2kw solar system for $1750

[Shawn6596]

Back in April I decided to install a real system on my coach. I already had a 912ah FLA bank, the factory 2kw inverter, and a 780w solar system. I removed the old system and installed it on my enclosed trailer I pull. I then installed 2000w on the roof of the coach with 2 midnight classic 250-cp controllers. The panels are 250w sun-power from santan solar. the arrays are 4s sending 200vdc to each controller. It has performed flawlessly. I have about $1750 in the system, and $175 for the battery bank.

[Bsqrd]

Originally Posted by Shawn6596

Back in April I decided to install a real system on my coach. I already had a 912ah FLA bank, the factory 2kw inverter, and a 780w solar system. I removed the old system and installed it on my enclosed trailer I pull. I then installed 2000w on the roof of the coach with 2 midnight classic 250-cp controllers. The panels are 250w sun-power from santan solar. the arrays are 4s sending 200vdc to each controller. It has performed flawlessly. I have about $1750 in the system, and $175 for the battery bank.

Very neat installation. Would like to see more detail on your breaker box and how you attached the panels to your roof.

[John Hilley]

Is the battery bank cost a typo?

[hclarkx]

Indeed, if one is DIY-capable, the cost of a sizable solar/battery system has come way down. My son's new system:

840 Ah of LiFePO4 battery with three BMS ........ $1800
Ten 200W 19.9% solar panels ...... $1500
Two 60 amp MPPT controllers ...... $500

(plus miscellaneous .. a few hundred $ in wire, z brackets, MC-4 connectors, circuit breakers, etc.)

[DirtRider]

Originally Posted by hclarkx

Indeed, if one is DIY-capable, the cost of a sizable solar/battery system has come way down. My son's new system:

840 Ah of LiFePO4 battery with three BMS ........ $1800
Ten 200W 19.9% solar panels ...... $1500
Two 60 amp MPPT controllers ...... $500

(plus miscellaneous .. a few hundred $ in wire, z brackets, MC-4 connectors, circuit breakers, etc.)

Where did your son buy his batteries?

[hclarkx]

Originally Posted by DirtRider

Where did your son buy his batteries?

BMS are from Overkill Solar, batteries .....

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...Log=new_Detail

[DirtRider]

Originally Posted by hclarkx

BMS are from Overkill Solar, batteries .....

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...Log=new_Detail

Thanks! To be honest, I always forget about the build it yourself route, but maybe that’s the way to go. It’s definitely the way to make it easier to justify the cost...

[hclarkx]

Originally Posted by DirtRider

Thanks! To be honest, I always forget about the build it yourself route, but maybe that’s the way to go. It’s definitely the way to make it easier to justify the cost...

Youtube is your teacher......... I'll do my fourth upgrade in May. I installed 200W in 2015, upgraded to 400W in 2016, then 600W in 2017, then 1000W in 2020, and have all the bits on hand to get to 1800W in May.

[Bobby F]

Originally Posted by Shawn6596

Back in April I decided to install a real system on my coach.

Were you by any chance in the LTVA recently? (Or possibly solar trailers are becoming a thing?)

[SR71jetmech]

Nice system!! I too have dabbled in the solar area.
I have two arrays also, a 600w portable I move around on the ground and a 500w permanent system mounted on the roof. Both are series systems with 2 controllers.

460ah and an Aims 2500w inverter/charger.

It is soo much cheaper to source and “custom “ build your own system.
I have done away with the flexible panels on the side of the coach after installing the panels on the roof.

[Andy69Morris]

I like the Victron MMPT but they are expensive and add to the overall cost of a system, but doing it yourself saves a bunch. I am getting ready to do an install for friend, he already has a 3000- watt inverter and 6 AGM batteries. From what I been able to price out it is still around $3000.00. See the price list and let me know what you think (also might be good for someone that is looking to do a system). The panels and controller are from https://www.continuousresources.com/ most of the other items are from Amazon. I could use 2 controllers but then you have the increase in switches, circuit breakers and wires so the cost is actually higher going that route, these add quite a bit to the install. The list includes aluminum angle instead of Z brackets, install is on a New Aire Motorhome that would have lots of shading if mounted on the roof so we are making a custom grid that will set about 2" below the side rail/awnings of the roof. Also listed a extra PV fuse as a spare.

[astrocamper]

I like using the Victron Energy equipment with the Cerbo GX and touchscreen. It is great having all data logged to the VRM portable so I get performance history uploaded whenever my Cerbo GX has Internet access.

I like being able to access this data from anywhere.

[SR71jetmech]

Originally Posted by Andy69Morris

I like the Victron MMPT but they are expensive and add to the overall cost of a system, but doing it yourself saves a bunch. I am getting ready to do an install for friend, he already has a 3000- watt inverter and 6 AGM batteries. From what I been able to price out it is still around $3000.00. See the price list and let me know what you think (also might be good for someone that is looking to do a system). The panels and controller are from https://www.continuousresources.com/ most of the other items are from Amazon. I could use 2 controllers but then you have the increase in switches, circuit breakers and wires so the cost is actually higher going that route, these add quite a bit to the install. The list includes aluminum angle instead of Z brackets, install is on a New Aire Motorhome that would have lots of shading if mounted on the roof so we are making a custom grid that will set about 2" below the side rail/awnings of the roof. Also listed a extra PV fuse as a spare.

If you want to save a little $$$ you might try this instead of the 712. I bought one and love it. Set up is easy. It’s blue tooth and will set up with any bank including LifePo 4.

https://www.thornwave.com/

Scott

[Shawn6596]

Originally Posted by John Hilley

Is the battery bank cost a typo?

Nope. I got 6 deka 9c12's for $175. they were 1 1/2 year old. I found them on marketplace.