Community Forums

Newps · 02-11-2021, 06:28 PM

Looking for the best deals on solar systems. I'm thinking of around an 800 watt system to be installed on a 2016 Tiffin 32SA.

AnotherMike · 02-11-2021, 06:47 PM

I'd use the search bar on the front page and look for solar comment threads. There are a LOT of them, and some are VERY informative.

Mike

153stars · 02-14-2021, 10:37 AM

Package "Solar systems" are usually overpriced. Try to find a place within driving distance offering deals grid tie panels FB Marketplace has some listings near me. The 325-ish watt size is popular and not too large/wide as ones at 400 and larger. Add mounts , connectors , wires , cables , ect and a good MPPT controller. Google DIY. RV solar and watch some vids , and ones that don't especially push a certain product / brand given to them for free.

Nwcid · 02-14-2021, 11:22 AM

Your question leaves a lot out. Are you going to do the install or have someone else do it? If someone else is it going to be someone that does general work and you need to get all of the parts or taking it someone that specializes in solar?

If you are taking it to a specialist then they will design and price systems for you. If you are doing it yourself then I would research what parts you truly need for your install and buy at the best price as that will be your best deal.

How did you come up with 800 watts? Have you done an energy audit? It may be too big, wasted money or too small, not performing to your expectations.

C.Martin · 02-14-2021, 11:38 AM

The “Going Green”:sub forum is a great place to look around for solar tips and bounce ideas around.

First... I am a big proponent of Victron Energy Equipment. They Network in unique ways, are controllable from a Smartphone app (Victron Connect). Easily updated. And just plain work.

Install a Victron SmartShunt500. (alternatively...install a SmartShunt 500 and also piggyback the ME-BMK-NS if using a Magnum Energy Inverter and ME-AGS-N for added control features). If using solar, or managing solar, it is super important to be able to measure your results. The SmartShunt is a amp meter that counts everything going in and out of your batteries. It is installed between the battery bank and all of your loads on the Negative line. You can use it to perform an energy audit of your rig. Zero out the amp counter...and unplug. After utilizing your coach for the day, or the weekend...see how many aH were used. With this information...you can design a system you will be happy with. The shunt will continue to help you monitor the soar and your battery bank state of charge.

There are little tricks...the total aH used needs to be converted to watts...so I like to use absorb voltage. aH used x Absorb voltage = total watts. You can divide that by about five hours per day to see how many panel watt output you need. Divide that by .8 to allow some wriggle room for not having the panels tilted perfectly toward the sun, or if a cloud flys by, lower output due to temperature coefficient loss, etc... Now is that 800watts?

Just a technique. It is good to discuss options and learn how different environmental and design factors impact your production.

530ktm · 02-14-2021, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newps

Looking for the best deals on solar systems. I'm thinking of around an 800 watt system to be installed on a 2016 Tiffin 32SA.

If you really want to learn about solar I recommend reading what this fellow has to offer. Years of expertise and hands on experience.

https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/

AnotherMike · 02-14-2021, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 530ktm

If you really want to learn about solar I recommend reading what this fellow has to offer. Years of expertise and hands on experience.

https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/

YES!!! HandyBob pulls no punches and speaks from experience.

There is also a writeup called "The 12 volt side of life" that is worth reading.
http: // www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm
That web page is part 1, and links to a part 2.
If you look around on the web you will find a PDF of the entire writeup.... I forget where I found it, but it's out there.

Look up the Will Prowse solar videos on Youtube. He is an educator.
https: // www.youtube.com/channel/UCoj6RxIAQq8kmJme-5dnN0Q

And Will is honest:
https://ozzyman.com/youve-gotta-love...ts-bad-reviews

The best bang for your buck in solar is to educate yourself before you sign that work order or check.

Next to "the 12 volt side of life" writeup, Will Prowse's book at $14 is probably the cheapest education you will find.
https: // www.amazon.com/gp/product/1546567119/ref=as_li_tl

Mike

Newps · 02-15-2021, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 530ktm

If you really want to learn about solar I recommend reading what this fellow has to offer. Years of expertise and hands on experience.

https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/

I am in the middle of reading this now, it's exhausting. Good lord this guy is a terrible writer. Lots of good info. He even wonders in the first article how he could make it shorter. I've got a pretty good idea. 75% of what he writes is fluff and simply not necessary and really detracts from his message.