Adding solar

Discount Solar in Quartzsite!

nevadanick wrote:
I am hoping that Am can figure out what i need. This coach has residential fridge so i want to cut down on generator use. We camp a lot in the winter so the generator does get used to recharge after the heat runs through the night. I want enough to not have to run the generator in good weather if possible.

I think you are looking at 400 to 800+ watts. I also recommend enough battery to get through 48 hours.

Here are a few installs to look at so you get an idea what is involved:

> Forum Members Solar Installations With Pics

Hi nevadanick,

You need to start with an energy audit. Do try the spreadsheet that I listed a link for.

You may be able to eliminate generator use if there is enough unshaded space on the roof.

If your pockets are deep, consider moving to LI batteries.

I am hoping that Am can figure out what i need. This coach has residential fridge so i want to cut down on generator use. We camp alot in the winter so the generator does get used to recharge after the heat runs through the night. I want enough to not have to run the generator in good weather if possible.

Hi,

You need to know what to ask for before going to any installer. Star lite Solar in Yuma is doing good work and is doing Lithium Ion Battery banks.

Here is a simple flow chart.

Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT. What ever type of controller is chosen, make sure it has adjustable set points and a temperature probe that is on the battery.

If you use solar as a battery charger, one rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the higher the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!
Solar Spread Sheet by N8GS

If you full time or use an inverter lots, then populate the entire unshaded area of the roof with panels. I'm considering replacing my awning with solar panels.

For a nice explanation of solar, try this link:
Golden rules of solar

Adding to my previous post: My install was on a Tiffin Red. They also added a trickle charger for the coach batteries so it always stays charged as well as the house batteries. Could not have asked for better - they were meticulous in their work.

A second nod to AM Solar. Solar is ALL they do. Facility is top notch as are the employees. Had my second coach done there by them last year and am extremely pleased. You can stay onsite overnight while they do the install- mine took the better part of two days. You can watch the work from an elevated viewing area looking into their work bays.

Call AM Solar and read their website for some basic information,. They will discuss what you want based on your usage and expectations for a system. They are not cheap but use only top notch components and heavier gauge wiring. They are in Springfield, Oregon and is a lovely drive to get there.

Good luck wherever you decide to go.

I've heard AM Solar in Oregon is good also.
If you're in the San Fran Bay Area, I had my Phaeton done at Avalon RV in Benicia.
Adam Blair does excellent work. Don't let all the Airstreams on his website scare you away. He refurbishes them but also specializes in solar.

He was listed on AM Solar's site as an installer.

Avalon RV

Contact Marv at Precision RV.

He installed our system on our tt and then fixed the install done by the dealer when we purchased our A.

Nina, of Wheeling It did a full write up on her installation.

We saw him in March in Casa Grande. Not sure where he is now.

AM Solar is very good. They also have some trained installers in different locations.

A drive to Springfield,OR in a new coach would be fun.