Solar for 2021 23FB International

[viking1]

I just bought a 2021 23FB International and since it was so expensive to have the dealer install solar I decided to wait and learn more. My plan is for the highest wattage single roof panel and replacing the two stock Interstate batteries with two Lithium Ion batteries. I'm guessing that I'd need a charge controller but what else? Who makes the best batteries and electronics? Is this a difficult install?

Is there a company that sells kits for AS?

[pcskier]

Do a search here for ‘solar install’ and you’ll find a ton of threads and info. Lots of reading to do!

[waninae39]

here is what i installed 2 years ago.

[Dennis C]

I’ve got two Zamp 90W panels and a Zamp controller on my 23FB, along with AGM batteries. It’s not bad, but I’m adding capacity with a Zamp portable panel. I’m not replacing the AGM batteries at this time.

[viking1]

Originally Posted by waninae39

here is what i installed 2 years ago.

Thanks. This looks far more complicated than I imagined. So going solar with Lithium Ion batteries involves more than just adding a charge controller?

[viking1]

Originally Posted by Dennis C

I’ve got two Zamp 90W panels and a Zamp controller on my 23FB, along with AGM batteries. It’s not bad, but I’m adding capacity with a Zamp portable panel. I’m not replacing the AGM batteries at this time.

Thanks. Where did you find space for two panels?

[Dennis C]

Originally Posted by viking1

Thanks. Where did you find space for two panels?

Zamp 90W panels are long and narrow, so they fit the roof of an Airstream very well. My panels are mounted on the forward portion of the roof, one on each side. I could easily fit two or perhaps four additional panels on the roof.

[Jsailmo]

We ordered a 23 FBT with the factory solar. The dealer is going to install a second 90W panel for $750 but ended up throwing it in deal. We are discussing the upgrade from AGM batteries to Lithium. The costs and options are:

2 x Battleborn 100Ah Batteries
Updated converter
$2,800 installed, plus tax

Expion360 Option:
2 x Expion360 100Ah Batteries
Update converter
$2,800 installed, plus tax

Same pricing, but the Expion360 battery is a better performing battery in our experience. Battleborn is the recommended battery by AS

The only additional expense ( not doing) would be a shunt with temperature sensor and Bluetooth capabilities (smart phone app). This would allow you to see the charging rate and discharge rate. The cost on that is $528 installed, plus tax.

Dealer has us keeping the AGM's which I will sell as new - trade in was only $50 each!

[coasttocoast]

I would think that only having one panel would be limiting. My Interstate came with one panel. Now it has four. If there were room, I would add more.

[Toasterlife]

While rooftop panels sound good, when we camp in the summer we seek out shade which will reduce the efficiency of even the best panels. Rather than add more panels to our rig we added a portable panel with an extra long cord of high gauge wire to minimize resistance, and park in the shade and deploy the portable panel in the sun. In the evening we reposition it to catch the early morning rays, this way we get the best of both worlds, shade for the rig and maximum solar from whichever site we are at, the portable panel works for us. The panel has its own controller and plugs right into a socket on the battery box, for easy connecting and disconnecting. Also roof panels get dusty, which further reduced efficiency, and are a pain to keep clean.

[ProTech]

If you're taking it to the dealer in the Bay Area, run don't walk. Take it to AM Solar and get a professional solar company to do the work. We started with factory panels and had them add one more, they turned our roof into Swiss cheese. The panels failed with in two years and they took no responsibility for anything.
AM Solar up graded our system with lithium and everything the dealer won't install that your system needs. You will regret any dealer work in the long run.

[switz]

Getting creative and replacing the original crank up TV aerial with a round auto search unit, we were then able to install five 100 watt AM Solar panels on the roof of our 2015 23D International Serenity. We were able to put the 300 amp-hour lithium battery just in front of the tire wheel well street side and under the sofa. In fact, the Magnum MSH-3012 inverter/charger, solar charger and all other system stuff including the added front power inlet with auto transfer switch fit under the sofa/dinette seating with no loss of storage. The pull out for a bed is also operational.

This work, along with replacing the failed factory flooring after driving 2,000 miles from the dealership and custom cabinet work, Truma instant on water heater, Dometic CU-434 stove and Vitrifrigo DP-150L Freon based Dan Foss compressor refrigerator tweaked our 23D to perfection. I had brought 15” SenDel wheels with 15” Michelin tires mounted to replace the stock 14” tires and wheels while adding the reused Hensley Arrow weight distribution hitch and Prodigy RF brake controller.

We had this work done by A&P Vintage Trailer Works in Paradise, TX. They are also authorized to perform Airstream warranty work including replacement aluminum skinning.

[xpcdoojk]

Originally Posted by Toasterlife

While rooftop panels sound good, when we camp in the summer we seek out shade which will reduce the efficiency of even the best panels. Rather than add more panels to our rig we added a portable panel with an extra long cord of high gauge wire to minimize resistance, and park in the shade and deploy the portable panel in the sun. In the evening we reposition it to catch the early morning rays, this way we get the best of both worlds, shade for the rig and maximum solar from whichever site we are at, the portable panel works for us. The panel has its own controller and plugs right into a socket on the battery box, for easy connecting and disconnecting. Also roof panels get dusty, which further reduced efficiency, and are a pain to keep clean.

What keeps your portable panel from walking off from your campsite?

[viking1]

Originally Posted by xpcdoojk

What keeps your portable panel from walking off from your campsite?

Great question.

[Toasterlife]

Originally Posted by xpcdoojk

What keeps your portable panel from walking off from your campsite?

Perhaps we have been lucky. We have never had a problem with anything walking off our campsite. Not the solar panel, chairs or outdoor stove. . We do try and get to know our campsite neighbors at least to say hello and goodby. Mostly we camp at national parks and national monuments. The panel and charger came from Costco as a package and only cost about $150 so if my 3 year old panel were to walk off it would not be a tremendous loss as it does not owe me much at this point. The suitcase panels are more convenient to transport. Mine is just flat and we built it a structure to make it stand up. Occasionally when we are away for the day a kind neighbors will reorient the panel towards the sun.

[xpcdoojk]

Cool, so the key is to not buy anything, as Cousin Eddy would say, “really nice”.

JC