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Old 11-30-2022, 11:12 AM   #1
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Need Help to Install Solar Panels

I would like to install 4 100 w panels on the roof of my Rockwood. I don't like climbing around on the roof now that I am in my 70s.

I called the only local RV dealer that does this kind of thing. They quoted me a labor rate of $140 per hour. I cannot even believe this.

Who else might be willing to install some panels, wire them together and install a drop through the roof? Anyone have any good ideas?
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Old 11-30-2022, 11:47 AM   #2
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local electrical or solar installer may be cheaper than RV shop
Mobile RV tech not a lot cheaper than a shop!

local handyman could do it because it is only small system
be prepared to supervise the install.
question them on how they intend to seal any holes
Make sure they have their own INSURANCE in case they hurt themselves.

I'm 66 starting to slow down too...
good luck...
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Old 11-30-2022, 11:51 AM   #3
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$140 an hour shop rate is pretty normal around here, a little low actually.
Call some mobile RV outfits or one of the millions of companies that are ringing your doorbell everyday wanting to install solar on your house. Surely, some of them would do an RV.
Unless you already bought them, I would look at higher wattage (200watts at least) panels so you would need less panels.
Good luck
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Old 11-30-2022, 01:54 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ppine View Post
I would like to install 4 100 w panels on the roof of my Rockwood. I don't like climbing around on the roof now that I am in my 70s.

I called the only local RV dealer that does this kind of thing. They quoted me a labor rate of $140 per hour. I cannot even believe this.

Who else might be willing to install some panels, wire them together and install a drop through the roof? Anyone have any good ideas?
140 dollars per hour is the going rate for shop work here also.
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Old 11-30-2022, 02:53 PM   #5
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price of panels, batteries, install labor$$. you can pay a lot of nights for electric, water restrooms.etc. and relax , you are not young anymore.do the math.
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Old 11-30-2022, 03:19 PM   #6
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price of panels, batteries, install labor$$. you can pay a lot of nights for electric, water restrooms.etc. and relax , you are not young anymore.do the math.
Yes, but you can't camp in the same places.
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Old 11-30-2022, 03:23 PM   #7
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if you are camping why do you need 400 watts of solar. i still camp on 100
watts of solar , 1 battery and sun shine.
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Old 11-30-2022, 03:33 PM   #8
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price of panels, batteries, install labor$$. you can pay a lot of nights for electric, water restrooms.etc. and relax , you are not young anymore.do the math.
No Campground fees: Solar cost $1600 = $330 per year over 5 years.
Campgrounds fees: $80/night = Only 4 nights per year over 5 years = $1600

There, did the math.
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Old 11-30-2022, 04:57 PM   #9
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if you are camping why do you need 400 watts of solar. i still camp on 100
watts of solar , 1 battery and sun shine.
400 watts is what many forum members recommend as the minium. But a 100 watt panel will give the camper battery only about 5 amps on a sunny day in June. But how much charge in December? About 2 amps if you're lucky. 100 watts may be ok if you're trying to charge one battery but if you've got 2 or more, then having a 400 watt system can make huge difference.
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Old 11-30-2022, 05:10 PM   #10
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If you're a Facebook user, there are various groups for solar installations. I know that people often ask for installers in their areas.

I would not have an RV dealer install them. They might get the roof part done right but they're likely going to bugger up the rest of the installation.
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Old 11-30-2022, 06:33 PM   #11
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In the days before the interweb ... we had a notice board at the office
when paying our fees ..... browsed our board


"Wanted, gut to install panels"
Pay ... two cartons.
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Old 12-01-2022, 10:46 AM   #12
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I've got 400 on top, installed myself, also have 2–100-watt suitcase panels. Maybe the suitcase would work for you
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Old 12-01-2022, 03:33 PM   #13
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I wouldn’t think it would take long to put the panels on and drop the cables through the roof if that’s all you want done.
My 4 didn’t have me up top for much more than 30 minutes.
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Old 12-01-2022, 11:57 PM   #14
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$140 is reasonable nowadays. I would however ask if it includes materials to spec and how many hours.
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Old 12-02-2022, 08:17 AM   #15
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I wouldn’t think it would take long to put the panels on and drop the cables through the roof if that’s all you want done.
My 4 didn’t have me up top for much more than 30 minutes.
That is super fast! Realistically, any installer will want between 150-200 dollars per panel and that is if they will even take a partial job.
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Old 12-02-2022, 08:57 AM   #16
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That is super fast! Realistically, any installer will want between 150-200 dollars per panel and that is if they will even take a partial job.


It’s only 8 screws per panel and mc4 connectors. Not that time consuming[emoji16]
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Old 12-02-2022, 10:25 AM   #17
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$140 is reasonable nowadays. I would however ask if it includes materials to spec and how many hours.
$140 is not only reasonable today, compared to what it might be tomorrow given the trend in prices, it is DARN reasonable.
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Old 12-02-2022, 12:11 PM   #18
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It’s only 8 screws per panel and mc4 connectors. Not that time consuming[emoji16]
There is a old land surveyors tale about a man who wanted an estimate to set 4 iron pipes on his 1/8 acre lot. The land surveyor gave an estimate of 1000 dollars (1980). The property owner said "that's outrageous, I could set those iron pipes in an hour!". The land surveyor said: "so could I, and I am only charging you 100 dollars for driving in 4 iron pipes and 900 dollars for knowing where to put them."

Point being, the installer is not only doing the work, he is taking on the responsibility to make sure it is done correctly. In this case he is drilling a hole in the roof and it has to be in the "right" spot and sealed properly. Most likely, he will stand behind the quality of his work.
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Old 12-02-2022, 01:00 PM   #19
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if you are camping why do you need 400 watts of solar. i still camp on 100
watts of solar , 1 battery and sun shine.
Because I camp in the winter with snow on the roof. I camp in cloudy weather and short days.
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Old 12-02-2022, 01:03 PM   #20
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I have 2 100 watt solar panels on the ground now.
I am getting ready to do some longer trips and bringing the lady along. She wants to have some power. It is no big deal to add 2 panels and get serious about making solar power.
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