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Old 08-23-2020, 08:13 AM   #1
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2018 27' Flying Cloud
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Factory Solar Installation?

We're dipping our toes into the solar market. So I've started doing my research... along with this I've considered doing the installation myself, but I've also thought why not allow the factory do it.

Anybody ever have the factory do their solar installation? If so, I'm curious how it worked out for you. Basically we're looking to run pretty much everything minus the AC which may be asking for too much from the factory system. (I'm not sure even what the factory will or won't install).
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Old 08-23-2020, 08:38 AM   #2
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Factory Solar Installation?

The factory / Airstream are not specialists in solar energy production, storage and management. There are specialized installers out in the market for a reason.

AM Solar
Lew Farber (Solar Tech)
Ronnie Dennis (Airstream nuts and bolts)
Precision RV
Etc

You’ll note that I have not listed any airstream dealerships above.

Working with a professional who specializes in these systems is worth the money if you are going to choose not to design / install yourself.

If you do decide to tackle this yourself, there are plenty of forum members who can guide you on design, materials and installation techniques.

Finally, just FYI, in the 2020 tax year you also get a federal tax credit back for 26% of the cost for install labor and parts/equipment for a solar production and storage solution on your airstream.
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Old 08-23-2020, 12:47 PM   #3
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Wulfraat, I noticed your recommendation for Precision RV. I have a new FC 25 FBT on order and have been looking around for a reputable local (Denver area) company for solar installation. Have you or others had experience with Precision or other companies in Colorado?
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Old 08-23-2020, 02:35 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WP53;
Wulfraat, I noticed your recommendation for Precision RV. I have a new FC 25 FBT on order and have been looking around for a reputable local (Denver area) company for solar installation. Have you or others had experience with Precision or other companies in Colorado?

Don’t have experience with Precision, have only heard good things about them.

No specialists in Denver area that I am aware of. For my install I made the 2 day drive north to pay a visit to Lew Farber in hood river, OR...
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Old 08-23-2020, 02:59 PM   #5
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This is not a plug for myself, but the factory or RV dealer is no the place to get a functional solar package installed. They just don’t have the time to commit to do what it takes to do a quality job.
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Old 08-23-2020, 03:45 PM   #6
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I just bought an International 23FB with the factory rooftop 180W solar package and upgraded AGM batteries. I'm interested to see how it performs. I will be adding a ZAMP portable solar panel to help, especially for those times when the trailer is parked in shady areas. I'm leaning towards the 230W portable panel at this point. Most of my boondocking trips will be 3 or 4 day weekends, so I think I'll be fine. We typically camp in the mountains, so not running the A/C doesn't worry me too much.

The solar power subject seems to be a deep rabbit hole. It's interesting stuff.
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Old 09-05-2020, 05:52 PM   #7
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Factory Solar Installation?

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We decided to upgrade from our 23FB to a 25FB - this one has solar from the factory.

Had the dealer take a picture of the compartment and it appears to be the typical rats nest is there.

Interestingly I also note a lack of breaker and shut off switch from the panels.

Looks like a get to do a bit of a project after all.
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Old 09-08-2020, 07:09 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GMFL View Post
This is not a plug for myself, but the factory or RV dealer is no the place to get a functional solar package installed. They just don’t have the time to commit to do what it takes to do a quality job.
Agreed, based on what I saw on my roof. I have the AS Zamp 90W factory installed and I ordered another Zamp 90W and installed myself. What I saw regarding the AS favtory install. The hold down brackets on the roof centerline side have three holes per bracket for the self tapping aluminum screws to hold the bravket to the frame. They only used two screws in each bracket. On the curb/outer side the brackets are held in place on the frame with a bolt, lock washer and inset square nut with spring backing. They did not install the lock washers. And now with the panel 3M taped and Silaflexed to the roof it is almost impossible to get the bolts out and lock washers installed without removing the panels. So disappointed in the rush work on the February 2020 build.
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Old 09-08-2020, 07:18 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis C View Post
I just bought an International 23FB with the factory rooftop 180W solar package and upgraded AGM batteries. I'm interested to see how it performs. I will be adding a ZAMP portable solar panel to help, especially for those times when the trailer is parked in shady areas. I'm leaning towards the 230W portable panel at this point. Most of my boondocking trips will be 3 or 4 day weekends, so I think I'll be fine. We typically camp in the mountains, so not running the A/C doesn't worry me too much.

The solar power subject seems to be a deep rabbit hole. It's interesting stuff.
Just an FYI. I initially purchased the Zamp 230W portable and found it a bit unwieldy at almost 50 lbs. It is not the weight in and of itself that is the issue for me (I can lug around a 47lb portable inverter gen), it is the fact that the weight is distributed over a large surface area. And the handle is a bit edged instead of rounded and it digs into your hand. I sent it back and got the 180W which is only 35lb over a smaller surface area. Much easier to lug around. And based on how well I see my 180W of rooftop solar charging through an upgraded Victron 100/30 MPPT solar charger, I think the 180 portable will do just about as good a job through its own Zamp charge controller.
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Old 10-03-2020, 01:23 PM   #10
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Lithium upgrade

Any recommendations for an installer in California, preferably in So. Ca.
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Old 10-31-2020, 09:38 AM   #11
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Any recommendations for an installer in California, preferably in So. Ca.
I'm looking for an experienced installer in So Cal also. Please post your results.
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Old 12-07-2020, 08:06 PM   #12
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If you have the AS factory installed solar package and decide to add a portable panel setup, can the charge controller handle an additional 230 amps? Anyone know for sure or have experience? Just picked up our 2021 FC 27FB look at future needs.
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Old 12-11-2020, 03:51 PM   #13
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Question: 2016 and newer AS's have the Zamp port up on the roof, into which the solar panels can be connected. Mine is a 2015, which is prewired for solar, but I don't think it has the same box. Reading the manual, it says the wires run to "under the center roof sheet, just behind the front roof vent". What would such look like up there right now? (I'm still in the process of buying it, haven't brought it home yet, so I can't run out and take a look.)
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Old 12-11-2020, 03:58 PM   #14
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IMHO, AS factory is not yet the best means to add solar.
maybe in a few years from now, but not today

You are better off on sourcing the correct panels, wiring, controller breakers and cut off switches yourself.
check the forum as i did a few years ago.

we went with BB lion batteries and the suite of Victron energy products.

AS factory is not there yet. as well , you can make a much cleaner install than the rats nest you do

cheers
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Old 12-11-2020, 06:19 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Travlin Tacy View Post
If you have the AS factory installed solar package and decide to add a portable panel setup, can the charge controller handle an additional 230 amps? Anyone know for sure or have experience? Just picked up our 2021 FC 27FB look at future needs.


You would run the portable panels to the plug by the battery with their own charge controller. I.e. in parallel to the roof mounted panels.
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