my solar install
Thanks to a LOT of people's help on this forum my panels are up and working. I got my 120 watt panels, MC4 cables, Tristar 45 PWM contoller and TS-RM-2 display from Solar Blvd who matched the prices ...
Forum Discussion
Once you get 'hooked' on solar panels, it is difficult to listen to your generator without thinking '1 more panel, and I would not be starting this noisy generator'.
That was my feeling. My first system was a pair of 45 watt panels, that along with wire, mounts, PWM 15 amp controller, and instructions cost $750 back in 1994. Back then you could rent a 4 BR house for $750, now that would cost well over $1800 rent!
My next panel was in 95, a 75 W that sort of maxed out the controller, on sale for 'only' $375. By 1999, I was ready to step up to MPPT controller (that had just come out and was very expensive I think my SP50 amp controller was around $375. A pair of $429 120 watt panels where also greatly discounted at the time.
Now you can buy a 140 watt panel for $229 at SunElec.com My whole system can be replaced for about $1,000.
I have saved well over $3,000 by saving $10 a night and dry camping over 300 times from 1994 - 2005, when I started full timing, and camped well over 600 times since that time!
Fred.
That was my feeling. My first system was a pair of 45 watt panels, that along with wire, mounts, PWM 15 amp controller, and instructions cost $750 back in 1994. Back then you could rent a 4 BR house for $750, now that would cost well over $1800 rent!
My next panel was in 95, a 75 W that sort of maxed out the controller, on sale for 'only' $375. By 1999, I was ready to step up to MPPT controller (that had just come out and was very expensive I think my SP50 amp controller was around $375. A pair of $429 120 watt panels where also greatly discounted at the time.
Now you can buy a 140 watt panel for $229 at SunElec.com My whole system can be replaced for about $1,000.
I have saved well over $3,000 by saving $10 a night and dry camping over 300 times from 1994 - 2005, when I started full timing, and camped well over 600 times since that time!
Fred.
