Visit our Popular Forums

koberudy · 09-06-2022, 05:43 PM

It's great AS has upgraded to the flexible 300w Merlin solar panels, even for a FC23FB, with the capacity to add at least one more. But the price is outrageous through my dealership although they will install an extra panel for one hr labor rate. My question is where can I find such panels without going through AS or the dealer? So far I haven't found any Merlin online. What other brands are compatible or does it matter?

jeffmc306 · 09-06-2022, 06:06 PM

I did a quick Google search, found Merlin’s site, picked an RV model number and Googled that one.

This site came up listing them for sale (call for price). While it might not be ideal, it’s a start. Good luck and let us know how you do. Merlin panels look interesting.

LNBright · 09-06-2022, 06:19 PM

I contacted Merlin: they responded, directed me to a specific company from which to work with. However, they only have the flexible panels available. The panels being used by Airstream are not the flexible panels, but special-order rigid panels from Merlin. These aren’t available outside of Airstream. However, I emailed Airstream directly, and was told that yes, you can order the panels through an Airstream dealer. I reached out to dealers, both replied that they have yet to order rigid Merlin panels, but once they have more information, would be back in contact with me. I’m still waiting.

BlueVelvet · 10-10-2022, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koberudy

It's great AS has upgraded to the flexible 300w Merlin solar panels, even for a FC23FB, with the capacity to add at least one more. But the price is outrageous through my dealership although they will install an extra panel for one hr labor rate. My question is where can I find such panels without going through AS or the dealer? So far I haven't found any Merlin online. What other brands are compatible or does it matter?

Hi, I'm actually infuriated right now bc I didn't want solar when it was Zamp but now it's Merlin and more solar and my Airstream JUST came off the line.

I'm finding out you can only get Merlin by having Airstream dealers install it. Do you mind my asking what your quote was please? Thank you. :/

koberudy · 10-11-2022, 04:12 AM

They couldn't yet actually quote me a price for the new 300w panel but did for the old 90w, which I believe was like $550 just for the panel. So I'm assuming the new 300w is probably twice that or more.

foobar · 10-11-2022, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koberudy

They couldn't yet actually quote me a price for the new 300w panel but did for the old 90w, which I believe was like $550 just for the panel. So I'm assuming the new 300w is probably twice that or more.

Zamp rigid 100w panels are running about $600 per 100w, mounting hardware included.

Merlin panther310, 310W portable flexible panels are $1800 based on a recent quote I received from a Merlin reseller.

Airstream is using merlin rigid panels, which are not yet available from anywhere besides Airstream. I don't know if Airstream has exclusive access to the rigid panels.

jeffb831 · 10-11-2022, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koberudy

They couldn't yet actually quote me a price for the new 300w panel but did for the old 90w, which I believe was like $550 just for the panel. So I'm assuming the new 300w is probably twice that or more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by foobar

Merlin panther310, 310W portable flexible panels are $1800 based on a recent quote I received from a Merlin reseller.

The new system is not a single 300w panel but 3 100W rigid panels so I would assume the price of a single panel to be about the same. It depends on the value of Zamp vs Merlin on the cost but since Zamp is a "premium" brand, it shouldn't be much more.

100954 · 10-11-2022, 09:22 AM

We just ordered a Flying Cloud 23fb Twin with the 300W solar package, which was $2,600. Our sales person told us the solar panels are the flex type and also that they are designed to generate more solar power when the sun was at less than ideal angles. He had a name for it but I don’t remember. They are Merlin. Our delivery date is supposed to be April to Minneapolis.

jeffb831 · 10-11-2022, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100954

We just ordered a Flying Cloud 23fb Twin with the 300W solar package, which was $2,600. Our sales person told us the solar panels are the flex type and also that they are designed to generate more solar power when the sun was at less than ideal angles. He had a name for it but I don’t remember. They are Merlin. Our delivery date is supposed to be April to Minneapolis.

According to all the information (see Post #3 and the AS press release https://www.airstream.com/blog/whats...del-year-2023/ ) they will be rigid. Not that it really matters, but I'd suspect the dealer is giving false information.

Has anyone taken delivery of a 2023 trailer yet and can verify what the solar solution looks like?

ErickfromMI · 10-11-2022, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foobar

Zamp rigid 100w panels are running about $600 per 100w, mounting hardware included.

Merlin panther310, 310W portable flexible panels are $1800 based on a recent quote I received from a Merlin reseller.

Airstream is using merlin rigid panels, which are not yet available from anywhere besides Airstream. I don't know if Airstream has exclusive access to the rigid panels.

Actually, the 2023 Basecamps now come with Merlin flexible panels.

TrvlngTinTin · 10-16-2022, 04:15 PM

Are they 100watts each or 2 150s?
I found these.
https://www.custommarineproducts.com...ar-panels.html

Taytrtot · 11-13-2022, 06:07 AM

We got our roof mounted Merlin’s from Northern Arizona Wind and Sun but I don’t think they sell them anymore (but they may still special order).

We got our ground panels by Merlin from 4th D Solar out of Ohio. I believe 4th D also offers a few sizes of Merlin’s flexible roof mounted panels as well. They were very easy to deal with. I’ve no doubt they can work with you to order some of their more unique sizes as well. We love ours (2X 170W + 2X 230W on roof, & 2X 170W on ground).

4thdsolar.com

koberudy · 11-19-2022, 05:31 AM

Hi, OP here. We just took delivery of our '23 23ft FCFB on Tuesday this week. Three 100w panels, 2 on the passenger side, 1 on the other side. Used it 2 days ago to attend a funeral in KY, 18 degrees overnight. Dealer included 2 lead acid batteries which we left in place for the time being. Ran a small generator overnight only because unsure the batteries would hold up in those conditions. Stayed warm, very little inside condensation. Not sure how much capacity the batteries had available when starting the generator because I don't have a BMS installed yet.

Winemaker · 12-15-2022, 02:11 PM

I pick up my 2023 Basecamp 20x on Saturday and have been told that there are three 100W Merlin panels on the roof.

Just called my local dealer to see if I could get a 4th Merlin panel and was quoted $712.95 for the part (no install as I want to do it myself). They list the part number as 514042.

It hurts when you compare to the 100W compact rigid solar panels I installed on our 27' International... just $100 each.

Will talk with service on Saturday but I may go ahead and get the 4th panel so I can set them up in series/parallel.

Stay tuned

BlueVelvet · 12-16-2022, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffb831

According to all the information (see Post #3 and the AS press release https://www.airstream.com/blog/whats...del-year-2023/ ) they will be rigid. Not that it really matters, but I'd suspect the dealer is giving false information.

Has anyone taken delivery of a 2023 trailer yet and can verify what the solar solution looks like?

Hi! I have a 2023 FC25fbq. I didn't get solar as when I ordered it was Zamp and I didn't want garbage on my roof. Unfortunately for me, by the time I took delivery, it would have been Merlins. oh well.
Unfortunately the Merlins can only be dealer installed afterwards. The panels are rigid and not sold anywhere else. You can only have them dealer installed if you didn't have them factory installed. You can't buy them and put them on yourself. I believe Basecamp and Bambi models have flexible and I don't know anything about those.
I'm telling you what Airstream themselves (not a dealer) told me.
Cheers,
Laura

blacklab · 12-16-2022, 08:40 AM

Laura,

". . . Zamp and I didn't want garbage on my roof."

Have you had experience with Zamp?

Don't think I've ever heard someone refer to Zamp panels that way. Usually, the opposite, albeit higher cost.

Cheers,
Bryan

BlueVelvet · 12-18-2022, 04:58 AM

Hi Bryan,
I doubt anyone else refers to Zamp as garbage. Just my opinion. Interestingly enough, Airstream seemed to think they could do better too.
Fortunately, I can say I have no personal experience with them.

jeffb831 · 12-18-2022, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueVelvet

Interestingly enough, Airstream seemed to think they could do better too.

Like anything else in the manufacturing process, "better" is in the eyes of the beholder.

For the consumer, I don't believe there are many panels "better" than Zamp for performance and reliability.

For AS, there are a lot of reasons why the Merlin may be "better", most likely is cost. AS doesn't always what's better for the consumer without something in it for them - either reduced cost or easier/simpler installation (which equate to more profit) or to solve a supply chain issue (which equates to moving more trailers)

ErickfromMI · 12-19-2022, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winemaker

I pick up my 2023 Basecamp 20x on Saturday and have been told that there are three 100W Merlin panels on the roof.

Just called my local dealer to see if I could get a 4th Merlin panel and was quoted $712.95 for the part (no install as I want to do it myself). They list the part number as 514042.

It hurts when you compare to the 100W compact rigid solar panels I installed on our 27' International... just $100 each.

Will talk with service on Saturday but I may go ahead and get the 4th panel so I can set them up in series/parallel.

Stay tuned

I just took delivery of a 2023 Basecamp 20x in October. Are you sure there is room on the roof for a 4th panel? Also, you may need to add another roof port as I think it only comes with 3 but I may be wrong. See pic.

Winemaker · 12-20-2022, 07:47 AM

Looks like there is a ton of room on the front of the trailer for another panel. I wanted to run a series/parallel configuration with 4 panels so I would actually be opening up one of the ports on the rooftop connector.
…BUT…
When I went to purchase the 4th panel the parts guys was really suggesting it was a waste of time and money. He was happy to sell it to me but clearly thought ANY flexible panel was the wrong way to go. Given the nearly $800 price for the uninstalled panel… I was gun shy about just “going for it”.
I’ll live with the three panels for a season and see how they perform.

I think Merlin will have to overcome a really bad reputation that the Zamp flexible panels have left behind with the Airstream service people.