Solar install question
Has anybody had a solar installation on their rig recently? I'm camper shopping and wonder about the cost of aftermarket solar add-on
Forum Discussion
Heheh, not real recently but I call 'Solar' the 'Black Arts' as you'll get so many different opinons on it, hard to tell if right.
What I learned after 3 different installs, rewiring etc.
1. Put on or leave room for as many panels as much as you can.
2. Increase the wiring to accommodate the Max and then go to the next level/grade.
3. Invertors, get more than you think you need.
4. They'll all ask you "How much do you need?" which is fine, but go to the max on that.
5. It's expensive but once in, well worth it.
6. Always have a back up generator, I use Honda 2200i which works fine.
Solar is great in sunny weather. Cloudy/rainy days, not so great, thus the generator.
It all depends on your camping style/needs and what you might want in the future.
Some get by on the little portable ones (but they can 'Walk off') as the needs aren't that great, which is great. But if you're trying to run an AC and microwave then you'll need a lot more.
Anyway, as I said, you'll get many different opinions, I've listed my "Lessons Learned' on my trials and tribulations... heheh.
Solar is really good, believe the 200w panels are the latest decent sized ones.
Hope this helps,
Good luck
Oh, also, make sure the installers KNOW what they are doing, get local recommendations. Dealer aren't necessarily the experts on the "Black Arts". heheheh
What I learned after 3 different installs, rewiring etc.
1. Put on or leave room for as many panels as much as you can.
2. Increase the wiring to accommodate the Max and then go to the next level/grade.
3. Invertors, get more than you think you need.
4. They'll all ask you "How much do you need?" which is fine, but go to the max on that.
5. It's expensive but once in, well worth it.
6. Always have a back up generator, I use Honda 2200i which works fine.
Solar is great in sunny weather. Cloudy/rainy days, not so great, thus the generator.
It all depends on your camping style/needs and what you might want in the future.
Some get by on the little portable ones (but they can 'Walk off') as the needs aren't that great, which is great. But if you're trying to run an AC and microwave then you'll need a lot more.
Anyway, as I said, you'll get many different opinions, I've listed my "Lessons Learned' on my trials and tribulations... heheh.
Solar is really good, believe the 200w panels are the latest decent sized ones.
Hope this helps,
Good luck
Oh, also, make sure the installers KNOW what they are doing, get local recommendations. Dealer aren't necessarily the experts on the "Black Arts". heheheh
