StirCrazy wrote:
kowbra wrote:
StirCrazy wrote:
if you can DIY you can do a set up for about 5000.00
I think that package is way over priced. If there willing to sell it for 14 they probably pay 7 (or less) for it. they should give a few different options (battery types and such) and they might sell more at different price points.
Steve
Sorry Steve, but not sure where you are getting your numbers. Batteries alone are worth more than that. I did the math a few posts ago, and to be clear in USD.
Now, as to what they probably pay? Anyone's guess and to me that's simply pure conjecture.
Perhaps they should have more options, but they really do have 3 options right now:
-solar prep; no charge, included with every new Montana and comes with solar connectors and solar prewiring along with 5 outlets wired to inverter location. Everything else can be DIY added
-Solar Flex package; about $1500USD. Comes with a single 300watt/24v panel, a Magnum 2000 watt inverter and associated bits, but no batteries. A nice starter system that can be built on
-Super Solar Flex package; the topic of this thread, and the only one that comes with included batteries...
If you have some DIY numbers you can jump in with that can create a similar package to the Super Solar Flex for $5000, I'm all ears... let us know, that would be a smokin deal!
Brad
if you DIYing your not buying off the shelf batteries, you can build two 12V 280 AH for about 560 plus 400 in shipping and 100 bucks for a BMS that does equalization.
I just paid 230 (including tax) for a 325 watt 24V panel, 300 for a Mppt controler that can handle 4 of thoes and more.
can get a 2000 watt pure sign wave inverter from Xantrex for about 1300.00 (not trying to run an ac so realy thats all you need unless your huge power hogs then i dont know what to say, asid from spend more money :) )
I'll add 100 bucks for wires and such which takes us to 3600 bucks for a 1300 watt 24V panel set up feeding 560AH LiPhO4 bank with a 200 watt hardwired pure sign inverter with a 30 amp auto transfer built in.
if you wanted to save some money you could go with 4 gc batteries and have about 470 ah (235 usable) which is what I am running on my 5th right now, or you could spend more and buy LiPhO4 if you wernt comfterable with making them. in that cace you would spend 5 - 8K total depending on the capacity you want.
as for retail product pricing, you can generaly count on a 100% mark up at the retail store, specialty industries like boating, rv, automotive can and usaly have a higher markup than that, but just assuming it is the industy standard 100% than means if they sell it for 14 they pay 7 to the distrubitor who then would pay around 4 to the company who makes it. I used to run a computer business years and years ago and I used to just shake my heads at the multi levels of doubling of prices. if it is a dealer installed option it would probably cost the dealer about 1/2 after they take there labour out. if it is a factory option then it would be even less as they would be buying straight from the manufactuer.
either way it is what are you willing to pay for convenience and how handy are you. people will pay for this , exspecialy since you can roll it into the price of the rv and pay and extra 30 bucks a month on your financing.
Steve
Good summary, Steve,
I think we can agree it's not apples to apples to the Montana solution, but it does show what can be done for about $5-6k... even 3 or 4 years ago there is no way you could have built a solution as you've outlined for that price.
And, I think it's a great point that for some it will be an option because the cost per month is low...
BTW, personally I don't get the idea of 10 or 20 year loans on "toys", but it sure does seem to be popular with many now.
Thanks!
Brad
