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08-01-2015, 12:27 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
2015 25' FB International
2019 27' Globetrotter
Santa Barbara
, California
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 12
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Any recommendation for solar panels
As my 12V system seems to die rather quickly, I am considering the purchase of solar. So far, I've got a quote of $975 for Windy Nation brand solar panels installed; or $1,500 for Go Power solar panels installed.
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08-01-2015, 07:54 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2005 31' Classic
Garner,
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,031
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have you checked out AM Solar
These High Efficiency Solar Panels turn Sunlight into Power for your RV Lifestyle
they have good product and Lewster is active on the boards is you have questions.
__________________
Carl, Raleigh NC
2-24-16 got a 2005 Classic 31D 460 watts solar, lithium 230 AH, 16" LT's, pulled by:
2003 F-250 SD, CC, 7.3L PowerStroke
WBCCI#1691, Piedmont Airstream Club, Unit #161, Region #3
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08-01-2015, 08:25 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Check out the systems by Renogy.
http://www.renogy-store.com
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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08-01-2015, 08:30 PM
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#4
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2020 Classic 33
Box Elder
, South Dakota
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,731
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What are your goals? Just top of the batteries? Serious off grid time? Size of battery storage you have? And ask any installer for references on their solar installs on Airstreams. If they haven't got experience on AS trailers find another installer.
__________________
Gary
2020 Classic 33 Twin, 2019 Ram 3500 Longhorn, ProPride
NØVPN
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08-02-2015, 11:35 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,223
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Highly recommend the AM Solar folks for the system components. We have used A&P Vintage Trailer Works in Paradise, Texas as an installer for our complex systems and custom work done at the same time.
The Classic has eight 100 watt rated solar panels and a 600 amp-hour lithium iron phosphate battery. It has a Tri-Star 60 MPPT solar controller and a Magnum MS-2812 inverted/charger. The 23D will have at least four and perhaps five 100 watt solar panels, depending on roof space, and a 300 amp-hour lithium iron phosphate battery. It will have the Blue Sky SB3024iL solar controller and a Magnum MSH3012 converter/inverter.
The goal was to have enough panels and battery that off grid camping can be done without generators for longer periods of time. The weak spot in the Airstreams when off grid camping is usually black/grey tank capacity.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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08-02-2015, 11:35 AM
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#6
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New Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2
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First read about solar, then read some more.
Solar is quite simple, yet many people end up with an incorrect system. First determine yourself what you need. There are lots of resources available for that, both on this forum as elsewhere.
Van Williams
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08-02-2015, 11:40 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1986 25' Sovereign
Southern Middle
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,319
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AM Solar
Another vote for AM Solar. They were extremely helpful and I ordered everything I needed in a kit. I've had the system over 8 years and not a single problem. All installation directions are included so I just took my time putting it all together.
__________________
Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
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08-02-2015, 01:44 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2005 31' Classic
Garner,
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,031
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Van is right on reading and read more info.. for some good reading, and a guy some hate and others praise, check out Handy Bob Solar..
https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/
If you work with AM Solar guys they will steer you right. Its more the proper equipment and wire size vs lots of solar panels. With the right system 2-3 100 watts panels will keep most 6 or 12 volt batteries in good shape 90% of the time.. you might look at changing out 12v batteries for 2-6 volt golf cart batteries like the trojans t-105 or such. more capacity and heaver cells for long life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cargovan
First read about solar, then read some more.
Solar is quite simple, yet many people end up with an incorrect system. First determine yourself what you need. There are lots of resources available for that, both on this forum as elsewhere.
Van Williams
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__________________
Carl, Raleigh NC
2-24-16 got a 2005 Classic 31D 460 watts solar, lithium 230 AH, 16" LT's, pulled by:
2003 F-250 SD, CC, 7.3L PowerStroke
WBCCI#1691, Piedmont Airstream Club, Unit #161, Region #3
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08-02-2015, 03:56 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2013 25' Flying Cloud
2008 30' Classic
On The Road To Wherever We End Up
, Traveling the USA
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 552
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Zamp Solar...portable solar panels.
__________________
Jeanne and John, and always with us...Jake
2008 30' Classic Ltd Rear twin, 2014 Ford Super Duty
WBCCI 3100, unit 12, TAC USA-1, Escapees 129379
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08-02-2015, 05:12 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1978 25' Tradewind
Metro Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,524
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Not to dis AM Solar, but I'm as tight as they come, so I went with (2) 100 monocrystalline Renogy panels and an eBay charge control that may actually be MPPT. I put a lot of money into larger wire and upgraded connections, along with roof-mounted breakers (in an ugly weatherproof metal Hoffman box). I figure I've got about $800 in it, not counting the gas for umpteen trips to HomeyD.
If you're not 100% comfortable with wiring, Lew and AM solar is a very, very good bet.
__________________
"Between what matters and what seems to matter, how should the world we know judge wisely?" - E.C. Bentley, Trent's Last Case
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08-02-2015, 05:56 PM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Ponce Inlet
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 168
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The system you should buy is dependent on your solar needs and the proper size of your battery bank. Just topping off batteries after one night or serious boondocking complete w 1000w + inverter and large Battery Bank.
Proper installation, wiring size and equipment location make a big difference in efficiency.
Lastly the efficiency of the panels, controller, inverter ...... will also make a difference in your system performance. More efficient components may cost more but will produce more power in a smaller footprint if space is important.
I have an AM Solar System w/ AGM batteries installed by Lew very efficient but not cheap.
Lots of great info. in this forum and the net in general. Ask installer about wiring size equipment, placement ... and check out references. If you don't like the answers find a different installer.
Good luck
Benn
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08-03-2015, 05:48 AM
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#12
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Look for us at Assateague
1975 31' Sovereign
1955 22' Safari
Ringoes
, New Jersey
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11
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Save money.
I installed solar panels and a charge controller for under 300 dollars. Find panels that provide 15-19 volts dc which will charge 12v batteries just fine. I swapped out my wet-cell marine deep-cycle batteries for 12 volt AGM wheelchair batteries which last longer than engine-cranking batteries.
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08-03-2015, 11:25 AM
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#13
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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AM Solar is worth the cost. You are getting the best possible products with peak performance. I researched for awhile some of the other options, including Renology. I was going to pull the trigger, but the specs are not on par.
"Good enough" is not the way I like to do things.
That being said, AM Solar get's their panels from Grape Solar, they are some of the best in the industry. The other panels that are excellent that you can usually buy used from eBay are KYOCERA 120 Watt panels.
You could piece together one of AM Solar's bigger kits for about $300 less, but I couldn't figure out how much would be spent on the small misc. things, but it adds up.
When I got AM Solar's kit, I understood why.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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