Crazy Cooter
Redding, CA
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Joined: 03/18/2005
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BoonHauler wrote:CrazyCooter:
I love your rig, this is off topic but I'd like to speak with you about the wheelset you have on your RAM
Can I PM you?
Sure!
Tony KI6WAO
2006 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW
1992 Jeep Wrangler YJ
2012 Cyclone 300C
2013 Can Am Maverick X-RS
2006 KTM 525 EXC CA Plated
2008 KTM 525 XC ATV
2008 Polaris 525 IRS
2007 Kawasaki STX12F
2009 Kawasaki 260X
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thebudman
Reno, NV
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Joined: 12/31/2004
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$1,200? Yikes: I spent $140 for the 45-watt Harbor Freight system. That's much more friendly to the walet. Of course, I still have to run the generator.
08 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab 6 sp manual
08 WW FK 2100
08 Rhino, 99 Honda TRX 400
RIP--USA: 1776 - 2012.
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ped
cincinnati
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Joined: 11/11/2011
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I have a 160 watts. Cables, charge controller, fuse blocks, and mounting hardware - $400 installed (myself). Provides all the power I need. Yeah I might question the purchase too if I were being reemed that hard. Otherwise solar is AWESOME!!!
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Dirtclods
Newport Beach
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Joined: 02/19/2007
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thebudman wrote:$1,200? Yikes: I spent $140 for the 45-watt Harbor Freight system. That's much more friendly to the walet. Of course, I still have to run the generator.
I love your Quote- (If you have the urge to fly your country's flag, then go do it on your native soil)
I'm 100 percent behind you on that!!
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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ped wrote:I have a 160 watts. Cables, charge controller, fuse blocks, and mounting hardware - $400 installed (myself). Provides all the power I need. Yeah I might question the purchase too if I were being reemed that hard. Otherwise solar is AWESOME!!! This seems reasonable.
OP, You should research your needs and then price a system. Check AM Solar for one of their kits. Then it will need to be installed. Do not overlook what sized panels will fit on the roof with minimum shadows and the cost of shipping panels ($$$). Large panel cost can be close to $1/watt.
I've priced a 460W system with a high end controller, remote, etc. plus parts at $1400 and self install, no panel shipping. This would allow for a third panel which I may never need. One 230W panel and small controller perhaps $500+.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42 Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
2004 Honda CR-V
Bob
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Dirtclods
Newport Beach
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Joined: 02/19/2007
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pianotuna wrote:Hi DirtClods,
That's an outrageous price per watt.
According to what?
The kit also includes: a 7 amp charge controller to protect your 12 Volt battery (ies) from overcharge and discharge.
http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Alte........?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi Dirtclods,
The parts for a good solar system can be had for under $2.50 per watt. 169/30 = $5.63 per watt. Outrageous.
As far as quality goes, Sun Force is near the bottom of the barrel.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
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zidaro
mammoth lakes
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Joined: 11/08/2009
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Solar is confusing to understand and easy to install
these guys have it figured out for you and good prices as well:
http://www.amsolar.com/
used them for the parts and installed myself
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Dirtclods
Newport Beach
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Joined: 02/19/2007
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pianotuna wrote:Hi Dirtclods,
The parts for a good solar system can be had for under $2.50 per watt. 169/30 = $5.63 per watt. Outrageous.
As far as quality goes, Sun Force is near the bottom of the barrel.
So what recommendations do you have for him for solar?
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi Dirtclods,
The OP needs to do some research and leg work. For solar to work well the range of wattage is best between 60 and 150 watts of panels per 100 amp-hours of storage. Less than 60 watts may not be able to equalize the battery bank (but even 12.5 watts per 100 will, given enough time, fully charge the bank). There are reasons to use more than 150 watts (such as possible elimination of other charging sources)--but after the battery bank is 85% charged there is not much point in attempting to charge faster than the c/8 rate (exception AGM batteries).
Charging a battery bank is somewhat like a frog on a log who can jump 1/2 to the end of the log in any jump. Every jump takes about the same time but the amp-hours returned to the battery become smaller and smaller. That's why solar, with a good charge controller, is one of the better ways to recharge batteries. It is not uncommon for me to see my solar panels "putting in" just one amp to 875 amp-hours of storage.
To see how my system has evolved surf here:
Technology
For small solar (up to 500 watts), I very much like the Rogue Controller. It may be cheaper to buy more panels and use a lower cost PWM controller (so long as it includes a three stage charger, and a temperature sensor), but that will add extra weight and require more holes in the roof.
Rogue
A place to check out panel pricing is:
low cost solar panels
Dirtclods wrote: So what recommendations do you have for him for solar?
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