We're simplifying the entire process with transparent pricing, smooth negotiations, logistics support, and flexible financing—empowering our users to operate efficiently and close deals with confidence.”

Sunhub isn’t just innovating—it’s enabling an entire industry to thrive. Book a demo and see why solar pros choose Sunhub Trader.

About the author: Daniyal Ahmed is the Marketing Director at Sunhub, where he leads brand strategy, digital growth, and content innovation in the solar energy space. With a deep focus on AI-driven marketing and clean tech, he crafts impactful narratives that drive awareness and adoption.