qtla9111
Monterrey, Mexico
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Joined: 09/17/2003
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I went to Costco (Mexico) this morning and found a solar panel setup. Not common here so I was pretty excited. It is 4 15W panels, a tubular tilted frame, 7 amp charger, cables, and a 175 inverter for $349 U.S.
Sunforce Solar
How many batteries could I hookup to this system? Also, if I could several together, can I also connect the chargers together or do I need one big charger? This would be for a 40ft two-bedroom Hornet travel trailer which won't be moved.
If it doesn't sound like a bargain, an 85W panel at Battery Master here goes for almost 500 dollars with nothing included.
1998 Nissan Pathfinder
2004 Shadow Cruiser 18ft.
Living and Boondocking Mexico
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Keith M
Cle Elum
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Joined: 07/28/2002
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It sounds like an OK deal however mounting four small panels on a roof and then tilting them is a problem. If you dont mount them you still have the issue of four rather small panels and a controller that might not have a permanent mount.
The one time I did cross into Mexico I noticed that solar was more money in Mexico and that is was illegal to bring "new in box panels" into the country. If you really want to get serious about Solar then I think a 120-135 watt panel a Morningstar 15 amp controller with meter and two golf cart batteries is a minimum set up. You could probably wire it yourself. The controller is usually put in above the refrigerator. The controller and panel would probably cost about $800. You could probably buy mounting brackets from one of the Arizona solar dealers.
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vermilye
Oswego, NY, USA
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Joined: 08/11/2004
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You might want to review your usage - 60 watts of solar cells will deliver less than that under average conditions - it may not be enough to be worth the installation.
Jon Vermilye Travel & Photo Web Pages ... My Collection of RV Blogs & Journals
Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, MT
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qtla9111
Monterrey, Mexico
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vermilye wrote:You might want to review your usage - 60 watts of solar cells will deliver less than that under average conditions - it may not be enough to be worth the installation.
That's why I am wondering if it is a good deal to buy two or three sets and hook them together.
If I buy in the U.S. I have to pay 22% import tax plus my time,gas, insurance for one day, etc.
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nny12972
NY
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Joined: 10/25/2006
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You've been around awhile, Chris----have you looked at "The 12 Volt Side of Life?" What's really important, is what YOU need/want to power with the setup.....there's a number of links of the site....suggest you use one of their worksheets---determine what your power needs are first......them do the 2-for, 3-for, or 4-for math. I have reservations that multiples of your COSTCO deal would be cost effective over the long haul....the larger panels---just like using Trojan batteries----cost more, but they're also gonna' live longer and perform better in most cases.
I've got 150W of solar (I average about 45-55 amp hours charging on a good day), and that pretty much takes care of my needs year-round with 4 T-105 6V batteries---and I'm at 45.5 north latitude!...but, if you don't play the "know your needs" game first, you run the risk of being very unhappy!
Good luck,
J
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smkettner
Southern CA
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Two or three sets? If you are mounting these on the RV I would go with larger panels and a single MPPT controller.
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mike-uswest
Central Point, OR, USA
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Joined: 06/27/2002
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The going price on most panels is about $5 per watt. You can find them cheaper with some digging on the INTERNET. As has been said, the MPPT controllers are nice, but you can get one for a lower price. The MPPT does give you more out of your panels though. I have 300 watts now, but I ran on short weekend trips before I retired with 125 watts, and if you watch your usage you can get along fine.
Mike
2003 Dodge 2500 CTD, 4X4,
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Keith M
Cle Elum
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The display picture of the four panels hooked up to one battery in front of a nice house tells you pretty much all you need to know. A guy has a set up like this near me and the solar panels are used to charge a battery that opens and closes the gate to his estate. If you are near San Felipe in Mexico there are a couple of solar dealers their. Going further north there is at least one in Yuma and of course a 3-4 in Quartzsite. You wont have to pay the import tax if you have them installed on the roof.
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retired4fun
Northern Colo
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Joined: 03/22/2002
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Make sure you are FULLY informed BEFORE you go shopping. I wasn't. I bought what the salesman wanted me too. All though my setup works OK, for a few bucks more I could have got a LOT better setup.
"03" GMC D/A
"04" Snowriver 9/6
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aka chopperbill
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Dancing Bear
upstate New York
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Joined: 10/08/2006
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Not for nothing but my 45 watt Harbor Freight setup provides enough power for our camper. For now I have two size 27 12volt batteries being charged through a solar battery minder unit and even on lightly cloudy days it maintains a full charge. Mind you we don't use as much power as some may. Water pump, frig, radio and 1-2 hours of TV is about it. Lighting use is minimal, I use garden style solar lights for "night lights". Second year of running this setup. Last year during a full week of camping I did start up the genny on the 4th day , because it rained the previous day.
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