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cwdavis's avatar
cwdavis
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014

Solar panels -- how common?

We just recently returned from our very 1st FMCA convention, this one in Perry, GA, which we enjoyed thoroughly, learning a lot! One surprise, though, was the absence of any seminars on solar power for RVs. And, in the vendor booths, I think we found just one display that included panels; there were no companies present that specialized in them. So the question is, how common are they?

25 Replies

  • I have one on the DP as a battery charger. Today I saw an a drag race car a solar panel mounted on the trunk to charge the battery while the car was sitting---pretty good idea.
  • To be honest in my travels I don't see many RV's with solar systems. The vast majority of RV'ers simply don't needed them so not a big item for RV sales services. If you will send some time here you'll quickly learn that for RV's there is no special skills required to install and it is a waste of money to pay someone else to do it. Buy the individual components that you need and install them yourself.

    I have 265watts solar, Morningstar controller, twin 6volt batteries, and a 600watt PSW inverter with auto transfer relays. All in I'm about $1000 total including two brand new Trojan T105's. System was designed for College Football long weekend tailgating including multiple HDTVs and satellite.
  • Hi folks,
    I just had a solar system put on as I'm refurbishing my old girl to go full time. I'm mostly a boon docker and I prefer a more basic Rig. So as I'm going thru I'm modernizing in an energy saving way.
    For my solar system I went with 480w in 3 solar panels added 2 additional GC2 6v batteries for 440 amp hours put in a 2000w pure sine inverter/charger. Added an electronic management system.
    The installer stays extremely busy.
    Whole system cost right at $4000 including parts, all the hand made brackets and braces and labor. I bought everything and helped (or got in the way), but I know my system. I don't think I overpaid on anything as I shopped it all includimg from some big installers.
    The part manufacturer recommendation came from the installer. Everything was right towards or at the top of e ery list out there for reviews and test results.
    As I was calling around it seemed everyone was busy.
    Take care,
    Bry.
  • Hi,

    Solar has been around for a while but it is only in the last couple of years that it has become low priced. Four years ago parts worked out to about $5.50 per watt. Now that is well below $2 per watt.