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
That Kyocera outfit is overpriced, about twice for the power harvested (unless that includes labor).
If I was unable to install everything, I'd shop the online resllers for a decent price on a suitable module of 230-250W. That Midnite Kid looks like a good price but so are Morningstar, Rogue, and a few others in these lower amperage ratings. I'd buy all the pieces for the system and then find an installer that would work with what I had. With a modest setup like this, your material cost should be around $750, maybe a bit more if you choose a standalone monitor instead of a factory compatible monitor. There is also the option of a PC interface with controller and simple gauges. I have all three of these, PC interface, Victron Monitor, and simple gauges. I look at the gauges much more than the other two since the system was installed and dialed in.
Two important suggestions: permanently mount on the roof and don't cheap out on wiring, connections, and circuit protection. These latter three will be about the total of any maintenance items and I've had zero maintenance in that area.
Also, a caveat: After you are harvesting power from the sun, it will dawn on you that some of that power is going unused. The need will be to get more devices that make life easier, better, or just that you can. This may also lead to additional modules being installed so an upgrade path is not a bad thing to ponder or make allowances.
If I was unable to install everything, I'd shop the online resllers for a decent price on a suitable module of 230-250W. That Midnite Kid looks like a good price but so are Morningstar, Rogue, and a few others in these lower amperage ratings. I'd buy all the pieces for the system and then find an installer that would work with what I had. With a modest setup like this, your material cost should be around $750, maybe a bit more if you choose a standalone monitor instead of a factory compatible monitor. There is also the option of a PC interface with controller and simple gauges. I have all three of these, PC interface, Victron Monitor, and simple gauges. I look at the gauges much more than the other two since the system was installed and dialed in.
Two important suggestions: permanently mount on the roof and don't cheap out on wiring, connections, and circuit protection. These latter three will be about the total of any maintenance items and I've had zero maintenance in that area.
Also, a caveat: After you are harvesting power from the sun, it will dawn on you that some of that power is going unused. The need will be to get more devices that make life easier, better, or just that you can. This may also lead to additional modules being installed so an upgrade path is not a bad thing to ponder or make allowances.
