Solar Price question?

[JJ1]

Had a question regarding solar install pricing. I have a 2008 Intl 23D and I am upgrading to 6v batteries. I am considering adding a solar system, mostly to maintain the batteries on storage but also to assist when boondocking. I live in southern Ca and the dealer had a special running for a GoPower Flex Kit. The kit includes a 100w flex panel and the controller, wiring, parts and install for $1,350. Is that a reasonable price for this type of upgrade?
I'm not very knowledgeable regarding solar installations and was hoping to hear back from some of the experts here.
Thanks for you advice!
John

[AWCHIEF]

Personal opinion, that is a horrible price for only 100 wts. I would find a local independent solar shop if unable to do the job yourself. I would bet you have several close by.

[lewster]

Many known issues with flex panels. I have posted extensively about my real world experiences with them vs. hard panels.

In addition, you are paying HUUUUGE marketing costs with Go Power products. If you check their flex panel pricing, they are in the $600 neighborhood. OUTRAGEOUS!!!!! Go Power is a marketing firm, but a technology company.

Look elsewhere for your system, like AM Solar or Renogy.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
ABYC Certified Master Marine Electrician
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center*AMS Lithium Batteries
Lifeline AGM Batteries**Magnum Inverters***Victron Energy Components
541-490-6357

[BoldAdventure]

Look elsewhere, that is a horrible price. Those goes are probably using the money to buy mounds of cocaine.

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by BoldAdventure

Look elsewhere, that is a horrible price. Those goes are probably using the money to buy mounds of cocaine.

Was that comment really necessary?


George

[alano]

Maybe Bold spent too much time in Socal

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by BoldAdventure

Look elsewhere, that is a horrible price. Those goes are probably using the money to buy mounds of cocaine.

What?

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by alano

Maybe Bold spent too much time in Socal

Is that like recess?

[lewster]

So much for solar prices………….…………..

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by lewster

So much for solar prices………….…………..

You're correct Lester. Went astray.
For the OP. I had purchased 3 Renogy 100 watt flex panels in 2014. All was well with them till July 2015 and finally had them tested April 2016 and no more amps, but volts great! One of the issues they had. They are giving me a total refund including shipping. Can't ask for more.
They are working on another flex panel but won't release till 2017 or until they are sure this time.
I agree with all that the Go Power panels are rediculously priced and would steer clear.
A solar outfit near by me is trying to source them but said that they wouldn't warranty them for more than a year. Got to tell you something.
I personally want them and just may wait till Renogy figures it out.

[gandttimes]

Damn spellchecker. Sorry Lewster

[lewster]

Originally Posted by gandttimes

You're correct Lester. Went astray.
For the OP. I had purchased 3 Renogy 100 watt flex panels in 2014. All was well with them till July 2015 and finally had them tested April 2016 and no more amps, but volts great! One of the issues they had. They are giving me a total refund including shipping. Can't ask for more.
They are working on another flex panel but won't release till 2017 or until they are sure this time.
I agree with all that the Go Power panels are rediculously priced and would steer clear.
A solar outfit near by me is trying to source them but said that they wouldn't warranty them for more than a year. Got to tell you something.
I personally want them and just may wait till Renogy figures it out.

No worries….I've been called far worse!!!

I had a similar issue with the Grape Solar PhotoFlex panels that I have on my Sprinter's roof for the last 20 months. They still operate, even though they have clouded significantly and the output has been reduced. I have 500 watts on the roof charging a 200 A/H lithium, which is far in excess of what is needed so they still do the job, but not in the fashion that they were designed for.

Grape Solar also has replaced them with their new flex panel that they are having made………..wait for it………….IN CANADA!!!!!!!

I just got them and before I replace the existing panels with their GS-100 hard panels (the set-up that I had prior to the flex panels) I will try out their new replacements……..just to be neighborly……... you understand…………...

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by gandttimes

Was that comment really necessary?


George

I post what I post.

[gandttimes]

Lewster, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who would be interested in hearing about your test on the new flex panels from Grape.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by gandttimes

Lewster, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who would be interested in hearing about your test on the new flex panels from Grape.

It won't happen for a few weeks as I'm in packing mode for my trip back to Oregon and depart Sunday. I should arrive in OR around the 15th of May, and will hopefully get set up with enough time before my first scheduled installation to get the new panels up on the roof for a test.

[J. Morgan]

Originally Posted by BoldAdventure

I post what I post.

It is not that I care about that comment, (It does not bother me, I think you were making a joke), for all I know it might be true, (or not), but there is a fine line that if perceived to be crossed, can get a person a summons to civil court.

Careful!!

Simple Definition of LIBEL

: the act of publishing a false statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone.




Superat stultitia.

[JJ1]

Thanks for the advice all! I thought it seemed like a high price as well, but I just don't have enough solar knowledge. Clearly more research needed on my end.
Thanks again!

[KJRitchie]

Other than a 200w Zamp Portable system I'm new to solar. Just ordered AmSolar 100w Deluxe package plus a 2nd SF100 panel and tilt bars. $12 shipping is good considering its almost 70lbs.

I'm planning on modifying the Zamp portable panels so I can connect them into the trailers roof solar.

Kelvin

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by lewster

It won't happen for a few weeks as I'm in packing mode for my trip back to Oregon and depart Sunday. I should arrive in OR around the 15th of May, and will hopefully get set up with enough time before my first scheduled installation to get the new panels up on the roof for a test.

Perfect timing. By the way, is the flex panel on their website the new one or the old one.

[lewster]

I would think the new one but you might call them to confirm.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
ABYC Certified Master Marine Electrician
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center*AMS Lithium Batteries
Lifeline AGM Batteries**Magnum Inverters***Victron Energy Components
541-490-6357