Solar purchase cost

johnm1 · 04-12-2016, 08:27 AM

Hey all,

Am I in the ballpark on solar costs? I'll do the install myself and this will be mounted on the roof (not tilt-able).

I've only shopped around a little bit but I'm looking to see if this is close.

Battery Monitor = $200
Charge Controller = $515
Charge Controller (remote display) = $120
100(ish) watt solar cells ($120 x 4) = $500
Wiring and battery cables = $200
6v batteries ($100 x 4) = ($400)
Misc (connectors, boxes, sealant, etc) = $150

For a appox. grand total of: ~$2100

I was told by a home solar installer (who doesn't do RV's) that combined NYS and Federal rebates (??) work out to about a 55% savings on the whole job which would cut my cost by roughly 1/2 ... which I wouldn't cry over.

So, again, is ~$2k in the ballpark to start solar from scratch for an RV?

Thanks,

**Flybob** · 04-12-2016, 08:32 AM

Think your Charge Controller is a little high and your battery cost is a little low. I did not see an inverter listed so assuming you do not plan to use any AC appliances. You might want to check on the solar rebate as I believe it may not apply to a camping trailer. Have you confirmed that this system will meet your power demands?

silver · 04-12-2016, 08:38 AM

I did a lot of research last year and ended up at Renogy | The Future of Clean Energy. They have packages that make the solar end of your equation much more reasonable. Different range of kits from entry level to premium. You may want to check them out.

johnm1 · 04-12-2016, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

Think your Charge Controller is a little high and your battery cost is a little low. I did not see an inverter listed so assuming you do not plan to use any AC appliances. You might want to check on the solar rebate as I believe it may not apply to a camping trailer. Have you confirmed that this system will meet your power demands?

Flybob,

- We can do all we want on 12vdc so I don't need the inverter. Besides, I have a couple of cheapy's if needed - yes, it'll drain the batt's faster but that's ok ... for the short term.

- Like I said, I didn't shop around much but for the TriStar MPPT TS-MPPT-60, it looked about right??? I'm looking at the MPPT because we camp in shaded areas (not complete shade) so think I need more panels than "normal" and need to harvest as much from them as possible. At least this is what I understand as one of the benefits of the MPPT controller. Is this incorrect thinking?

- I will most definitely check the rebates before spending the $$. I do know I read that by IRS rules, a camper is the "same" as a motor home and in NYS our camper is considered a 2nd home (it's tax deductible). So ... I'm hoping and I'll keep my fingers crossed but check before spending $.

- Batteries - I thought I've read that people can get the T105's for around $100 each (maybe a pipe dream?). I know I can get the 6V Everready's from Batteries Plus for ~$100 each (before tax)

- I have not confirmed the draw on our new RV. It would be overkill in our last one assuming we had the sunlight for it. One of the biggest hurdles to me is figuring out how much power I can harvest in dappled and shaded campsites (we camp in the Adirondack Mountains a lot and there are a LOT of trees.

Thanks for the help - I need it.

Justice12t · 04-12-2016, 09:05 AM

I actually just purchased my solar setup. Starting off I went with 2x100 watt panels from Renogy. Got them pretty cheap from Amazon about $250. I then got an MPPT charge controller kit which included battery temp sensor, air temp sensor and remote display from Windy Nation for about $260 from amazon. I threw in a few other odds n ends. All in all about $600ish..
Now for the inverter side...I went with an inverter/charger with remote display and auto transfer switch and 2 - 6 volt batteries.
The kit I put together ran me in the range of about $1300. Plus a few bucks for some parts. So I think you should be in the ball park for 2k depending on what you buy and when. Remember it is not all about the money it is a good education and you should have some fun with it. good luck!

johnm1 · 04-12-2016, 09:14 AM

2 votes for Renology - Guess I need to look into what they have. For the battery monitor I've got spec'd out a Victron 702 with temp and Bluetooth.

Wholly cwap, I just looked at Amazon and the TS-60 is $200 ... not $515!! I like that much better.

This is why I posted this question to y'all!

Thanks and keep it coming ... please.

boondocking · 04-12-2016, 11:33 AM

Here is a reasonable 400 watt kit. You can add a remote display for $40.

Blackhat6mike · 04-12-2016, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justice12t

I actually just purchased my solar setup. Starting off I went with 2x100 watt panels from Renogy. Got them pretty cheap from Amazon about $250. I then got an MPPT charge controller kit which included battery temp sensor, air temp sensor and remote display from Windy Nation for about $260 from amazon. I threw in a few other odds n ends. All in all about $600ish..
Now for the inverter side...I went with an inverter/charger with remote display and auto transfer switch and 2 - 6 volt batteries.
The kit I put together ran me in the range of about $1300. Plus a few bucks for some parts. So I think you should be in the ball park for 2k depending on what you buy and when. Remember it is not all about the money it is a good education and you should have some fun with it. good luck!

IMHO, 2 x 6vdc batteries isn't enough storage. You might want to consider more elec storage.

Blackhat6mike · 04-12-2016, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boondocking

Here is a reasonable 400 watt kit. You can add a remote display for $40.

X2 with boondocking. The Renogy 400 watt kit is a really good buy with great customer service. Make sure you don't skimp on the wire gauge. Go big!

SeaDog · 04-12-2016, 09:27 PM

I'm looking at the portable system from zamp much less cost and should do what I need when dry camping. late night cocktails with a movie will require the generator.

Justice12t · 04-13-2016, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackhat6mike

IMHO, 2 x 6vdc batteries isn't enough storage. You might want to consider more elec storage.

Thanks for the info. I certainly don't disagree. We are going to start small and build from there. If I need 2 more batteries or more solar than I will get it. We don't boondocks a lot but would like to do more.

wahoonc · 04-13-2016, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silver

I did a lot of research last year and ended up at Renogy | The Future of Clean Energy. They have packages that make the solar end of your equation much more reasonable. Different range of kits from entry level to premium. You may want to check them out.

Renogy would be my first choice. They make complete kits with quality components at competitive prices. I have one of their 100 watt suitcase kits and have been very pleased. When I go permanent mount it will be one of theirs. Make sure you size your battery bank for the intended daily load plus a few more to allow for cloudy or rainy days.

Aaron

johnm1 · 04-13-2016, 08:10 AM

Thanks for all the info. I talk to Renogy last night and feel pretty good about the set up they quoted me. It was in the $1000+/- range for a complete 200W (2 x 100) panel set up with the 60 amp charge controller so I can add to it later if needed ... which I think I probably will. If nothing else because we'll end up using more electrical stuff 'cause we can :-)

Now I just need to find out about the solar rebates and hopefully pull the trigger on the order.

spock123 · 04-13-2016, 01:19 PM

I plan to get solar but right now I can't afford it, I have 2 2000i Honda's that I plan to use on this long trip plus a bank of batteries. I'll be alright on this trip, about 4 months. Next year I plan to install solar, start with two and add more as I can afford it.

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

johnm1 · 04-13-2016, 02:19 PM

Ok - I've lost the link that I had to the spreadsheet for battery & solar sizing calculator. I also can't find it in a search.

Anyone have a good one?

PokerDealer · 04-13-2016, 07:25 PM

Just wanted to add, by adding a battery monitor (Trimetric 2030) within a few trips you'll be able to tell for sure how much usage you have. There is an old saying to figure out how many watts of panels you need and double it. Using a good monitor will allow you to zero in on how much you will need. Windy Nation is a good site for off the grid equipment. With power, cheap is not always a good thing, unless you are getting top of the line equipment at a reasonable price.

test have shown you can add 20 to 25% efficiency by pointing your panels. Maximizing your efficiency and monitoring your power collection at least for the 1st 6 months will give you lots of information and peace of mind....

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