Factory Installed Solar Charging System

[Hibby]

My dealer threw in the solar package at his cost, so I think I paid about $1200 for two factory 55w panels. The system has been very helpful, and seems to work very well for us. I do have two Honda Generators that I sometimes carry, but usually only when I'm hunting in the Dakotas during the fall. With the sun low on the horizon or hidden behind clouds, and the colder temps, the heater will drain the batteries and I can't make it a full two days.

I have had great success with an Aerobie coffee press ($25), and LOVE the coffee.

[tkowalyk]

We have the factory installed solar system and it is great. This winter I have checked the batteries every couple of weeks and they are always at full charge. Of course you do have to carefully clean off the snow (which we do anyway).

We have spent a few days boondocking and have plenty of power. Our 2013 came with a 600 watt inverter and it has low voltage fluorescent lights. We are going to modify a couple of the lights to change out the bulbs to LED strips.

We did have one problem with the system - the voltage regulator malfunctioned and caused high voltage, which in turn caused the refrigerator to shut off. The tech guys at colonial had never see the problem before and fixed the problem in 15 minutes.

Overall I am very satisfied with the factory installed system and would recommend it as a must have option. I do plan on upgrading the panels in another 10 years from 53 watt to 100+watt; I have two panels.

Good luck.

[Hibby]

Tom & Lori,

Perhaps you just solved a problem I had last year! My refrigerator kept shutting off and I finally had to switch it to gas and take it in for repair. I was never able to find the problem, but I think the dealer finally switched out the voltage regulator.

How did Colonial fix your unit? How did they diagnose it? It would make sense if it's tied to the solar panels...

[TBRich]

We have factory solar as well, and have been pleased with it and have enjoyed having it... It maintains us well when dry camping.

That said, friends had an after market system added to their Bambi and I believe they got a better system for their money.

[lewster]

Thought that I might as well jump in with a few comments, having removed several of the factory solar charging systems for replacement with components and systems from AM Solar, Magnum Energym Blue Sky and Morningstar.

While the factory solar set up works, for $2900 one could have a truly expandable system with MPPT controller and full temperature compensation on the charging voltage (Airstream uses a PWM-pulse width modulation style unit) and had many unnecessary connections that create significant voltage drop in the factory system.

In any solar installation, voltage drop is the nemesis of charging efficiency. Knowing this, cable gauge should be adequate for any potential system expansion, connections should be kept to a minimum and most important, the charge line from the solar controller should be connected directly into the batteries, NOT a bus bar (as the factory does).

Thee are also many other options for inverters than the factory offering, such as 3-stage 'smart' inverter/chargers with full temperature compensation in the charge algorithm and delectability for the type of battery you have. These features guarantee that your batteries will be properly charged according to their ambient temperatures and voltage requirements by battery type, and thus lead to maximum battery life. My idea of a quality system does NOT include a single stage battery charger (converter) and a 1000 watt inverter-only device.

[SchuHouse]

Originally Posted by lewster

Thought that I might as well jump in with a few comments, having removed several of the factory solar charging systems for replacement with components and systems from AM Solar, Magnum Energym Blue Sky and Morningstar.

While the factory solar set up works, for $2900 one could have a truly expandable system with MPPT controller and full temperature compensation on the charging voltage (Airstream uses a PWM-pulse width modulation style unit) and had many unnecessary connections that create significant voltage drop in the factory system.

In any solar installation, voltage drop is the nemesis of charging efficiency. Knowing this, cable gauge should be adequate for any potential system expansion, connections should be kept to a minimum and most important, the charge line from the solar controller should be connected directly into the batteries, NOT a bus bar (as the factory does).

Thee are also many other options for inverters than the factory offering, such as 3-stage 'smart' inverter/chargers with full temperature compensation in the charge algorithm and delectability for the type of battery you have. These features guarantee that your batteries will be properly charged according to their ambient temperatures and voltage requirements by battery type, and thus lead to maximum battery life. My idea of a quality system does NOT include a single stage battery charger (converter) and a 1000 watt inverter-only device.

Ok. I like that advice. Problem is the dealers don't really seem to understand solar, most customers never order it. So I am think just start out with portable and eventually find someone who can install. I've done some searching and haven't found any solar rv installer in central Illinois... If anyone has advice feel free to share
Thanks

[Skater]

Originally Posted by SchuHouse

Ok. I like that advice. Problem is the dealers don't really seem to understand solar, most customers never order it. So I am think just start out with portable and eventually find someone who can install. I've done some searching and haven't found any solar rv installer in central Illinois... If anyone has advice feel free to share
Thanks

Road trip to visit Lewster?

[lewster]

Originally Posted by SchuHouse

Ok. I like that advice. Problem is the dealers don't really seem to understand solar, most customers never order it. So I am think just start out with portable and eventually find someone who can install. I've done some searching and haven't found any solar rv installer in central Illinois... If anyone has advice feel free to share
Thanks

Originally Posted by Skater

Road trip to visit Lewster?

Funny you should mention this….

I'm actually about to start a thread about my new venture. I will be opening an RV Solar installation center in Hood River, OR for the summer featuring AM Solar products, Lifeline batteries and Magnum Energy products. Actually, May 15 thru Oct. 15. It will be easy access just off I-84.

We will be doing a variety of other work as well but specifically electrical related; solar, electrical upgrades, 30-50 amp conversions, new converters, batteries and …………..air conditioning.

Drop me a note for available work scheduling. The Columbia River Gorge are is beautiful at that time of year too!

[Rocinante]

I don't remember exactly what my dealer installed for the Solar panels - I'll look it up next time I visit the trailer. However, I'm interested in what people are saying about the stock inverter and batteries in a new Airstream vs. what should be in there to provide better battery management. What, *precisely* are people suggesting should be installed vs. what would have come standard with our 2014 International Signature 27FB? I'm pretty sure they just wired the solar system into what was already there, and didn't upgrade anything else. Should I be getting out my wallet to "finish" the upgrade, and if so, what should I be putting in there? Thanks!

Oh, and please provide web links that clearly illustrate what's being suggested. I like to read more than random opinions. Thanks again.

[tkowalyk]

Originally Posted by Hibby

Tom & Lori,

Perhaps you just solved a problem I had last year! My refrigerator kept shutting off and I finally had to switch it to gas and take it in for repair. I was never able to find the problem, but I think the dealer finally switched out the voltage regulator.

How did Colonial fix your unit? How did they diagnose it? It would make sense if it's tied to the solar panels...

Colonial would not replace it until they witnessed the problem. Luckily, while we had the trailer at Colonial, it acted up again. With our problem, the refreidgerator would not run on gas either, because the voltage was running between 16 - 20 VDC. I disconnected the solar cables from the battery to get us through the week. Since the regulator was replaced we have not had any problems.

Good Luck!

Tom

[dkottum]

Silvery Moon, hang on to your wallet. Give the dealer-installed system a chance and see what it does for you. The factory converter (not inverter, that's a factory or after-market option) may overcharge your batteries and shorten their life if you allow it. But you can prevent this.

Always switch your Battery Disconnect (by the entrance door) to STORE position when you have external electrical power, including a generator, plugged in. This isolates the batteries from the electrical system and the solar system will properly charge your batteries as needed (if properly installed).

Switch the Battery Disconnect to USE position when your are camping without external power. And when traveling if you want the refrigerator to run on propane. This allows the batteries to power the 12 volt equipment.

[Zigidachs]

Our dealer installed a 145 W panel and connected it DIRECTLY to the battery pack ( by-passing the inverter / converter ) so the batteries remain charged even tho the batteries are disconnected from the trailer. Works like a charm.

[Rocinante]

Thanks, guys. We'll try that approach (switching the batteries to STORE position when on AC power!) before cracking out the credit cards again.

[mefly2]

Lewster is your man for the best systems and installs.
However, we opted for the factory solar for the convenience of the wiring already installed and the inverter with shore and inverter outlets.

When we are boondocking - which is the majority of the time- we utilize either one EU2000 or one EU3000is (it is MUUUUUCHHH quieter). Cold weather here necessitates using the furnace blower frequently and the batts (even with the AGM factories) give out after about 2 1/2 days. We try to run the refrigerator on AC before leaving and whenever possible hooked to either shore power or generator.

You can get a lot more bang for your buck with other than the factory solar option ... we just wanted the convenience and that is what the dealer had in stock. Upgrades to follow this summer.

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by Silvery Moon

I don't remember exactly what my dealer installed for the Solar panels - I'll look it up next time I visit the trailer. However, I'm interested in what people are saying about the stock inverter and batteries in a new Airstream vs. what should be in there to provide better battery management. What, *precisely* are people suggesting should be installed vs. what would have come standard with our 2014 International Signature 27FB? I'm pretty sure they just wired the solar system into what was already there, and didn't upgrade anything else. Should I be getting out my wallet to "finish" the upgrade, and if so, what should I be putting in there? Thanks!

Oh, and please provide web links that clearly illustrate what's being suggested. I like to read more than random opinions. Thanks again.

There is a whole site that I think anyone contemplating solar should visit and read if you really want to understand the solar process.
Just look up Handy Bob's Solar Blog.
Well worth anyone's time to read before heading out into the solar world.
I know that when I do my install I will follow his recommendations.
George

[SchuHouse]

This maybe a silly question but is it possible to install factory solar system and later down the road supplement it by adding more panels or even using portable panels like the go power kit?

[traveluminum]

Originally Posted by gmeikle

There is a whole site that I think anyone contemplating solar should visit and read if you really want to understand the solar process.
Just look up Handy Bob's Solar Blog.
Well worth anyone's time to read before heading out into the solar world.
I know that when I do my install I will follow his recommendations.
George

Thanks for the suggestion on Handy Bob's solar blog. It is worth reading!

[lewster]

Originally Posted by traveluminum

Thanks for the suggestion on Handy Bob's solar blog. It is worth reading!

I posted this quite a while ago, and will repeat it here:

Just briefly read Bob's blog. Interesting! What I took away from what I did read is that he has been dealing with the lower end of the RV solar market where the amateurs, shysters and profiteers reside. I will be speaking specifically about AM Solar, as these are the ONLY folks that I will work with for solar equipment. Check out their web site: Welcome to AM Solar_Your RV Solar Specialists since 1987 and read thru it a bit.

You will find many interesting facts that are derived from actual use, engineering and design..........NOT MYTHOLOGY! We always specify maximum wire gauges in our installations, using up to 2AWG for larger systems. The only place 10AWG has in a solar installation is a single panel 100 watt unit or less. Anything else will show significant voltage drop.

Boost? We use Tristar controllers specially modified for specific use in Lifeline AGM battery banks (our primary recommendation for batteries) that bulk charge to the recommended voltage by Lifeline. The boost appears from higher top-end solar panel output voltages (hotter panels made to AM Solar's specifications) as an increase in the charging amperage seen at the batteries.

Has 'Bob' received bad advice in the past...YES! Is he an 'expert'? Sorry, but I don't think so. What are his electrical and/or engineering qualifications? He never states this. Greg Holder, owner of AM Solar has 25 years in the RV Solar business and runs any item he sells thru extensive real world testing before he will put anything on the market.

The only inverters we sell are made in the USA by Magnum Energy and we generally specify pure sine wave models. I might add that many large motor homes come standard with Magnum modified sine wave inverters and they have never damaged any refrigerator compressors, TVs, stereos or any other electronic components. Buy cheap (Xantrex 300 watt inverters) and what do you expect??????? Is this guy for real????? How would you feel if you had a Xantrex 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter that had a blown charging section and were told by Xantrex that they are not repairable....to the tune of $2500 for a new Magnum replacement. And this guy is carping about his $40 piece of garbage???? GET SERIOUS!!

Educate yourself as much as you can, or find someone that you trust who has the training, experience and qualifications to do the job properly using the right components.

And finally, Bob seems to have a real problem with people making a living! If I don't make a profit, I won't be in business. I don't owe Bob or any of his cronies anything .....especially advice for free!!!! He should do a bit of attitude adjustment before anything else!

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by lewster

I posted this quite a while ago, and will repeat it here:

Just briefly read Bob's blog. Interesting! What I took away from what I did read is that he has been dealing with the lower end of the RV solar market where the amateurs, shysters and profiteers reside. I will be speaking specifically about AM Solar, as these are the ONLY folks that I will work with for solar equipment. Check out their web site: Welcome to AM Solar_Your RV Solar Specialists since 1987 and read thru it a bit.

You will find many interesting facts that are derived from actual use, engineering and design..........NOT MYTHOLOGY! We always specify maximum wire gauges in our installations, using up to 2AWG for larger systems. The only place 10AWG has in a solar installation is a single panel 100 watt unit or less. Anything else will show significant voltage drop.

Boost? We use Tristar controllers specially modified for specific use in Lifeline AGM battery banks (our primary recommendation for batteries) that bulk charge to the recommended voltage by Lifeline. The boost appears from higher top-end solar panel output voltages (hotter panels made to AM Solar's specifications) as an increase in the charging amperage seen at the batteries.

Has 'Bob' received bad advice in the past...YES! Is he an 'expert'? Sorry, but I don't think so. What are his electrical and/or engineering qualifications? He never states this. Greg Holder, owner of AM Solar has 25 years in the RV Solar business and runs any item he sells thru extensive real world testing before he will put anything on the market.

The only inverters we sell are made in the USA by Magnum Energy and we generally specify pure sine wave models. I might add that many large motor homes come standard with Magnum modified sine wave inverters and they have never damaged any refrigerator compressors, TVs, stereos or any other electronic components. Buy cheap (Xantrex 300 watt inverters) and what do you expect??????? Is this guy for real????? How would you feel if you had a Xantrex 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter that had a blown charging section and were told by Xantrex that they are not repairable....to the tune of $2500 for a new Magnum replacement. And this guy is carping about his $40 piece of garbage???? GET SERIOUS!!

Educate yourself as much as you can, or find someone that you trust who has the training, experience and qualifications to do the job properly using the right components.

And finally, Bob seems to have a real problem with people making a living! If I don't make a profit, I won't be in business. I don't owe Bob or any of his cronies anything .....especially advice for free!!!! He should do a bit of attitude adjustment before anything else!

Lester. Traveluminum asked for other sources. I suggested one. I never said Bob was an expert. Bob actually says he is not an expert.
I for one will listen to and read his whole blog and take from it what I want to from someone who lives totally off the grid.
I will also read other sources he has noted.
I found him a very refreshing person of knowledge to speak to who offered to help with my installation with
suggestions of where I could go to buy my equipment at retail where someone could make money.
I have even gone to the AM solar site for information and they have some good Ideas too.
Methinks thou dost protest too much.
George

[tsunami]

Originally Posted by lewster

Funny you should mention this….

I'm actually about to start a thread about my new venture. I will be opening an RV Solar installation center in Hood River, OR for the summer featuring AM Solar products, Lifeline batteries and Magnum Energy products. Actually, May 15 thru Oct. 15. It will be easy access just off I-84.

We will be doing a variety of other work as well but specifically electrical related; solar, electrical upgrades, 30-50 amp conversions, new converters, batteries and …………..air conditioning.

Drop me a note for available work scheduling. The Columbia River Gorge are is beautiful at that time of year too!

How about on your trip back to the great North-West, you detour through the Common Wealth of Kentucky and perform an install on an Airstream. Of course there will be a generous selection of Kentucky's finest Bourbon for refreshment at any time during or after installation. Think about it. I'm open to suggestions. Oh, and water/electrical connections available if your willing to challenge the driveway.