Costco Solar kit

[BobinICT]

I'm eyeballing this setup for my future TT. For 800 bucks shipped it appears to be just what I would need for dry camping and boondocking. States the charger is also good for Lithium-Ion. I have been initially thinking 400 for total panels of say two but I'm sure I can get three on the roof.

In my limited looking around it does seem to a pretty good all around kit. What do the smart people think? Thanks in advance, again!

https://www.costco.com/grape-solar-6...DO%2FHHgVnAXC5

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by BobinICT

I'm eyeballing this setup for my future TT. For 800 bucks shipped it appears to be just what I would need for dry camping and boondocking. States the charger is also good for Lithium-Ion. I have been initially thinking 400 for total panels of say two but I'm sure I can get three on the roof.

In my limited looking around it does seem to a pretty good all around kit. What do the smart people think? Thanks in advance, again!

https://www.costco.com/grape-solar-6...DO%2FHHgVnAXC5

That appears on the surface to be a Great Price - let us know how it works.

[DavidEM]

That is a great price for the total package. I would prefer a brand name solar controller and inverter, but those would cost several hundred $ more. Sometimes Chinese stuff works fine and sometimes it doesn't. But at least you have Costco behind it.

David

[LargeMarge]

We live near Grape Solar in Eugene Oregon.

They randomly place an A-frame sign on the sidewalk advertising a scratch-n-dent sale.
Prior to one such, we measured -- twice -- then acquired six 305-Watt panels.
6 x 305 = 1,830-Watts.

These feed eight 105ah AGMs.
We see no need to go with more.
And since we harvest free fuel falling from the sky, we see no need for a petroleum-based genset.

I seem to remember we invested about us$142 for each Lifeline.
Add about a yard or so per s-n-d panel.
Before we slid each panel into the bed of the old Dodge, we set it in the sunshine to verify performance.

If we were doing it over, we could go with smaller panels; very awkward to manipulate, the 3' x 6' 305s weigh close to a 100# each... up in the air balancing on a ladder hoping to not get impaled by shattered glass.

[Vintage465]

I think that's a pretty neat starter set up for sure. Just put the PWM Controller as close to the batteries as possible and run stout wire from the panels to the controller.

[ArtJoyce]

I had solar on our past TT. For the motorhome I'm trying simiflexable 160w pannel lat on the roof. I ran the wires behind the fridge. I Installed a 40 amp mmpt controler. Doing some testing and trying to figure out my battery usage.

Late october we were doing dry camping. Sun in ohio is down low and with panel on flat roof. I'm getting about 50% of the watts. I think the sun is around 50 degrees.

[DavidEM]

50% of rated watts at 50 degree sun angle is about right.

David

[BobinICT]

Just a quick update, I pulled the trigger and the kit is supposed to be in Friday. As I yet have something to mount it to, I'll do a component inspection and update perhaps next weekend. I know its like putting the cart in front of the horse but hey, why not?

In another thread Costco has an inverter gen on sale. Decisions, decisions....

[Ripter]

I just pieced together a similar system using a single 315W Canadian Solar Bifacial, Victron Smart MPPT charge controller and a Magnum 2000W Pure Sinewave inverter. Had I used 2 solar modules for equal energy i would have been a little cheapter but I would have needed a bigger charge control. Sooooo it seems pretty reasonable.

Also consider these Lithium batteries Costco carries. 2x 1300ah for $1400.
Doubt you'd find a better deal.

Lion Energy Safari UT1300 2-pack


Item 1455597

[Arch Hoagland]

Looks like a good deal, let us know what you think once you get it all setup.

[nvs4602]

Home depot carries grape solar as well. Hers their 600 watt kit.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Grape-Solar...Kit/5000027985

[Tuquala]

nvs4602, I think "Home Depot" is spelled different than "Lowes"!!

Not a bad price, but no inverter. May have a better controller.

[BobinICT]

Originally Posted by Ripter

I just pieced together a similar system using a single 315W Canadian Solar Bifacial, Victron Smart MPPT charge controller and a Magnum 2000W Pure Sinewave inverter. Had I used 2 solar modules for equal energy i would have been a little cheapter but I would have needed a bigger charge control. Sooooo it seems pretty reasonable.

Also consider these Lithium batteries Costco carries. 2x 1300ah for $1400.
Doubt you'd find a better deal.

Lion Energy Safari UT1300 2-pack


Item 1455597

Thanks Ripter. I'm seriously considering that 2-package as I've pretty much decided I will be going Lithium from the get go. (As he removes the Costco inverter gen from shopping cart)

[Ljwt330]

Originally Posted by Tuquala

nvs4602, I think "Home Depot" is spelled different than "Lowes"!!

Not a bad price, but no inverter. May have a better controller.

LOL, I noticed that too. Home Depot offers the exact same package for the same price, however.