Recommendation for Solar Panel install at Quartzsite

Talked to 2 different recommended company's today. Prices for 400 watt, which both recommended varied from $1500 to $4000. For the 15 days or so a year I dry camp, I don't think it's worth the cost. Thanks for the info everyone.
Brian

supercub wrote:
Looking for recommendation to have solar panels installed at Quartzsite during the RV event.

Get in line. Probably the busiest time for them. I'd do it in late Feb.

pianotuna wrote:
You need to know what you want before you darken the door of any solar firm.

Yes. Going in cold is like asking the car salesman which car to buy. It's kind of a shame that more RVers don't really know what they have. Just talked to a fella about his solar and inverter, and I told him it was for his residential refer. He didn't even know it was a resi refer.

dons2346 wrote:
In checking my solar info file, I found this installer in Yuma that warrants a look. I'll be contacting them in January

http://www.starlightsolar.com/Home.html

We've met the owners as they RV'd with the Escapee Boomer group. Their business is recommended.

There are no local deals in Quartzsite. Their season is short and they have to make it for the year. Others that have a business located somewhere else that is open the year round and then setup in Quartzsite for a short time during the season may offer better pricing.
But that sales tax is high no matter where you do business there. Also the sales tax all around Az. is kind of on a run away train. We gotta keep feeding that bureaucratic vampire as we all know the more it gets the more it wants.

In checking my solar info file, I found this installer in Yuma that warrants a look. I'll be contacting them in January

http://www.starlightsolar.com/Home.html

Brian, don't forget that Quartzsite gets 10% sales tax. Buying an object like a fire extinguisher or some other bolt on object is fine. I usually buy all of coach filters there. I don't think I would have something installed by locals. If you have an issue, you have to run back to Quartzsite and hope they are open, other than just during the winter.

I have seen a lot of sloppy done in Q. I would head over to Phoenix to RV Solar or to Springfield,OR to AM Solar.

If you are getting it done for sure, better call for an appointment

None on the installers there are recommended. Check out the 20 golden rules of solar at jackdanmayer.com and handybobs blog.

Do an energy audit of your usage first, I know it's a pita but it will determine your battery bank requirements which will then determine your solar requirements.

The current rule of thumb is 100 watts per 100 Ah of battery but it will most likely turn out to be closer to 150 watts.

You can do a lot of calculating or ask someone who lived several years on solar. It also helps that I have a E-meter that accurately measures the amp hours leaving the battery and returning.

I have a 415 watt solar system. I bought a MPPT controller back when a 50 amp Solarboost 50 cost around $375. Now you can buy a 20 amp PWM controller for as little as $13 and it will have a relay that comes on at dusk, shuts off at dawn or a preset number of hours after dusk. I bought two, and they are still working.

Your RV will consume about 35 amp hours daily just to run the refrigerator, CO meter and propane detector. In addition, you need something for the lights, furnace, and any 'optional things'. This can include a CPAP that might consume 50 - 75 AH nightly, or a lot of TV usage. I had a Direct TV receiver and 19" tube type TV, and could use 120 AH in one night. Then recharge about 110 AH during a winter day.

After a few days, I normally was done with the camping trip, and it would fully charge the day after I got home.

So I would recommend a pair of 140 watt 12 volt panels from this place. ABout $229 each.

SunElec.com

Discount solar probably can get very close to the same price. Use a open mind. Don't go in and say you must match the prices quoted online, but also don't overpay and write a blank check either. You just want a similar price, or keep shopping all over town.

I went shopping there in 2007 and went to a couple of places, buying 4 each 100 watt panels, a 1,500 watt inverter and a couple of extra 12 volt AGM batteries for a guy who wanted me to install it. WE went to a couple of places. WE bought at the lower priced place.




Good luck,

Fred.

NONE ---- If you want a knowledgeable installer and a retailer who will stand behind their product, then forget Quartzsite. We were pointed to RV Solar Electric in the Phoenix area and his independent installer, D&R Family RV Service. The price was about 20% LESS than the Quartzsite vendors wanted for comparable product and the warranty was much better from both of them in the Phoenix area.