Cost to install solar system?

[helmdog]

Looking for any information on recent solar installation costs. I'm thinking about getting something like a 1000w solar system put on my DP.

Has anyone recently had one installed?
Did you have it installed on-site or take the RV to a shop?
Any installer recommendations for the Mid-Atlantic region?

Thanks,
Joe

[ByeTheWay]

Here are some links that may be handy:
RV Electrical
https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/
http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm
http://solarpanelsvenue.com/mixing-solar-panels/
solarseller.com alternative energy by John Drake Services, Inc.

[helmdog]

Thanks BTW, I'll check them out.

[Edhildy]

I installed 930 watts of solar for @ $1500 this summer, did the install myself. Ordered panels, charge controller and wiring from Northern Arizona Wind and Power


https://www.solar-electric.com/marin...anel-kits.html

[okmunky]

Installing your own solar is not rocket science. I've learned to do my own now and typically add a panel every 2 years.

Unless you aren’t comfortable with tools or climbing on the roof, you can save big bucks if you DIY. Also, panels don’t have to be mounted on the roof. I have 3 panels on 25’ extensions that I use when I’m parked under trees. I have a safe place inside to store them for travel. All it took was installing one of these on the outside of the coach. It leads to the charge controller that is connected to the house batteries.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also feel one of these is a must have!

https://www.amazon.com/Bogart-Engine...e%2C292&sr=1-1

[okmunky]

I buy my panels from

https://www.continuousresources.com

And follow the teachings of Handy Bob

https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com

I notice you have an enclosed trailer. You can also mount panels on it.

[okcnewbie]

Originally Posted by okmunky

....And follow the teachings of Handy Bob

https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com

.

This is who I followed when I built my system. I will say that I'm not sure everyone should attempt this. If you like researching for hours and are anal when it comes to little details than go for it.

[okcnewbie]

Originally Posted by helmdog

Has anyone recently had one installed?

< said a little tongue in check >

I'm still waiting for all the lithium lovers to share with us how much they paid for a 1000 watt system.
I'm sure it will pay for itself in silence the first year though.

[RVific]

Well I'm only halfway handy so I contacted AM Solar (based in Oregon) who put me in touch with an "approved" mobile installer, RV solar solutions, who roams the northeast at certain times of the year. With equipment that you can purchase thru AM Solar they (Bill and Kelly Murray) installed 8-170w panels and a Victron controller and everything that goes with it for about $6850. The AGM batteries were already there from the factory. I drove to their selected location (3 hours away) and spent a week at an RV park, half getting the install and half testing and getting used to the system. Spendy yes but felt like I was working thru a qualified company and there really was just no way I was going to cut a hole in my roof and do all the work up there. That was this past June and we haven't had the opportunity to use it much yet but we are happy with the result.

[okmunky]

Originally Posted by okcnewbie

< said a little tongue in check >

I'm still waiting for all the lithium lovers to share with us how much they paid for a 1000 watt system.
I'm sure it will pay for itself in silence the first year though.

Before investing in Lithium batteries I suggest you read that section in Handy Bob's blog. Link above.

[okmunky]

Beware, just because someone charges you $100+/hour and claims to know what they are doing doesn’t make them competent. Please get LOTS of referrals. There are as many bad installers as good ones.

Also, it’s not necessary to cut a hole in your roof. Solar cables can be run down your black tank vent or refrigerator vent. Typical panel mounts require screws, but they don’t go all the way thru and should be liberally covered by a sealant.

I'm not criticizing your choice, just offering options. Everyone knows their own comfort level and I respect that. I don’t do engine work. It’s all Greek to me.

[757driver]

Originally Posted by okmunky

Before investing in Lithium batteries I suggest you read that section in Handy Bob's blog. Link above.

Sorry this is one area where I wholeheartedly disagree with Bob. He has some excellent information on solar and batteries in general but his take on lithium batteries is for the most part out to lunch. Bob should stick with what he knows best and not venture into unknown territory.

[Itinerant1]

Originally Posted by 757driver

Sorry this is one area where I wholeheartedly disagree with Bob. He has some excellent information on solar and batteries in general but his take on lithium batteries is for the most part out to lunch. Bob should stick with what he knows best and not venture into unknown territory.

X2 , couldn't agree more.

[PbdBlue]

Originally Posted by Itinerant1

X2 , couldn't agree more.

X3. I’ve had lithium for about a year and extremely happy with them. Huge improvement over lead acid batteries.