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alliemac9's avatar
alliemac9
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014

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...maybe one in Arizona and one in Oregon (AM Solar?). But I can't remember the Arizona (?) one and am not sure if there are any others. I thought I remembered a couple who travels (part time?) and therefore offers mobile service as well?

Just contemplating my options and know there's a huge difference in really knowing the best components. If I'm going to do it, I want to do it right and am not sure I have the time to do the research and DIY.

Any recommendations?
Thanks!

80 Replies

  • Alpenliter wrote:
    aslakson wrote:
    Hands down - AM Solar in Springfield OR.

    al


    X2!!
    X3
  • Hi,

    Here is a simple flow chart.

    Budget-->Energy Audit-->Battery bank size-->number of watts-->PWM or MPPT.
    One rule of thumb is between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. The smaller the battery bank the higher the wattage needed (per 100 amp-hours). Here is a link to the rather special spreadsheet which includes an energy audit, that N8GS has created to help size solar battery charging systems!
    Solar Spread Sheet N8GS

    For a nice explanation of solar, try this link:
    Golden rules of solar
  • There is a place based out of Colorado that does custom installations. I cannot remember the name but came across it when buying the components for my own installation.

    AMsolar is excellent but they are in Oregon and they have a limited inventory in terms of solar panel types. Theirs are small and great for truck campers but for larger RV's the larger panels like the 140 Watt Kyocera will be less expensive and there will be fewer panels to install and wire.

    If you use 34 volt output panels instead of 17 volt you can use much lighter gauge wiring for the runs from the panels to the charge controller and this makes the installation a great deal easier.

    Some places to check out are amsolar.com, mrsolar.com, rvsolarectric.com, rvsolarsupply.com

    The RV solar will have panels sized for RV's while the majority of solar panels are size for commercial and house installations and not the best for an RV.
  • Hi,

    Learn enough to do diy. Walk into a solar place and be specific about the system requirements. If they won't accommodate you, walk out.

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