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01-19-2014, 09:30 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: southern Idaho
Posts: 39
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Solar system installed
Hey Folks,
We installed a solar system while Camping World was offering inexpensive installation. We installed the Nature Power 130 watt (140 watt) solar panel (#50132), 240 watt N.P. Solar Battery Charge Controller (#60028) and the N.P. Sine Wave 1000 watt inverter (#38310). A 120V power outlet was installed between the two swivel seats so there is easy access from the slide out dinette area. We opted for extended warranties on the equipment so we are covered for 4 years.
The inverter was installed in a storage compartment next to the battery compartment. The controller installed above the battery control center. The inverter was connected to a Switch next to the controller. Our primary purpose for the inverter is to charge computers and phones.
We are looking forward to boondoggling this year. I will give you an update on how this works out. Today we have had cold dense fog, but the solar panel is still charging the batteries to 13.0 V.
Happy Travels, Steve
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01-20-2014, 12:24 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Florida/Thailand/Texas
Posts: 238
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 "Very Neat." May I please ask what did Camping World charge you? Please keep us updated on your latest Mod-Thanks for sharing.
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01-20-2014, 02:23 PM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: southern Idaho
Posts: 39
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The solar panel - $600, extended 2 yr warranty -$100. Charge controller - $130, 3 yr extended warranty - $23. 1000 watt sine wave inverter - $285. total labor - $292. With misc. switches, circuit breaker, remote switch for inverter, etc., the total cost before tax was $1435. This includes 3-5 yr. warranty on all the parts.
Yes, I will post updates. We are in a temp inversion with dense fog (Boise, Idaho) so the solar output is about nil. But, I don't have to worry about battery drain - voltage is 90% of full charge.
Cheers, Steve
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01-20-2014, 03:34 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
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Quote:
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We are looking forward to boondoggling this year.
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Hope you meant boondocking! 
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)
2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
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01-20-2014, 08:02 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: southern Idaho
Posts: 39
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Yeah, this is what the politicians call "misspoke", they don't make mistakes. I am hoping my boondocking doesn't morph into a boondoggle!
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01-20-2014, 10:46 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 342
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If you get a chance can you post pictures of the solar panel. If its mounted on your unit I mean.
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01-21-2014, 11:35 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 118
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We've installed Solar on our 2011 S some time ago and love it so far. Unless we watch a lot of satellite TV we don't need the generator at all...
We installed the inverter to actually power the regular outlets - so everything works if plugged in or on inverter.
Reiner
__________________
2011 Solera
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01-22-2014, 04:24 PM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: southern Idaho
Posts: 39
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solar panel picture
In response to 2012WhiteSolera -- Attached is a picture of the solar panel on the roof. 140W Nature Power 60 x 27.5 inches.
Wishing you all Sunshine ! (from our 10 day foggy temperature inversion)
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01-22-2014, 04:50 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 9,839
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steveboise6
In response to 2012WhiteSolera -- Attached is a picture of the solar panel on the roof. 140W Nature Power 60 x 27.5 inches.
Wishing you all Sunshine ! (from our 10 day foggy temperature inversion)
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Balmy 26 degrees in BOI but it was 18 degrees in BYI and foggy early this am .
__________________
2016 F350 6.7L LB CC Reese 28K 2014 Chaparral Lite 266sab
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." 2014 19 days camping 2015 17 days camping201620 days camping
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02-07-2014, 11:26 AM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 7
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Other than the overpriced solar panel, good job!
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02-07-2014, 06:22 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 632
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Steve,
Very nice. I'm sure you will get lots of enjoyment out of them. Piece of mind as well. Very impressive.
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02-07-2014, 06:38 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 775
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steveboise6
In response to 2012WhiteSolera -- Attached is a picture of the solar panel on the roof. 140W Nature Power 60 x 27.5 inches.
Wishing you all Sunshine ! (from our 10 day foggy temperature inversion)
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Steve: That is a really nice and clean-looking installation - I'm really envious.  I like the idea of the extra outlet between the seats. Solar is in my plans for next year... I've already spent this year's toy allowance! 
__________________
Ed (N4RWU) & Becky Taylor
Mistie (Walks 4-down)
Greensboro, NC
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02-07-2014, 07:58 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: southern Idaho
Posts: 39
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Winter has returned to southern Idaho and we are getting a good dump of snow. I am looking forward to testing this system out in a couple of months. Cheers!
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02-10-2014, 08:47 PM
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#14
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2012 Solera
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,824
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Solera Solar add
I went with the Renogy 100 watt RV kit: Amazon.com: RenogyⓇ RV Solar Kit 100W: 1pc 100W Mono Solar Panel + 30A Charge Controller w/ LCD Display + 40' MC4 Adapter Kit + 16' Tray Cable + Z Brackets: Patio, Lawn & Garden (about $260 for the kit)
I added a fuse at the batteries, a switch between the batteries and the controller, and a second set of mounting brackets (used eight brackets total). Substituted #12 1 inch SS screws for those in the kit. Dicor sealant (of course). Ran the wires down the power awning track and in where that wire enters - mounted the controller where the wires entered the coach (above the fire extinguisher in front of the door). I attached the wires to the roof with short pieces of eternabond. Seems to be working well. If I need more power, I can easily add another panel - the controller, wires, etc will handle with no problem - but my real goal is storage lot charging, and I believe the one panel will be plenty.
__________________
JLeising
2012 Solera "S"
Calif SF Bay Area
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02-10-2014, 08:49 PM
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#15
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2012 Solera
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,824
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Rotation problem on the controller picture in the post...
__________________
JLeising
2012 Solera "S"
Calif SF Bay Area
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02-10-2014, 11:51 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Florida/Thailand/Texas
Posts: 238
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steveboise6
The solar panel - $600, extended 2 yr warranty -$100. Charge controller - $130, 3 yr extended warranty - $23. 1000 watt sine wave inverter - $285. total labor - $292. With misc. switches, circuit breaker, remote switch for inverter, etc., the total cost before tax was $1435. This includes 3-5 yr. warranty on all the parts.
Yes, I will post updates. We are in a temp inversion with dense fog (Boise, Idaho) so the solar output is about nil. But, I don't have to worry about battery drain - voltage is 90% of full charge.
Cheers, Steve
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I went to Camping World 5175 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy - Kissimmee, FL, Estimate: $1,725.08 (before tax). 
I guess I will wait awhile for a "Better Price!"
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02-11-2014, 02:46 AM
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#17
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: southern Idaho
Posts: 39
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CaptDan - Shouldn't the price be the catalog cost for the Nature Power parts plus labor (3 x $39 using Camping World's current labor offer) plus taxes. If so, that would be much lower than $1725.
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02-11-2014, 03:21 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Florida/Thailand/Texas
Posts: 238
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steveboise6
CaptDan - Shouldn't the price be the catalog cost for the Nature Power parts plus labor (3 x $39 using Camping World's current labor offer) plus taxes. If so, that would be much lower than $1725.
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You would think so-It's lengthy-Here it is:
Nature Power Solar Battery Chargers - High Output - 130 Watt #50132
Install Nature Power Solar Battery Chargers - High Output - 130 Watt
GS install Discount, install Nature Power Solar Battery Chargers - High Output - 130 Watt #50132 $39.00 - 1115
2 Year Protection Plan
Wire & Connectors
Sealant
Nature Power Solar Battery Charge Controllers - 28 Amp #60028
Install Nature Power Solar Battery Charge Controllers - 28 Amp
GS install Discount, install Nature Power Solar Battery Charge Controllers - 28 Amp #60028 $39.00 - 1115
3 Year Protection Plan
Wire & Connectors
Sealant
Nature Power Sine Wave Inverters - 1000 Watt #38310
Install Nature Power Sine Wave Inverters - 1000 Watt
GS install Discount, install Nature Power Sine Wave Inverters - 1000 Watt #38310 $39.00 - 1115
12 feet 2/0 Battery Cable
4 2/0 Battery Lugs
30 feet of110 Romex
30 ft. 110 Conduit
90 Degree Conduit Connector
Conduit Connector
FUSE KIT 300 AMP
Protective Coverings to Include Shop Towels
[▼]
[Notes \/]
[ Add ]
Print Est.
A standard charge for supplies is made on each work order. This charge represents costs and profits to the motor vehicle repair facility for miscellaneous shop supplies or waste disposal. Additional materials required for a complete and professional installation will be quoted upon inspection.
Old parts requested by customer. ( ) Yes (X) No
Estimate: $1,725.08
Estimate valid for 30 Days.
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02-11-2014, 02:29 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 342
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Give that man a ceee-gar, for the longest post. Your right, it does seem high.
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02-11-2014, 08:05 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Florida/Thailand/Texas
Posts: 238
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Surprised it even "Posted!" I'll take a "Cuban."
Anyway-It is too high-I will wait.
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