New Solar install feedback?
Well, since we got a new DP to start the new year, I have to do solar again. We travel for about six month each year and boondock as much as possible. I want enough solar to handle routine loads and keep the batteries topped off, but have no objection to running the gen for heavy load times like electric cooking or if the weather is too cold and we run a lot of heat.
Due to limited space on the roof I don't plan for a 100% solar solution. On our previous coach we had 630W on the roof, which worked quite well and we rarely needed the genset unless camped in the trees. What I have space for (while maintaining easy walking on top) is 4x100 mono panels. Mono because they are narrower at 21".
For batteries, we have 600AH of Lifeline. For heavy charging, we have the Onan and a Magnum ME2012 which will charge 100A.
Given the space constraints, I basically plan for a system adequate for temperate conditions. Too much furnace and we'll need to run the genset for maybe an hour in the AM, and I'm OK with that.
Now down to specifics what do you think of this: Renogy 400W kit for $702
Last time I did this I purchased each part individually and went for maximum performance at any price. Doesn't seem like a worthy goal this time. I'm looking for reasonable performance, and something I won't shed tears over if we trade coaches again in a few years.
So... given all that, would you buy the kit, or separate components? Different controller? Different panels?
Thanks in advance for wading through this long winded post. :)
Due to limited space on the roof I don't plan for a 100% solar solution. On our previous coach we had 630W on the roof, which worked quite well and we rarely needed the genset unless camped in the trees. What I have space for (while maintaining easy walking on top) is 4x100 mono panels. Mono because they are narrower at 21".
For batteries, we have 600AH of Lifeline. For heavy charging, we have the Onan and a Magnum ME2012 which will charge 100A.
Given the space constraints, I basically plan for a system adequate for temperate conditions. Too much furnace and we'll need to run the genset for maybe an hour in the AM, and I'm OK with that.
Now down to specifics what do you think of this: Renogy 400W kit for $702
Last time I did this I purchased each part individually and went for maximum performance at any price. Doesn't seem like a worthy goal this time. I'm looking for reasonable performance, and something I won't shed tears over if we trade coaches again in a few years.
So... given all that, would you buy the kit, or separate components? Different controller? Different panels?
Thanks in advance for wading through this long winded post. :)
