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Old 06-27-2012, 06:10 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS View Post
Not much.....

IMHO.....most solor installz are ego based, not greenly inspired. Seems a lot of folks have a real aversion to pull cord power, we do not.

For us the dollars spent on a Sol panel install would take much too long to recoup here in the NE.
For others, not so much.

Pull-n-play awhile a day....I'm fine with that.

TETO


Bob
I know for us it's darn nice to have our batteries recharged without having to do anything - in fact, we were recharging the batteries while we were out hiking a couple weeks ago. I'm now keeping the converter off and will only use it when needed (heavy shade or multiple days of rain, that kind of thing) even with 120 volt power available. Since the solar cells are permanently mounted to the roof, I'm not worried about theft, and they're completely silent.

Of course, we didn't install the system, it came with the camper, so that makes it a lot easier and cheaper for us. I replaced the solar controller with a three-stage model, and that's all I've spent on the solar system.

On topic, though: I'm not surprised there was more to the story than we originally heard, like the inverter.
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Old 06-27-2012, 06:13 AM   #22
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WOW, thats crazy! Unless they are installing a system that could power a MIG welder! Who needs that in a camper?

I'm doing mine for $320 a panel x2 (240 watts per) and a Morningstar controller with all the bells and whistles. Throw in some shop supplies, mounts, wire, relays, Band Aids and ?? I'll tip the scales around $1200, and I have the satisfaction of doing it myself!

Run, don't walk from that quote!
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Old 06-27-2012, 07:03 AM   #23
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I wonder about the asthetics of having all that stuff on my roof too. But I do understand the part about the toys - how most of them are not all that practical but hey, who's to say I can't have my tractors the way I like them.
To each his own I guess.
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Old 06-27-2012, 07:21 AM   #24
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I bought 2x80w panels, wiring, charge controller with digital readout for $429 and here is their 405w set up for $1100:

Solar Panel Panneau Solaire KIT 405W Watt (3 * 135W) 405 Watt Mono 12V MC4 RV | eBay
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Old 06-27-2012, 08:17 AM   #25
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Let's put this into perspective.

The system that was quoted contains quite a bit more than simply 400 watts of solar panels and a charge controller, but we can start there.

Any questions?
Yeah, How do you know what was quoted? He didn't say what was quoted.. Is this what you would charge for the same thing? if someone came in wanting a 400 watt solar system? Just wondering.
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Old 06-27-2012, 08:27 AM   #26
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The system does include an inverter. Sorry, but I don't speak solar and was given the impression that an inverter was standard in such an installation. Next year we take off for probably two years on the road and I wanted a system that would be robust enough to handle all kinds of power needs. Given the cost, however, I'm now thinking along the DIY lines.
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Old 06-27-2012, 08:40 AM   #27
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The system does include an inverter. Sorry, but I don't speak solar and was given the impression that an inverter was standard in such an installation. Next year we take off for probably two years on the road and I wanted a system that would be robust enough to handle all kinds of power needs. Given the cost, however, I'm now thinking along the DIY lines.
Figure out what you want to do? Do you just want to keep the batteries charge? Run stuff of the solar while parked. 400 watt will run a small tv, laptop all kinds of stuff.

But figure out what you want to run that isn't standard such as the fridge and lights. Figure out the amount of watts it takes and then add a little extra for good measure to your system. DIY isn't always to bad. I have an inverter for the car to run the lap top and have used it in the AS when boon-docking. It works fine.
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Old 06-27-2012, 10:51 AM   #28
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Yeah, How do you know what was quoted? He didn't say what was quoted.. Is this what you would charge for the same thing? if someone came in wanting a 400 watt solar system? Just wondering.
INSIDE INFORMATION! I have spies everywhere
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Old 06-27-2012, 12:39 PM   #29
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The system does include an inverter. Sorry, but I don't speak solar and was given the impression that an inverter was standard in such an installation. Next year we take off for probably two years on the road and I wanted a system that would be robust enough to handle all kinds of power needs. Given the cost, however, I'm now thinking along the DIY lines.
Inverters really have nothing to do with the solar system. You could have an inverter in a camper without a solar panel at all. They just convert the 12 volts DC power into 120 volt AC power.
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Old 06-27-2012, 01:03 PM   #30
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INSIDE INFORMATION! I have spies everywhere
Man why to skirt the question. I was hoping for that insider info
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Old 06-28-2012, 10:00 AM   #31
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Man why to skirt the question. I was hoping for that insider info
I SAW THE QUOTE, so I know exactly what is included. Is that enough for these inquiring minds? After all, I had no idea this was to become a legal proceeding.
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Old 06-28-2012, 10:12 AM   #32
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I SAW THE QUOTE, so I know exactly what is included. Is that enough for these inquiring minds? After all, I had no idea this was to become a legal proceeding.
I figured that. Lew is well known and respected in solar RV circles, especially in Oregon, so I expected he heard about it. It just means he is connected, not a co-conspirator.

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Old 06-28-2012, 10:20 AM   #33
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Hummmm.... A conspiricy theory involving solar panels. Alumigate?????? This could play well in our plans.

Dan
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Old 06-28-2012, 10:25 AM   #34
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Hummmm.... A conspiricy theory involving solar panels. Alumigate?????? This could play well in our plans.

Dan
We are all unindicted co-conspirators.

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Old 06-28-2012, 10:39 AM   #35
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I SAW THE QUOTE, so I know exactly what is included. Is that enough for these inquiring minds? After all, I had no idea this was to become a legal proceeding.
Thats all we inquiring minds wanted to know. didn't know if it was a guess or what. Now the legal proceeding and law suits can be canceled. and no photon torpedoes (resently installed, instead of solar panels) don't have to be used

plus I love a good conspiracy
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Old 06-28-2012, 10:40 AM   #36
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Ya know Gene, you're right. Anyway I'm gonna say one thing off topic and then I promise to stop. I would've bet my bottom dollar for years that Pat Buchanan was Deepthroat. I'm done. I am in secret negotiations with Lew for a solar installation this summer. I have the gens but like Bob (or was that Ron Popeil) says "set and forget".

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Old 06-28-2012, 10:50 AM   #37
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As far as I know - Lewster is the most competent and knowledgable Airstream solar guy I know - if he installs it, it will be great - he's not a hobbist, he is a degreed engineer whos knows how to do it right - yea you could go the Harbour Freight route, but if you are seriously using your Airstream, it will be more hassle than its worth. Solar is not cheap - but it sure is nice. If you are needing 400 watts, you need a serious system. I've seen a set up that Lewster did and it is AMAZING!

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Old 06-28-2012, 12:26 PM   #38
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As long as it powers the disco ball, that should suffice.

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Old 06-28-2012, 03:53 PM   #39
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As long as it powers the disco ball, that should suffice.

Pat
Actually, the solar is CHEAP compared to the price of a good disco ball.
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Old 01-26-2020, 07:26 PM   #40
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Gasp

I was quoted, $5500 for a 2000 watt inverter Victron BMV-712 battery monitor two Lifeline AGM 6 volts , 4 Zamp 100 watt panels with feet and a victron 100/50 solar controller. Then I way $140 a hour and nothing in writing on how long it takes other than 40-55 hours.

That is insane I get it on the parts and the labor talent but- GASP
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