Solar up and running

[rkentzel]

Picked up some panels from solar blvd finally installed and working pretty good. 2 160 watt mono panels

[2oldman]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
but few, if any, RVers are able to use solar as their ONLY power source.

I can't. It's darn tough when you get many cloudy days. It's either fire up the gen or do without.

[Bill_Satellite]

I am sure there are those who can do this, but doing this with solar as your only power source means you have to give up many of the luxuries of life (like Air Conditioning). It's all about priorities. Comfort is my #1 priority and there is exactly zero percent chance that I could remain comfortable year-round using solar as my only power source. I do not mean to diminish the advantages of solar, but few, if any, RVers are able to use solar as their ONLY power source.

[Boon_Docker]

What is good to hear, enjoy! There is nothing better than to be able to go boon docking for weeks on end and never run out of power.

[rkentzel]

I am having good results with it my first solar system and it has exceeded my expectations.

[Dave-Sparky]

I have had basically the same system for two years now with no complaints at all. I only have two 100 watt panels mounted using the same brackets. I have seen up to 14 amps charging current after an long night, so I think it is working well.
Also, that display will also give you total and current watts into and out of the battery on one of the other screens. At least mine does.

Dave

[Boon_Docker]

Nice job and good choice on the controller. I have been using a Tracer MPPT for over 5 years now and have zero complaints. I boon dock 99 percent of the time and only run the genny the odd time for microwave and AC. Solar keeps everything else up and running.

[rkentzel]

We have so high winds here from time to time I had them I used them. Some were given to me.

[hedge]

I'm curious why you doubled up the brackets? I used the same brackets but just used 4 on each panel whereas it looks like you have 8? I've been a bit nervous about them in the wind but all the panels are still there so far.

[rkentzel]

There is always one on here. Don't need one I not like some of you guys who need every bell and whistle. It tells me enough of what I need to know and if in doubt I will break out a meter. I am on a budget so that crappy meter is just fine.

[mike-s]

You again? All he needs to know is whether they're being fully charged, and that he's not overdischarging them. That only requires a voltmeter, which he has. Anything else is expensive bells and whistles to satisfy an anal retentive need, not an electrical one.

[allen8106]

Where's your battery monitor? That controller remote display won't tell you c r a p about the state of the batteries.

[98coachman]

rkentzel wrote:
Solar Bvld has been great to deal with. The mounting brackets are renogy.

solar was 112.00 each
controller and remote 135.00
not pictured was a Renogy double cable roof penetration 24.95
In line fuse holder 14.00
30 amp breaker 29.00
battery cut off switch 29.00
Bought stock wire, crimper, made up my own connections with the stock wire. All the ends were Renogy stuff. Made a couple of mistakes had to buy a few new crimp terminals. about another 160.00 of stuff to complete it. Most all was bought from amazon except the panels.
Hard part figuring out were to run wire.

Thanks rkentzel for the info!! Your install looks fantastic!:C I hope mine turns out as nice.
Bill

[rkentzel]

Solar Bvld has been great to deal with. The mounting brackets are renogy.

solar was 112.00 each
controller and remote 135.00
not pictured was a Renogy double cable roof penetration 24.95
In line fuse holder 14.00
30 amp breaker 29.00
battery cut off switch 29.00
Bought stock wire, crimper, made up my own connections with the stock wire. All the ends were Renogy stuff. Made a couple of mistakes had to buy a few new crimp terminals. about another 160.00 of stuff to complete it. Most all was bought from amazon except the panels.
Hard part figuring out were to run wire.

[time2roll]

Just on the phone to arrange local shipping when I bought my primary components a few years ago.
see signature above

[98coachman]

smkettner wrote:

98coachman wrote:
Going down to s. California next week. How were they to deal with. Thought I would stop and talk to them personally.
Thanks, Bill

If you see something on the website you want to pick up... I recommend you call in advance to check stock.

Thanks so much, have you dealt with them before?
Bill