New Trailer

[renrutdraw]

Newburgh here. First trailer - always tent camped. On wait for a new 2016 FC-25'. Seller is adding solar panels, inverter is included. I read there are different size panels and wondering is I can get some feed back on whether I should upgrade or don't bother to ......... And that's the question. I don't know enough to even finish the question. I would assume the seller will be installing the smaller of the panels and I read somewhere about 800 watts. Any idea where I can read up on this. Is bigger better in the case is does the larger size panels not generate enough additional power to merit the cost?

Thnaks

[AWCHIEF]

Give them a call and ask what they are installing. Personally i think the Airstream systems are under powered and way over priced.

[field & stream]

So much of the answer depends on how you plan to use the trailer that your question can't be intelligently answered.

I recommend that you use the "search" feature on this site for lots and lots of info.

[Drathaar]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Give them a call and ask what they are installing. Personally i think the Airstream systems are under powered and way over priced.

Not so sure about 'under powered'. It depends on what you want or expect from your system.

Total agreement about way overpriced!!! About twice or more what the local RV dealers charge for the same gear. Negotiate a price if you want the dealer to do the install. If they won't deal, take it elsewhere. I prefer to have my dealer do the work, but I won't be overcharged.

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Give them a call and ask what they are installing. Personally i think the Airstream systems are under powered and way over priced.

Yes, the Airstream systems are absurdly over-priced compared to what you get for the same price from a solar dealer/installer like AMSolar.

For example, $2500 from Airstream for 100 watts where $2100 from AmSolar bought me 405 watts.

We can't answer your question though without more details. Call and ask what they are installing.

[dkottum]

Don't forget the Airstream factory installation includes $750 worth of AGM batteries and it all is nicely installed during the build. We have it, been working very well for over four years, about 800 nights camping in this Airstream. It serves our needs, the next upgrade will be more battery capacity, the factory solar system has the two AGM batteries charged before noon.

[jayseejay]

"For example, $2500 from Airstream for 100 watts where $2100 from AmSolar bought me 405 watts."

Hi Bold. Assuming the $2100 was just for materials, what would you estimate was your all-in cost for the AmSolar system, including your invested time, applying some fair hourly rate? Thanks, Joe

[switz]

The component cost from AM Solar for a system with a 300 amp-hour lithium battery, five 100 watt solar panels, a Magnum MSH 3012 inverter/converter, a BlueSky 3025iL solar charge controller with remote monitor, roof junction box, Magnum ME_BMK battery monitor kit, a Magnum ME_ARC50 remote control, spare fuses etc was about $8,250 uninstalled.

[Tincampers]

I just installed 100 watt rooftop Amsolar panel, Bogart SC2030 and Bogart Trimetric 2030 Monitor for $650. I also have a 150 watt portable system. Installation time was about 4 hours. I'm slow.

[Mrjkq]

When ordering my 2016 I thought seriously about SP,s in fact after I placed the trailer order I called the seller & added them, a couple days later I cancelled that part of the order. Living in Florida we get a lot of sunshine & for battery charging that's the perfect fix....but.....for less money I can buy two companion 2000W either Yamaha or Honda Genarators, charge my batteries, run the Air, Micro, coffee maker & everything else. I do believe clean energy is important but for my application it just did not make sense.

[Drathaar]

On a different forum, I saw Solar Blvd advertising panels at less than a $1.00 per watt. I am not sure how long the sale will last.

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by jayseejay

"For example, $2500 from Airstream for 100 watts where $2100 from AmSolar bought me 405 watts."

Hi Bold. Assuming the $2100 was just for materials, what would you estimate was your all-in cost for the AmSolar system, including your invested time, applying some fair hourly rate? Thanks, Joe

**Correction

$2351.96 for my setup. Included everything needed for the install.



My time is worth a lot, when doing freelance I charge $160.00 an hr. So add $800 for 5hrs of time. But I'm also the kind of person who really enjoys doing things himself and learning from the process. So minus $400.00

[renrutdraw]

Thanks for the replies. I will research further based on your input.