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d-mac1

Colorado

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Posted: 04/03/12 09:36am

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Wow! This post has gotten more responses than any I've ever made anywhere! Glad to hear that 1200 is absurdly expensive for the panels. I was figuring about 500 installed and when they said 1600 installed I was like holy s...!

If I do it myself, one of my basic concerns is drilling holes in my roof for wires and mounts. I take it there is a simple way to do that and not get leaks?

I'm glad so many are saying its a do it yourself project because I didn't think it would be.

I've obviously got lots to learn...another factor for the panel wattage aspect...what if someone is in the trailer using some power during the day. It seems that somehow that should be factored into the equation.

Thanks for all the great info...keep it coming!

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smkettner

Southern California

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Posted: 04/03/12 09:39am

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Most run the wire down the fridge vent. Drill a 1" hole in the plastic (under the cover) and pop in a strain relief to send power down to the controller.

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CA Traveler

The Western States

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Posted: 04/03/12 09:48am

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Sealing depends on the roof type. I use Dicor as does Monaco on my metal and fiberglass roofs. Use the same as your mfg.

Yes day usage subtracts from the available battery charge as does clouds. One approach is to plan for battery charging to be completed early afternoon.

Many factors reduce solar power: rain, flat panels, etc and then there is battery capacity to help with low solar days. Read Handy Bob's website on his experience - adequate power, no generator etc.

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Bob

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The Western States

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Posted: 04/03/12 09:54am

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smkettner wrote:

Most run the wire down the fridge vent. Drill a 1" hole in the plastic (under the cover) and pop in a strain relief to send power down to the controller.

Some use the tank vent pipe. There are generally multiple routes including cabinets, closets and perhaps even walls.

SoakedKarma

Reno neh-va-duh

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Posted: 04/10/12 05:54pm

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Golden_HVAC wrote:

Good does not adequately describe a solar system in a RV. Excellent, or best thing I did, or saves the batteries, and gives 9 years life out of the batteries! That is more like it.
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You can buy a solar panel from this place, SunElec.com for about $2 per rated watt.
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Some have installed a 400 watt solar system, and then no need to worry about battery going dead, watch TV via a inverter, or run a video game, ect. Yet 200 - 300 watts is normally plenty for a average RV.
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Your budget should be about $400 for a 200 watt solar panel, and $125 for a controller, $25 if you make the brackets yourself, and shipping will be added to the solar panel. Wiring will be about 25 feet of #10 UV rated direct burial wire, you can buy a 25' roll of it at Home Depot, it is gray outside covering. You can run the wires from the roof via the refrigerator vent to a suitable location for the controller in the basement in my case (was in the closet next to the refrigerator at one time) then to the battery.

Fred.

I am Quite pleased with my SunElec.com 600 watt system which I started piecing together in 2006. Have no need for generator and last time I checked their prices, you can get an entire 400 watt system for the price you stated... excluding additional batteries.. that is..
Yup just checked Complete off grid 400w system $863.03 Sunelec off grid 400W

RickSo

Alberta,Canada

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Posted: 04/13/12 08:24pm

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Hi, I am just working on my solar system and purchased most of my items from Wholesale Solar. They seem to have good prices and very knowledgeable staff. Just got the panels on yesterday...here is a picture I took. Still have to install extra batteries and charge controller and disconnect switches.

Rick
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