Roof solar install cost

[PeterF66]

Hi - looking at a 2019 FC that has no solar installed yet. I assume those model years already were also prewired, so really just the install of panels on the roof, or? Is the solar controller also already installed or comes on top? and subsequent question, how much are say 100W solar panels for roof install and the controller? Any thoughts how many one can fit on a 23' FC? Thanks much!

[vanderwielen]

Originally Posted by PeterF66

Hi - looking at a 2019 FC that has no solar installed yet. I assume those model years already were also prewired, so really just the install of panels on the roof, or? Is the solar controller also already installed or comes on top? and subsequent question, how much are say 100W solar panels for roof install and the controller? Any thoughts how many one can fit on a 23' FC? Thanks much!

Contact an experienced Solar installer / Dealer. I'd recommend AM Solar out of Oregon. You may not buy from them, but they will walk you thru the process. No, you don't have a solar controller if your rig did not have solar from the factory.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by PeterF66

Hi - looking at a 2019 FC that has no solar installed yet. I assume those model years already were also prewired, so really just the install of panels on the roof, or? Is the solar controller also already installed or comes on top? and subsequent question, how much are say 100W solar panels for roof install and the controller? Any thoughts how many one can fit on a 23' FC? Thanks much!

Mine has a solar controller and doesn’t have solar. So it is not uncommon. Our is by the battery box. I think that if you can send your serial number to Airstream they might be able to tell your accessories. Also if you bought it new do you have your sticker that went with the unit? Ours is on there.

[Crackerman]

It depends on what you want done.
Shoot me a pm, and I can walk you through a few basic scenarios

[PB_NB]

I mapped out my roof area and added all the bits and pieces p there to my map. Then I was able to see what I could put up there and found 2 different sized panels (ended up with 2 smaller ones and one larger one) giving me 360W. My roof area is slightly smaller than yours.

If you are looking at DIY, this process will help and then going to each manufacturer's website and checking the panel sizes so you can get ones that will fit.

I added some narrow CIGS panels on either side of the AC unit. These came from Rich Solar and unfortunately, these panels only provided 1 year of service, the top layer has completely delaminated and when I reached out to them, they basically told me to piund sand! The other larger panel is from GoPower and it is doing great.

As far as cost, that depends on a bunch of things and who is going to install these panels.

Best to reach out to the pros at AM Solar to get your budget in order.

[FloydCoVa]

I installed my solar upgrade myself on my 23d, 5-100watt panels on roof 300amp lithium battery, also have a switch to add 200 watt portable if needed. This is a robust but simple (minimal) install.

I bought the Lifeblue battery and all components, wire, connectors and advise and guidance from AM Solar. I bought my solar panels direct from Renogy as at the time they had the smallest foot print. I also made my own panel mounts.

Call AM solar. I would use them again for sure. Was it cheap? No but their help and expertise was needed. Im just a movated handy man. Our set up proved excellent on two month plus long trips across country last summer.

[PeterF66]

Originally Posted by FloydCoVa

I installed my solar upgrade myself on my 23d, 5-100watt panels on roof 300amp lithium battery, also have a switch to add 200 watt portable if needed. This is a robust but simple (minimal) install.

I bought the Lifeblue battery and all components, wire, connectors and advise and guidance from AM Solar. I bought my solar panels direct from Renogy as at the time they had the smallest foot print. I also made my own panel mounts.

Call AM solar. I would use them again for sure. Was it cheap? No but their help and expertise was needed. Im just a movated handy man. Our set up proved excellent on two month plus long trips across country last summer.

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Thanks much!

[gypsydad]

You might also consider a "folding" solar suitcase like the Renogy or Go Power 100-160W models, before investing in permanent solar install which can get expensive with the associated electrical. Especially if your new to owning a TT/Airstream. Many of us also use these as you can connect to your existing battery set up, move around to follow the sun, which can be an advantage when camping in tree cover. I think permanent is a great way to go, but just remember if you decide to sell/upgrade to a different size AS, can't easily remove your investment.

[RosenBob]

I installed 700 watts of solar, a Victron inverter charge controller, a Victron solar controller and 600 Ah of LifeBlue lithium batteries on our 30’ FC. I did the install myself with the guidance of AM Solar out of Bend Oregon. They helped me design the system and gave guidance throughout the install and then checked the entire system when I completed it giving me a few pointers on improvements. They are awesome. The upgrade was not cheap around $10k but to have AM Solar do the install would have more than doubled that cost.

Btw, the Victron inverter/charge controller is great. All battery power usage goes through that box. It has a setting for charge only which maintains the batteries at 100% even without sun. There is no drain from the batteries.

[Dick tracy]

Originally Posted by PeterF66

Hi - looking at a 2019 FC that has no solar installed yet. I assume those model years already were also prewired, so really just the install of panels on the roof, or? Is the solar controller also already installed or comes on top? and subsequent question, how much are say 100W solar panels for roof install and the controller? Any thoughts how many one can fit on a 23' FC? Thanks much!

They will want to rewire and switch controllers, $5-6000 plus batteries