Reputable Solar Installers?
Not sure if this is the right board in which to post this, but I was wondering if people could remind me of the really good solar outfitters in the RV community. I know I've seen a couple names...mayb...
Forum Discussion
Thanks for all the replies! To add some background, I have read lots about solar here and through various links from here over the years. Enough to recognize it would/will take a concerted effort to get up to speed (to a level I would be satisfied with - which is generally high) and then plan and execute it myself. While in theory I would like to do that (I'm an engineer as well as a DIY'er), I have a demanding business to run and sometimes it's simply worth it to outsource what I don't know so I can focus my limited extra time on actually doing fun stuff, not planning for fun stuff...
Admittedly, I am also reluctant to poke holes in my roof. I theoretically know how it should be done, but would feel more confident with someone more experienced doing that.
So, I've read about a couple small businesses that were really highly regarded here but couldn't come up with the names via searches. Hence my question...
I unfortunately only have room for two batteries (unless I totally redo something - I have a Class C where the batteries are under the entry steps) and may consider the AGM batteries when my current set kicks the bucket. Not sure if I can fit anything larger than two normal sized batteries - haven't measured to see what sort of space I have compared to battery sizes. Therefore, ultimately I think my system would end up sized around the max battery bank more so than the anticipated loads. I recognize this is backwards, but I don't live in the RV and I don't really feel the need for lots of electronics while camping (but would like to shower sometimes, run furnace/fridge, charge phone/tablet, maybe run tank heat pads on occasion). Currently, my style of travel involves more of a "roadtrip" approach where I am moving enough to not have much worry about battery charge, but I'd like to do more boondocking trips that involve staying in one place to explore, and I think it would be nice to tap into Colorado's abundant sunshine for most of my power needs.
I'd like to get a Trimetric or similar so I don't feel so clueless guessing about battery health from the lights on the stock RV control panel. I thought about simply installing the Trimetric and using it to assess usage and needs for a while, but would kind of rather find out what it would take to get a system in place - especially since I think the battery bank will be the design limitation.
I've also considered getting a more portable setup for a while and further assess my needs based on that. That's an option I truly haven't looked into - I have no idea how a portable solar panel gets tied into the system to charge my coach batteries...
Admittedly, I am also reluctant to poke holes in my roof. I theoretically know how it should be done, but would feel more confident with someone more experienced doing that.
So, I've read about a couple small businesses that were really highly regarded here but couldn't come up with the names via searches. Hence my question...
I unfortunately only have room for two batteries (unless I totally redo something - I have a Class C where the batteries are under the entry steps) and may consider the AGM batteries when my current set kicks the bucket. Not sure if I can fit anything larger than two normal sized batteries - haven't measured to see what sort of space I have compared to battery sizes. Therefore, ultimately I think my system would end up sized around the max battery bank more so than the anticipated loads. I recognize this is backwards, but I don't live in the RV and I don't really feel the need for lots of electronics while camping (but would like to shower sometimes, run furnace/fridge, charge phone/tablet, maybe run tank heat pads on occasion). Currently, my style of travel involves more of a "roadtrip" approach where I am moving enough to not have much worry about battery charge, but I'd like to do more boondocking trips that involve staying in one place to explore, and I think it would be nice to tap into Colorado's abundant sunshine for most of my power needs.
I'd like to get a Trimetric or similar so I don't feel so clueless guessing about battery health from the lights on the stock RV control panel. I thought about simply installing the Trimetric and using it to assess usage and needs for a while, but would kind of rather find out what it would take to get a system in place - especially since I think the battery bank will be the design limitation.
I've also considered getting a more portable setup for a while and further assess my needs based on that. That's an option I truly haven't looked into - I have no idea how a portable solar panel gets tied into the system to charge my coach batteries...
