Dealer wants to sell us 80 watt solar panel for our 179 but is asking 500$. Expensive

[trinityfly]

The Rpod is factory ready for plug in solar panel, is there a charge controller built into the Rpod? 100 watt panels go for less than half so why the big price. Advise would be appreciated.


Joe and Diane, pups Jenny and Tyke
2011 Tundra-2015 RPod 179 (Mr.Toad)
Alive and well, deep in the forests of Northern California

[Flybob]

Good reference site for anything solar.
Solar Electric Power Systems For On & Off Grid | Panels and More | NAWS

[Happy Vibe]

I can get a 100W solar panel, charge controller and wires for around $200. So $500 is very expensive. I would look around and put a system together yourself. One thing to watch is you will never get close to the rated power if you do not have a MPPT controller.

[Brother Les]

'Pass' on the 'Deal'... it is not deal.

[stillontheroad]

Check out Harbor Freight. They have good deals 45 watts for $139.00 right now. (But does the $500.00 include installation?)

[vinmaker]

Is your rPod wired for solar from the factory like other FR units? Does it have the Zamp prep?

[sfsgm]

Originally Posted by trinityfly

The Rpod is factory ready for plug in solar panel, is there a charge controller built into the Rpod? 100 watt panels go for less than half so why the big price. Advise would be appreciated.


Joe and Diane, pups Jenny and Tyke
2011 Tundra-2015 RPod 179 (Mr.Toad)
Alive and well, deep in the forests of Northern California

I have a 2006 Cardinal fifth wheel that came with a built in solar charger. Can the same wiring be used if I want to install a larger solar panel?

[Flybob]

The wiring should be OK, most likely you will need a new ( more capacity) controller. Most setups do not provide much margin for adding larger panels. Check the capacity ( on the controller).

[DickiedooFlagman]

These guys are well thought of by Trailer Life Magazine. Their website provides oddles of information. Welcome to AM Solar_Your RV Solar Specialists since 1987

Whatever you decide, make sure your controller has growth capacity for the future. Lots to think about including number of batteries, battery composition, type of controller, flat mounting or able to be angled, wire sizing, monitor controls, etc.

[trinityfly]

Thanks for the info. I have been checking some of the links yall have provided. Checked with the afore mentioned FR dealer ( where I bought my RPod) and he said there was no installation, that it was not mounted and was plug and play. I asked whether there was a charge controller built into my trailer or whether there was something that was integral to the panel or added between the panel and the plug ins available. He didn't know. Less than helpful huh? After the sale I am obviously history.

I haven't yet actually inspect the unit they are selling for 500$ but saw them leaning against a wall in canvas carry bags. As the dealership is some distance from my location inspection will have to wait.

Thank you again for your input. FR forum is a valuble resource for info.

[trinityfly]

I looked up 80 Watt Portable Solar Charging System – ZS-80-P and it looks like the one my dealership wanted to sell me. Turns out the 500$ price tag is competitive. Pretty slick kit with folding panels and attached controller.

My RPod is pre-wired for solar. Not sure what plugs to replace the battery clamps that come with the units.

Thoughts and advice much appreciated.



Joe and Diane, pups Jenny and Tyke
2011 Tundra-2015 RPod 179 (Mr.Toad)
Alive and well, deep in the forests of Northern California

[Happy Vibe]

It may be competitive but it is still expensive for an 80W system. There are better systems for less money out there.

[sponge]

Following along as I am close to pod purchase. I thought if you got the 40 or 80 watt zamp kit that was basically all you had to do...plug and play. I thought it used the existing battery clamps. I could be wrong. Any idea how much the 40amp was or is the 80 the way to go?

[kymooses]

Yuh that panel is around $400 or so from FR itself if you were to contact them.

[KMP44]

Originally Posted by trinityfly

I looked up 80 Watt Portable Solar Charging System – ZS-80-P and it looks like the one my dealership wanted to sell me. Turns out the 500$ price tag is competitive. Pretty slick kit with folding panels and attached controller.

My RPod is pre-wired for solar. Not sure what plugs to replace the battery clamps that come with the units.

I think you summed it up pretty well - what Zamp sells is convenience. Its a good quality setup ready to go straight out of the box. Not positive, but I believe the battery clamps unplug from the main cable, and that cable should plug right into the side of your trailer. The trade-off for the simplicity is the price.

You can buy the pieces and parts and put something together for maybe $300. It just comes down to preference.

Our trailer didn't come with the solar prep, so I just went the pieces and parts route. Bought two 100 watt panels, a controller, the wiring, fuses, and hardware for about $600 at www.solarblvd.com (but check their eBay store, sometimes the same items are cheaper there). I setup one panel as a portable panel since we camp in the woods a lot. I have everything to roof mount the second one, but still debating if I want to do that or just set it up as portable as well.

But, with a single 100 watt panel in good sun, we were able to maintain our two 12 volt batteries for 5 days. Wish we could have stayed longer to see how far we could stretch it. So, I would think the 80 watt panel would be a good option if you want to dry camp for a few days at a time without needing a generator.

[CAT-RN]

Well $500 and you are done with it. Drive around looking for best deal then have to install yourself. I find at times it just as cheap in long run to pay the fee and be done with it.

Now as to if it is the solar you want or if it's big enough. I have no idea.

Russell

[trinityfly]

Kymooses , if I can save a 100$ by buying direct from FR then I would go that way. However, their website only directs me to dealerships. If you have a phone number that would get me thru to them it would be appreciated.

Thank You all for the info. So far this forum has proved an excellent resource. Happy trails
Joe


Joe and Diane, pups Jenny and Tyke
2011 Tundra-2015 RPod 179 (Mr.Toad)
Alive and well, deep in the forests of Northern California

[Happy Vibe]

I can buy a 100W panel, controller and wires for $230 canadian. why would you want to spend $300 more for 20W less?

Solar Panel KIT Panneau Solaire 100 Watt 100 W Charger Cable MC4 Boat RV Cabin | eBay

[furpod]

What the zamp panels offer is convenience and ease.. at a cost. They are portable systems, designed and wired to match the zamp plug provided and wired by FR. ANY folding panel set with built in controller will work, though you will have to add the SAE matching plug to use the FR provided wiring. They are easy to come by. Zamp's components are all top notch and the build quality is solid.

Not surprised a dealership doesn't know much about solar in general and a particular manufacturer in particular, solar and RV instals are pretty rare, because 99.9% of RVers camp with hookups.

I like this one.. But as said, you will need to put a different plug on them. The SAE plugs are easy to find and wire. I prefer the portable systems, so I can camp in the shade, reducing the need for fans to run, and the available area on the roof of a pod is pretty minimal.

[rjltdl]

[QUOTE=furpod;782341]What the zamp panels offer is convenience and ease.. at a cost. They are portable systems, designed and wired to match the zamp plug provided and wired by FR. ANY folding panel set with built in controller will work, though you will have to add the SAE matching plug to use the FR provided wiring. They are easy to come by. Zamp's components are all top notch and the build quality is solid.

Not surprised a dealership doesn't know much about solar in general and a particular manufacturer in particular, solar and RV instals are pretty rare, because 99.9% of RVers camp with hookups.

I like this one.. But as said, you will need to put a different plug on them. The SAE plugs are easy to find and wire. I prefer the portable systems, so I can camp in the shade, reducing the need for fans to run, and the available area on the roof of a pod is pretty minimal.[/QUOTE

I have 2 185w solar panels with some hardware already attached and used to charge 12v, gell batteries ( which I have too). My question is " Are these panels to big for this system"?