New Solar Install

[jodeb720]

Guys,

a good friend of mine reached out to the folks at camping world.
They gave him a quote for 510watts of panels, some GC batteries (AGM) and controllers etc.

We all agree before you start down the path of any solar install, you need to know what your usage is on a daily basis and size the entire package from there.

What I'm looking for is recommendations as to who you would purchase the panels from - and is competitive in pricing and is a quality product.

We live in Colorado - so if there's someone local - that would be good to know as well - though we have no particular need to purchase them locally (Other than saving on shipping).

Thanks in advance for your experience and recommendations!

Josh

[pianotuna]

OUTRAGEOUS run don't walk away.

jodeb720 wrote:
Price quoted $6512.00
Freedom 2000w pure sine wave inverter Installed, $1402
Freedom x Control Panel (Bluetooth), installed 248.00
Solar Kit (1 panel, no brand name provided), installed $1253.00
Solar Kit (2 additional panels) $1678.00
4 golf cart batteries, AGM (no brand name), Installed $1931.00

We just went to lunch, a Renology 2000w inverter - amazon priced - 269.00.

this just seems to be outrageous. After a lengthy convo and he has two generators (honda, 2200w) why spend all that money.

I can see the batteries (and Lead Acid, costco 210ah, 6v around 100.00 each, a good battery charger and the inverter = A whole lotta less money... now, he's got a 40' toy hauler and can't really park in places like national/state parks (because of the length) so generator noise or minimal run time isn't an issue...

And most of the time there's nobody close to him anyway so is it really worth it?

[dodge_guy]

You can shop on Amazon and a get a 400W system with MPPT controller for about $700. And then as you seen inverters can be had for a decent price as well as batteries. If you or he does the install your self it shouldn’t be anymore than $2k with wiring for good quality compaonenets.

[wanderingaimles]

I got a single 325 watt contractor for 175.Similar deals are available from residual installers because new , slightly higher wattage panels are always out there.
2 of the 36 watt 300-375 watt panels is a simple install.
10-12 ga wiring depending on distance, a 60 amp MPPT controller, and wire to the batteries.
https://www.renogy.com/charge-controllers/

[Lwiddis]

Traveler, was asking about CW’s proposal. What did they spec?

[jodeb720]

@Son of Norway - Thanks for the tip! that's a great place to start!! I appreciate the lead.

[jodeb720]

Price quoted $6512.00
Freedom 2000w pure sine wave inverter Installed, $1402
Freedom x Control Panel (Bluetooth), installed 248.00
Solar Kit (1 panel, no brand name provided), installed $1253.00
Solar Kit (2 additional panels) $1678.00
4 golf cart batteries, AGM (no brand name), Installed $1931.00

We just went to lunch, a Renology 2000w inverter - amazon priced - 269.00.

this just seems to be outrageous. After a lengthy convo and he has two generators (honda, 2200w) why spend all that money.

I can see the batteries (and Lead Acid, costco 210ah, 6v around 100.00 each, a good battery charger and the inverter = A whole lotta less money... now, he's got a 40' toy hauler and can't really park in places like national/state parks (because of the length) so generator noise or minimal run time isn't an issue...

And most of the time there's nobody close to him anyway so is it really worth it?

[pianotuna]

jdc1,

"Currently not available"

I edited the post to make it a clicky
Admin
RV.net

[jdc1]

https://www.amazon.com/ECO-WORTHY-600W-Solar-Power-System/dp/B079QH61YT/ref=sr_1_8?crid=F27S2ODEHCC1&keywords=rv+solar+panel+kit+with+battery+and+inverter&qid=1647032998&sprefix=rv+solar%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-8

One stop shopping

Clicky

Added clicky
Admin

[CA_Traveler]

Lwiddis wrote:
What wire size from each panel to combiner box? From box to controller? From controller to batteries. 12 volt? 24 volt? To the controller.

Usage determines watts and with configuration, distance, etc wire size can be determined with a wire calculator.

All RVs use 12V batteries except a few that have converted to 24V house batteries.

$/W is more expensive for 12V panels, 24V 60 cell panels are a good cost size tradeoff. 72 cell panels are rather long for a RV roof but may fit.

There are a lot of variables that need to be determined before wire size and power loss can be optimized.

My 3 serial panels have 62' of 10ga wire to the controller for a wiring loss of 0.6%, no combiner. The wires to the 12V battery are sized for 52A.

[Son_of_Norway]

This is a follow-up to KD4UPL's comment. I've been purchasing surplus solar panels and AGM batteries from a solar contractor in the Denver area for years. You can find him and see what he has in stock by searching Denver Craigslist for "solar panels" or "AGM". He is retired military so he always has "Go Navy" in his ads. His name is Marion and he is a good person to do business with. I have put together a solar install on my RV for a fraction of what it would cost otherwise by buying from him.

[CA_Traveler]

Shipping is very expensive due the panel size so check local availability. Used panels are another option.

[3_tons]

Personally, I would avoid Camping World - If he’s moderately capable, and willing to due just a modicum of basic research, I believe he’d be far better off to avoid outsourcing this project to the cut & pasters at CW…If nothing else he’ll gain the ability to ask informed questions - JMO

3 tons

[Lwiddis]

What wire size from each panel to combiner box? From box to controller? From controller to batteries. 12 volt? 24 volt? To the controller.

[KD4UPL]

Check with a local residential / commercial solar installer. I'd buy 60 cell panels from them. They probably buy them by the pallet or maybe have some left over from a job. Solar panels should cost around 50 to 75 cents per watt.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

And the price quoted was?

What charge controller?

What size is the battery bank?

What type of RV?

Most folks seem to have issues with camping world.