Looking for a solar installer

Dear Ed,

I agree with Skip... Extreme Campers does have a good reputation.

Give them a call, have them email you what they can furnish and install for you... time frame and price.

I guess at this point we need to ask you.

"Have you already bought any of the components?"

sleepy

Hi Ed,

We know the folks at Extreme Campers
1590 Prospect Street
High Point, NC 27260
336-887-0048
Mike, the owner is a former Nascar tech, and is a master at fabrication. We recommend him highly.

Hope this finds all well and happy.

Love to all,

Skip Bosley

NMace wrote:
Camping World.

I purposefully left Camping Worlds in general off my recommendation. I have found that they are very expensive and some of their employees are much less skilled than others. When I have used them there were a lot of return visits to get things working like they were sopposed to be.

They must put their "certified techs" on high dollar motor homes... I have never gotten them... I learned to do it myself after that.

And worse...

... Some Camping Worlds are apparently franchisees... that were added to a RV Sales lot. I can name a few that have told me that they were there to service their customers... that if I didn't buy from them.... I don't think they really did service work... just swap-outs.

... the last time that happened it was on I-65, exit 234... Calera, Alabama... they did tell to park down the road... they had customers that parked in front of the store.

The one in Knoxville is very limited...

Camping World.

Ed, I have enjoyed helping you several times in the past but regret my inability to help you this time.

Janet and I have enjoyed your companionship, our meals with you, and the projects themselves.

I'm physically not at a point where I can do it yet. Getting up high is possible, gettin' low is very difficult and then back up from low is nearly impossable.)
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Now, what I can do is help you with the planning. (And I mean in person) The following is what i will offer to help you do.

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Decisions don't sound like much... but in truth they are most of the job.

1) how many watts you'll need (number of PVPanels) based on needs

2) where the PVpanels will need to be placed on the roof

3) where the solar controller is placed in relatiom to the batteries

4) where and how to route the wiring

5) help you find a professional installer (no handy man for this one)

My suggestion will be an employee of a residential/commercial PVSolar company.

This would be the time to add an Inverter

1) evaluate your inverter size based on your wants and needs

2) help identify specific inverters that meet your requirements

3) help choose a location within 3 feet of you batteries

4) add batteries as needed to match your wants and needs

5) chose proper wiring size for safety and function

6) chose proper fuseholders and fuses

Then: to make your system like home, and really automatic and trouble free

1) find a place/space for your ATS (automatic transfer switch)

it will automatically switch between your inverter, your shore power or your generator

It makes your 110VAC recepticles hot all of the time... no matter what the source of power is.

Ed... you could take this list to a professional residental/commercial installer in your area and ask for advice... make sure they check off each item and explain them to you.

That would be the smart way to go.

personally... I'd avoid RV sales.

I would also talk to your local West Marine... about who they'd use. We are much like a sail boat for needs and available space.

Sorry to be a has been... looking forward to saying...
"I'm back!"

Chet

East of the Mississippi, is a pretty large area. Maybe, you could find a local handyman, electrician, or car alarm installer, who would be interested in doing the job.

Yes I did it myself too. However I install air conditioners for a living, so the inverter was a really simple hook up.

Given the inverter has 6 wires going to it, and each must go to the correct location, you may want to try it or not? Some just don't like climbing on the roof anymore, and that is reason enough to seek out a installer. Others don't want to deal with roof leaks, also a great reason to have it done.

My Ex - wife would accept so-so work from the RV repair place, but when I installed something and did not vacuum every spec of sawdust or something, I got yelled at, not the service department. Another great reason.

Solar controller is only 4 wires at the most. Really easy to install. Two wires from the solar panels, two wires from the battery and done.

Solar panels are even easier - two wires that go only to the controller. Bolting them down is a bit more challenging. I used 6" of 2" angle aluminum from Home Depot on each corner. 3- 3/16" holes for #10 screws into the roof, with lots of rubber roof sealant. 1- 1/4" bolt into the solar panel framework.

For solar panels, I would recommend 12 volt nominal panels, with a 19 to 22 volt output (disconnected). UV resistant wire - #10 grey wire sold at Home Depot.

You can check with this company to see if they install in RV's. SunElec.com

You can also look for suppliers in your area at this website. HomeDepot.com

Good luck,

Fred.

Such a easy job. Do it yourself us the best way.