Want solar but so expensive!

[okcnewbie]

Originally Posted by DieselGod

....I am a power engineer and understand solar to AC systems extremely well.....

I'm no "power engineer" but I have a complete " Bob the solar guy" solar system and monitor and AGM batteries (400 amp/hrs) and less than 1500 dollars invested.

Did I just close another thread.........lol.

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by okcnewbie

I'm no "power engineer" but I have a complete " Bob the solar guy" solar system and monitor and AGM batteries (400 amp/hrs) and less than 1500 dollars invested.

Did I just close another thread.........lol.

This is really funny you bring up Bob. He helped me design and install my system on a previous rv. It had 360 watts of solar and 400ah lead acid batteries. I did whatever I need it to do. Never went low and ran the microwave, computers and tvs.
He knows what he is doing and talking about. Proper installation is so critical. I here about all these rvs that have 1000 watts of solar and can stay charged. To me it doesn't sound right. Maybe they are not conserving and expect solar to replace being plugged in or maybe the install wasn't done properly.
I'm in touch with Handy Bob again as I am designing my new system for the new rv. Trimetric in hand...

[greenhorn1]

Have to agree with the other posters. I have read Handy Bobs info on solar.
Have done a little shopping. I plan to start with 1. 100 watt panel and add on as money allows
5 ea 100 watt panels= $700
1ea sc2030 = $150
1 ea tm 2030 = $150
#4 wire =$60
misc parts =$100
MC4 cables =$100
500 amp shunt = $25-50

I'm sure I have missed a few things, but if you shop and do your own labor you can save a buck. Read Bob's info

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by greenhorn1

Have to agree with the other posters. I have read Handy Bobs info on solar.
Have done a little shopping. I plan to start with 1. 100 watt panel and add on as money allows
5 ea 100 watt panels= $700
1ea sc2030 = $150
1 ea tm 2030 = $150
#4 wire =$60
misc parts =$100
MC4 cables =$100
500 amp shunt = $25-50

I'm sure I have missed a few things, but if you shop and do your own labor you can save a buck. Read Bob's info

Go to Home Depot and purchase the #4 jumper cables. They are 20' long and are welding wire 19.99 and some ends to crimp (assuming 20' meets your needs, if not then is #4 big enough?)
I would also add an appropriate sized AC disconnect with fuses, combiner box and add some bus bars for inside it.
Not sure I would do with the Bogart charger but that is where it is good to look at the whole design and what you want to accomplish. You can implement it piece by piece but better to get what you need now then to have to replace it later.
Just my 2 cents

[greenhorn1]

Be careful about those jumper cables. Some are copper clad aluminum. I actually picked up the fused disconnect there along with a combiner box.

I have a friend who is an electrical contractor so I'm hoping to get a deal on left over #4, If not I will buy from the local welding shop after everything is in place and will only buy the length needed. It will cost a few dollars more.


The only thing that will be added later are additional panels for a total of 5

What charge controller would you suggest?

Thanks

[drdarrin]

I suggest the Morningstar TS-60 charge controller.

[DieselGod]

Thanks everyone for your input!

[stinespool]

Solar Bob's Quartzite. RV week. Love that guy!

[1bigmess]

Solar Bob had the best prices on current products that I could find after spending nearly an entire day scouring the internet. I think they may still be too high for the OP.

[greenhorn1]

Wow!!
I did not know Bob was selling solar products.
I have read the information on his site over and over.

Guess I missed it

[PJStough]

Originally Posted by greenhorn1

Wow!!
I did not know Bob was selling solar products.
I have read the information on his site over and over.

Guess I missed it

I believe that someone is confusing Handy Bob with Solar Bill from whom I would by stuff, but never let touch my rig.

[computerguy]

Originally Posted by PJStough

I believe that someone is confusing Handy Bob with Solar Bill from whom I would by stuff, but never let touch my rig.

Correct. Handy Bob doesn't really sell items. He used to when he was doing installs but he doesn't do many installs these days. He's building a place that is pretty neat. A real off grid place.

[1bigmess]

I made a mistake. It's Solar Bill's in QZ.

And they're not even who I was referring to with the best prices. Discount Solar on the other side of town was better. I have a fever today, and made a mistake probably because of it.

https://goo.gl/maps/1BFRtc8QXUq

[757driver]

Originally Posted by becks

As said, likely cheaper in the states. Check AM solar in Oregon, or Starlight Solar in Yuma. They are the best places to get solar in the states.

Bought my panels in Ontario, Canada for around a $1.00 per watt so with the exchange on the dollar I saved 30% compared to the USA.