Solar Kits from Amazon

[Redram99]

Hi
Just wondering if anyone has experience or thoughts on the solar kits off of amazon. Seem pretty reasonable. However, I have very little experience. Below is the link to two different options.

Just upgraded my batteries to 2 6V from Costco and looking at solar as we leave our motorhome at the lake with the fridge running during the week and no where to plug in.

https://www.amazon.ca/Renogy-200W-Polycrystalline-Solar-Bundle/dp/B00KVM53AE/ref=sr_1_18_sspa?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1525811798&sr=8-18-spons&keywords=rv+solar+panels+kits&psc=1

https://www.amazon.ca/Renogy-Watts-Volts-Monocrystalline-Adventurer/dp/B015DEY2TM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1525811900&sr=8-4&keywords=rv+solar+panels+kits

any input is appreciated!

[craz_z]

I would consider the panels but when it comes to the system as a whole. I would ala cart it. Spend as much as possible on wiring. second big expense would be controller. Morningstar would be my first choice.

The kits get the job done but not at the highest efficiency or off grid dependablity. expect to spend a grand on a starter kit that really really works well. wiring 300-400, controller with program panel 200-400 panels are the more lower cost portion of the project

springing for a shunt and bogart trimetic battery monitor would also be a nice addition.


I drank the bob is the solar guy koolaid and haven't looked back or had any regrets.

the thing that really really intriges me now is dumping the traditional battery for lithium and going that route. even at a grand for a 100amp hour battery you would be waaay ahead on power usage and recharging at a significantly higher rate then the traditional SLA battery basically one 100ah lithium at 40lbs replaces 2 200ah 6v batteries that weigh 160lbs and have the same useable capacity. battle born is tempting and will be at the top of my list once my agms die.

the renogy panels look fine as do any panel really the tech I believe lives in the controller low tech lives in super huge wiring and the heart of the system starts in how much battery capacity you have and keeping voltage drop to an absolute minimum.

Also look into solarblvd.

No matter what you choose RV solar should come standard with all rvs seriously the best mod you can put on them.

[Harvey51]

Same for me. One 100 W Renogy kit with PWM controller, cables and mounting hardware with shipping for $200 Canadian in 2014. The actual cost was higher because the courier didn’t deliver to our town so mailed it at a post office in Calgary and charged for that. Despite a Renogy thoughtfully making out a waybill listing a lower price the brokerage fee added another $50.

I didn’t have any trouble installing it, after finding out about the fridge vent wiring route. I needed an in-line fuse and a switch to turn off the panel current to the controller because it doesn’t like current coming in when the battery is disconnected. It has worked perfectly for 4 years providing all the charging we need in summer at least. I would strongly recommend a battery monitor so the battery % charge is always available. I thought I would be adding a second panel but it simply isn’t needed with our modest electrical needs. 5 amps of charging in good sunlight is more than adequate for us combined with a little more current from engine charging when driving.

[theoldwizard1]

Redram99 wrote:
...looking at solar as we leave our motorhome at the lake with the fridge running during the week and no where to plug in.

Are you talking about a household 120VAC refrigerator or a typical 2 way/3 way RV 'fridge ? If you are planning on running a household refrigerator, you will also nee a good pure sine wave inverter.

[loggenrock]

Renogy is a reputable company. I got my 100W "suitcase" thru them on Amazon.

[JesLookin]

We put two of these on top of our 5er 5 years ago. "Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Panel" Still going strong.

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Volts-Monocrystalline-Solar/dp/B009Z6CW7O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1525820541&sr=8-6&keywords=renogy+100+watt+solar+panel+kit&dpID=41rOZxjogoL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

[Ductape]

I bought my Renogy stuff via Amazon because I can count on them for reliable delivery and good customer service if there's a problem. Bought discrete parts as the kits had bits I didn't need.

[Lwiddis]

Me too, PSW!

[PSW]

I bought one of these from Amazon three years ago:
https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Volts-Monocrystalline-Solar/dp/B009Z6CW7O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1525820541&sr=8-6&keywords=renogy+100+watt+solar+panel+kit&dpID=41rOZxjogoL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I also bought a little 30 amp controller, some z mounting brackets & hook up wire, all from Amazon. I put the panel on top of my Phoenix Cruiser and it worked amazingly well. I couldn't have been more pleased but the next year I added another 100 watts on top as well. Now we can boondock for unlimited time and really keep our batteries well charged. We have two six volt golf cart batteries. This may be the best mod I have made to a RV.

Paul

[Lwiddis]

While I favor WindyNation, any of the major RV solar companies will deliver a quality system. Watch prices as Don counseled...Amazon, direct and/or Home Depot etc.

P.S. My solar rocks! Your’s will too. Plug-in? Gee, when’s the last time I plugged-in? Hmmm..2017 at Inyo County Fairgrounds to exercise my A/C, dump, fill fresh water.

[nosebreaker]

I like watching these guys, they both nice videos of their solar setup:

http://www.keepyourdaydream.com/solar/

https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solar/

[pianotuna]

This series of articles may help you decide:

https://freecampsites.net/adding-solar/

The kits you listed appear to be a little over priced. Try to find a local solar seller so you won't have to pay shipping.