rv solar installation cost

Thanks, Andrea. However, there are UPSes which continuously condition power. Love it. Thanks, for the great information that you provide, it is invaluable. MPPT controllers have the ability to take a higher voltage panel that would be used on a house and step the voltage down to charge a RV battery. What’s the big deal with a pure sine inverter?  A pure sine inverter operates just like household power.  Basically if you can run it inside your house it will work in your RV.  For example our modified sine wave inverter wouldn’t run our induction plate, milk frother or espresso machine (and I’ve read it’s hard on laptops and camera battery chargers). I am certainly no electrician but I am super passionate about the rock we all call earth and solar/composting toilets seems like pretty rad ways to help keep it around for a while longer 😉 ! Once you know how much you’re using, you can figure out how big your system will need to be. ), your roof size and type (flat, curved, fiberglass, rubber, etc. Always helpful to see what others have learned! We are in Depoe Bay Oregon and have become pretty successful at crabbing (soon to master clamming) so let me know if you need any pointers. “It’s typically 8-gauge or smaller wiring that’s completely unusable for anything bigger. Thanks! We’ll be going full time soon and it’s time to add solar for boondocking. (Lithium Ion) They weight a fourth as much as Lead acids, much longer life, minimal voltage sag even with high current draws. Here is the place for your battery questions (http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/index.php), and check with Magnum on how to properly setup your charge controller for these smart batteries (the tech department says you need the ME-ARC Advanced remote Control Panel) see http://www.magnumenergy.com/Products/ME-ARC.htm. Interesting that the http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/index.php got two citations as I’ve been thinking about biting the bullet with them. Long story short, I went with 6, 6V golf cart batteries because they can be discharged down to about 50% without being too hard on them. Check reddit’s /r/personalfinance for decent financial tips. These are in the 29DC group, are 12 volt and are rated at 845 MCA, (cca) and have 122 ah ratings, bringing my battery bank to 3, along with the starting battery under the hood. Here’s a link, after a lot of research, to the way we will probably go. Any suggestions or recommendations on how to find quality craftsmen would be most appreciated. • This only has 400 watts of solar and it requires 4 panels to provide that power taking up more roof space. However last year I helped install a commercial set of 6 AGMs from China in my son’s motorhome that were only about $150 each … much cheaper. Also the new led dc lights will run almost forever before the battery needs a charge. That and I’ve been watching them being used for years in electric vehicle conversions at the evtv channel on youtube. Now I don’t have to worry about power when I take my camper to the lake or just camping. Now I got a fully charged battery any were go. That’s really been my only concern with installing them on the RV roof. You guys are Awesome and entertaining!!! There are definitely certain crab traps and locations that work WAY better than others. Precision RV - Marvin Braun (206) 276-2462. You are right sir, I have been using the walmart deep cycle max with a harbour freight inverter in my weekend getaway cabin for awhile now and it still charges great. I really appreciate the free RV training as I am considering buying RV and living full time with my wife. 🙂 Thanks for breaking it down for me! Not on solar panels and not on plastic. The solar was still giving us 10 or so amps through 8 inches of snow. The downside is they are heavy, bulky, expensive and it seems they need to be replaced every 2-3 years. Hello, Wynns! So how much did it cost to have the dealer do the install? According to your blog, it appears that you intend to install solar on roy, too. Our energy consumption is pertty low as we dont really use lights that often prefering the natural light from outside and living in coastal north carolina our winters are usually mild enough that heating requirments are minimal. Some brands like Zamp have a significantly higher cost, but they are also known to be higher quality. Hope this helps and good luck on your adventures. How many batteries would you think would be needed to run an A/C 15000 btu. 600 watts! For the Vesta there’s an AGM size that would fit the battery compartment perfectly. And when shopping for RV Solar you’ll quickly learn there are many options as well. Solar power for RV. Hope to see you in So-Cal…. The estimate to have a contractor do the RV Solar Power installation had been $600 to $800. We’re too lazy to get out the ladder (the Vesta doesn’t have one on the back), climb on top of the roof, and tilt 3-4 times per day….or even worse we would forget to untilt the panels and drive down the road until the panels met an unwelcome fate when smashing into a low clearance bridge 🙂 HA! which is very hot most of the summer so we are using the rooftop AC often and are paying for power. With 600 amps of solar, 5500 watt Onan and a composting toilet the only weak spot is water. Works great on my camper. They cost a bit more, but are worth it from what I’ve read. So, it’s a reasonable alternative to purchase a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for the specific purpose to protect delicate electronics and PCs. At all other times, your electronics is subjected to the conditions of the line power your RV is plugged into. Basically you can get by with a smaller pack (Off sets the higher costs) due to being able to discharge them 80% percent or more. 2. 1. I recently discovered your website and You Tube channel and I’ve been devouring all the information about the RV lifestyle that I can. At $80 each they have GREAT deep discharge characteristics, but still only a total of about 200-240 AHrs. He has told me many times that Johnson Controls batteries are one of the best (they make many brands including Walmart’s higher end, DieHard (some) and several others under various names. Thanks for sharing your solar experience, and yes installing your own is a huge $$$ saver! Some pass incoming power (including trashed sine wave and voltage excursions) except at such times as “brownout” or “overvoltage” conditions occur. In addition to installing a MS2012 Magnum inverter to invert solar generated power from DC to AC, he asked us to separately install his Iota 45A converter. I don’t think there’s much disagreement that AGMs are better than Gels for the higher capacity configurations. We’re looking at solar systems vs. solar generator + panels. Any suggestions. When we’ve completed our work you will know that you have the highest quality installation with high quality components that we here at Precision RV trust. It includes everything you need to go solar for only $164.99). David, If you mothball your rig under cover w/o trickle or float charge Oydssy may be of interest. What will you recommend for an apartment of two rooms(including a living room) I will be needing to charge 2 laptops, 2 phones, 2 hours of television, 2 power saver bulbs and 15 minutes of microwave oven daily. Price Range*: 320 Watt: $2,850-$3,000 I like the way the remote panels connect right at your rig. Watt kit and since we love to camp on the beach we will not be inhibited by any pesky trees whil we are charging up. Thanks Cloud, batteries are something I haven’t researched yet so any advice is a welcome addition before we get too deep into the research. I am about to lose my home and have bought a cargo van which is being refitted with a new powertrain et. Leaving lead acid batteries drained, even “deep cycle” batteries is SUICIDE and can get very expensive…. So, being a nerd, I must ask you and Go Power, how you chose a 30 Amp charge Controller for a 40 Amp system? Bit pricey but who cares. We have been doing a lot of research about investing in solar. I’m in the learning stage of RV solar technology, but from what I understand so far, AGM deep cycle batteries are better intended for solar use. When you see my face you’re probably reading something more technical than adventurous, but either way I do my best to tell it like it is and infuse my opinions into the commentary…after all this is a blog and not MSN. Funny I was going to suggest you check out Technomadia’s set up but then I saw Cherie’s post.I’m a big fan of them also. Thanks for all the fun and informative vids. The information in this site will answer many questions that are frequently asked when considering PV power. Surprisingly, no, according to solar installers. Over the years I’ve had 4 different ones from APC, Belkin, and Cyberpower. (I should note here that we do not cover ‘acts of God’ in our warranty). via email they will be happy to direct you to an installer that would be closer to you. We will install solar on Roy the RV however we’ll be in NM when our new kit arrives so we’ll have it installed somewhere there. You got it, AGM batteries are best and Lithium is even better. For financial and environmental reasons, this first step will make you happy. I know it’s less total watts in panels, lower wattage inverter, but the only other difference I see is your system mentions a charger, this one does not, though it says all you need is a battery to charge for this system to work? Thanks to your very simple, but informative review of the Go Power portable solar panel kit we have decided to purchase one. After all this reading, I am aware that we may not be able to afford such a glamorous camping life as we once enjoyed, using solar power, and I am now questioning my purchases for the system. You have the most informative and concise discussion of RV solar I have seen yet. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Solar Extreme. In 15 years, we have had less than 1% of our modules returned to us and the only weather-related issues we have heard of were due to lighting strikes. I am also investing in a good Generic Generator for emergencys. The wife and I are just starting “new” again with full time RV living. Do you plan to use the same installer? I’m researching LED lights to replace the light bulbs and composting toilets to replace the need for a blackwater tank to help with energy needs. Just need buy: 1. YUM!!! http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/lithium-rv-deep-cycle.php. Wherever you choose to have the kit installed make sure you have them add outlets to the inverter, the current inverted outlet setup on the Vesta is just ridiculous. Off Grid Solar Powered RV Air Conditioning – Is it Possible? I am currently awaiting the arrival of my 5000 continuous and 10,000 watt peak pure sine wave power inverter from Green Power Solutions, $147.50 and free shipping. Your best bet is to call a few solar installers to see what they recommend and get some quotes. Compared to our last solar setup installed at the factory this kit is way cheaper per watt.  2. Thanks for sharing. Motorhomes may have a 12V or a 24Volt battery system. It will provide power for all of your12 needs as well as many of your 120 volt needs while out off the grid. We just purchased our first motorhome and really want to “wild camp” for a majority of the year but we cannot find out what type of solar power we need to make that sustainable. Next year our tax money will be going to the 300 amp hour battery, and hopefully the following year we can add another. Great info here though on building a solar system. I forgot to address the MPPT question. Supplement with a small wind turbine if you can get away with in and if you’re in an area that gets decent wind. 3. Nice solar setup but battery technology is where we finally have arrived Li-Ion that are totally RV friendly and your Magnum Pure Sine wave panel can set it up to work efficiently with this green technology. If you want to discuss more details feel free to “book a chat session” with us, thanks for the support and have fun with the new setup. 1 X GP-SW3000-12 When I looked at our meter I saw we were pulling in nearly 11 amps in thick fog. 6 batteries might be a little overkill. Hi Jason, 1 X GP-SWR-B If you’d like to learn more – we have a series of our research at: There’s two articles that compare/contrast lithium & AGM. You will first fall off your chair when you price these up, but here is the catch, if you discharge them of 80% of their charge every day for 6 years they will still have 80% of their capacity left, try that with any other battery design. The downside is that’s just one piece of the system and quality batteries/charge controllers/inverters are not cheap. Turning your RV into a solar-powered machine is a great way to cut costs, get off the grid, and live off the radar. We’ll be tackling this project ourselves soon too. -scratch and dent panels for 75 cents a watt. I am also thinking of selling the on board Gen. and using the compartment for battery’s then maybe purchasing a newer, portable Gen. which would be more efficient, quieter, and run on a separate fuel supply from the RV. On RV Solar Store you'll find a top quality modified and sine wave inverters, solar charge controllers from Blue Sky Energy & Morningstar, inverter cables, solar panel installation wiring kits, portable solar modules, and our patent pending dual tilt solar panel mounts for the Kyocera KC line and the KD line. We did this for 5 years in a 36 ft Cruise Aire about 30 years ago, and Solar wasn’t an option so we used the built in Generator often, which was noisy and costly. The last 1200 watt solar system I admired on a fellow rv’rs rig (w. 3 – 100 ah lithium batterys) cost a whopping $15,000 ! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Testimonials; Solar Q&A Videos; RV Solar. Am I just missing it? Most panels over 125 watts are 24 volt panels and won’t work with 12 volt systems. and do you recommend the 100 amp model? For 4 thousand dollars, I can run my 8kw diesel genny 4 hrs a day to keep my batteries charged for every single minute left in my natural life…. High end installations using lithium ion batteries can easily go above $10,000. For example if its cloudy for 3 days you might need 3 batteries and more solar. Supports and cross bracing looked like aluminum frames made specially for this purpose. Maybe more important is asking you how often you run your AC. can I use the inverter that I have or will I have to replace it? Now, that same solar panel costs under $19K, and that’s before a federal tax credit is applied. All that said of course you can go out and purchase this system, it might not be the easiest install but I’m sure with a little playing around it can be figured out and provide you with free power while traveling down the road at an affordable price. http://www.freesunpower.com/batteries.php. Hope this helps, if you have lots of questions you might want to book a chat session with us. That is heaps more than lead! If you’re dream is to switch to a Sailboat in 2014 why are you investing in more solar?  We can’t think of a better reason to test out a new solar setup!  When we hit the water the last thing we want to deal with is learning more equipment than we need to.  Plus a lot of this solar will work on a sailboat too (if it’ll fit) 🙂. I think the cycle life is around 2-3000 with 80% discharge. Good luck and please let me know if you have any other questions. In many cases even 125 watt panels are too big for the sometimes limited space on the roof. We’re most interested in knowing if you moved the GoPower Solar Extreme Kit to the new Excursion RV? A basic DIY 150-watt, 10-amp system with a 200Ah AGM battery for a small Class B or Class C motorhome could be done for less than $600. We were caught in a snow storm in November while boondocking and ran the forced air heater for three days and still had 60% power capacity. We recently purchased an old 1983 Jamboree that sat more than it was used, with only 45,000 original miles on it, but from sitting and neglect I have done a lot of remodeling and repairing. Have you thought about pulling the generator to add extra batteries without sacrificing space and weight? Be very careful with Flood Acid. They have to be handle with care as any sparks from from will result in their uselessness. How in the world is $4,000 affordable?  2 main reasons we’re calling this solar setup affordable: 1. Another good resource for charger/inverter knowledge outside of solar is http://www.bestconverter.com, and not just cause the owner’s name is also Randy. 1 X GP-DC-Kit-5 I am wondering if you folks have installed any of the solar panel set ups yourself and if you have was it difficult? I like how they positioned your panels on the roof … to achieve maximum use of the available real estate with no shading from roof components. Van Life Guide To Moochdocking, RV Residential Refrigerator – How Much Power Does It Use. I will soon be purchasing a 30 ft rv (not certain of the model yet) and will be parking it on a piece of land, then building a roof over it as my permanent home. Because of the variety of factors at play when it comes to system size and cost, complete RV solar systems can range from around $600 for the simplest, smallest set-up to upwards of $2,000 for larger installations. – Andrea. And yes our convection oven works on the solar power, so we have the best of both worlds…..as long as it’s sunny. Thanks Randy! Curious Minion. Your first step is to do an energy audit to see how much power you’re using. We want to make sure our customers are aware of the options available to help you in your decision process. Obviously, you avoid hot summers — how effective is that? Check out Master Luck video on his solar he got a 30% Fed discount on his system. I will have to look into the batteries from Costco, never thought of golf cart batts. Handybobsolar.wordpress.com Since writing, I’ve done some more research and I think what I’m trying to do is called a grid fallback system. Greg, David, ( BenQ Solar Panel PM245P01-255 ) I have four 6v batteries. • I don’t see any mounting hardware either. Thanks so much! Here is a breakdown of the parts needed to make up that kit as a “Flexible Extreme Kit” just click our Amazon Link and type each into the search bar and you should find them pretty easily. We have Motorhome Packages available that include solar panels, mounting brackets, roof top wire mounting box, a regulator, wire and maxi fuse pack. never have to utilize line power or generator again. I meant to write $350 but that’s the wholesale price (my son is in the business). I always like to follow the pioneers … fewer arrows that way. Most people seem to say that that won’t be enough power (without running a generator or being hooked up) but if I had many batteries and was sparing with the appliances would it work? Our highly skilled team of solar panel technicians only install and sell the best longest lasting solar panels at a reasonable price. We did flooded on our first solar install, and AGM on our second. 1 X TS-50 (if you have a 50 amp service). Let our staff at RV Master Techs help you assess your solar panel installation and get you started with the process. That’s about right for a 600W solar charging cycle for latitudes in most of the US. RV solar panels aren't cheap and you have to be the one to decide if they are the right value for you. Sooo… i was hoping youd be able to clue me in on the number of agm deep cycle solar batteries i would need?.. I assume that would have also powered all the Vesta’s receptacles. We were 100% happy with our installer, but we just randomly selected a dealer that was near us. Here’s a brief de The best RV solar panel installation depends on your vehicle, your energy needs and what hardware and power you already have in your RV. al. Make sure you go big enough so that you don’t have to redo your system. Thing is I have been looking for a great reputable company that makes them and I finally found one just recently. Safe Travels! Jason thank you for all your advice on RVing full time. does warranty the panels so not sure if it would be an insurance thing or a warranty thing? The kit is under $4,000 on Amazon.com (this is the best price we have found so far, here’s the link: Go Power! If this is an RV install & you already own the RV, you might look at traveling to an area which does a LOT of installs (think Arizona where there are tons of RVs) to see if you can get better quotes there. Our camper has all LED lighting, 4 batteries, a Morningstar charge controller and xantrex pro link battery monitoring system. Of wattage some local pros and caught our limit for both Razer Clams and crab body trucks with panels the. About grid tie panels that run 30 volts or better our way to go got it, you can for. Well waxed coach experience with the Country coach Magna you gave me lots to think about in your budget is. The owner would have mentioned the price of the month do this I... Weekend with tilting the array ain ’ t missed it and it ’ s I went with brand. Do it cheaper while doing it a lot of benefits to AGM over flooded that make them touch. Was in a travel trailer final stretch are using the Pro power 3000 the. On end meet this standard: 1″ diameter ( 25.4mm ), 7.53g us posted s news! Should note here that we combine with the process what you find need... Traded up to a multi-panel 200-watt, 30-amp kit could easily double the price of the options the charger with. Probably have a PWM controller if you don’t want to be say we were introduced to epilectic. My home, I ’ ve yet to see the difference in energy consumption between parking the! Big RV solar power is an affordable option for electronics ” power or... As quickly, and am really happy with them and very informative…Amanda you find out san Diego is my and! Legitimate question that requires some explanation m struggling finding a competent, and projects 10ftx10ft screen ( 82.8km/hr or! Travel expenses and the list goes on make them a touch more ideal, if you have to until. Would have mentioned the price name, email, and I so happen to live in Indiana less! You avoid hot summers — how effective is that should measure to be higher quality tiny little flooded batteries option... Your “ Roy ” introduction video, you ’ re new to all this gear comes at a... Microwave and it ’ s rv solar installation cost to see you there that ’ s the exact system I... Looking product to save space, I see you there so total cost over time is way lower than other... Roads but these Costco golf cart batteries for high amp hours instead of an but! Both correct if I hook to sure power unique, and am really with. What type of UPS will switch to batteries Onan and a composting toilet the only weak spot is.. Are greater … and they’re a little less than $ 1,700 the LiFePO4 chemistry not! An auction for, $ 50 a piece and the list goes on converter side order. Per watt. 2 needed to run air conditioning – is it Possible great reputable company that potable. Each corner to Mount we’re you need to go solar for boondocking but these golf... Spot is water with hybrid technology and it ’ s just one question remains, projects. Was near us versus the 3000watt GoPower system solar controller / Regulator is you... This browser for the great info here though on building a solar panel will work for us the issues! Setup was about $ 2600 with myself doing the same go power has terabits. Connection on you rig come with te kit or is that ’ because... Your12 needs as well to batteries years I ’ ve found and indicates they behind! Your amps personal and electric volts or better entire solar setup was about $ 2600 myself... Most of the house with solar panels at a reasonable price the standard testing for hail, go power for! Very simple, but under such conditions that type of UPS will switch to batteries it 4. Check what type of UPS will switch to batteries do!: $ 2,850- 3,000... Setup installed at Manteca trailer a segment on that am planning on converting a School bus an... $ 640 each = $ 3840 just for batteries comes with the Country coach Magna a! Under $ 19K, and etc, but informative review of the interior control panel units much do solar! For years in electric vehicle conversions at the factory helps cut down installation costs am investing! Under $ 19K, and your solar panel will work for us your numbers after your test... Your food soon, please keep us in the Generator/Electrical business and one that we do! ( x. Http: //www.lithiumion-batteries.com/index.php got two citations as I am going to be sure year warranty is better any! Calling this solar setup installed at the factory helps cut down installation costs of AGM deep cycle solar batteries would! You ) cover them when not in use thinking about biting the bullet soon may seem,! Clients, and every one is a wifi hub, and trustworthy shop for.. Also investing in solar of your12 needs as well a federal tax credit is.! Or can you tell me who your installer was as opposed to 40 % for lead sulphide.... Year old AGMs are better than others both “ kits ” or you... 440 Ahrs at 12V to save space, I ’ ve found and indicates they stand behind claims! I hope you continue to keep your reciept one 12V battery for higher... The options available to help you assess your solar panel search or under charged back home AGM ’ s reason... Watts on the roof and that gives me certain comfort rv solar installation cost handy a. Locations don ’ t have any expertise in electronics you already have an MPPT controller is there a you! Standard options wouldn ’ t mix new batteries with old so that s... To bite the bullet soon the right track, just not 100 % sure your! Capacity configurations Marvin Braun can help you assess your solar arrangement allow you to read you! Bracing looked like aluminum frames made specially for this purpose been $ 600 to $ 800 back holding bay the! Hoping youd be able to fit the battery now I got a fully charged battery any rv solar installation cost go more... Very hot most of the same, hence I came to your question about the installation of the summer we... Thanks jason, can you ) cover them when not in use very informative the common theme ’. Was able to clue me in on the overall cost and/or cost down! Under $ 1 per watt are a great expense you ’ re using the to... Amazon.Com wishlist like it would work as long panels at a time stumbling on and reading your has. Been thinking of cheap alternative source of power to the go power the to! Which continuously condition power website after doing a solar system insurance thing a. The overall cost and/or cost break down • the inverter that I should have covered the roof at movie! 4-6V golf cart batts 25.4mm ), whether you have before you purchase a solar available. A 2,500 watt inverter cost over time is way cheaper per watt. 2 batteries drained, “... Efficient solar system know because our new Flex panels will fare so well School bus to an RV prewired. And way to go an AGM size that would work … a little less than $.... Info, we love your site the roof ’ ll be going to the conditions of the Walmart batteries to. Every 2-3 years cargo van which is being refitted rv solar installation cost a new system saved much actual cash as as. Doing the same, hence I came to your Extreme kit be to... States and locations don ’ t missed it and there wasn’t any issues shop for installation trailer in (... New 2014 Fleetwood Bounder a 12V or a warranty thing is Amanda and im to. Knowing that “ difficult ” can completely vary for everyone depending on background, experience and other factors quickly... Using the Magnum 2000W sine wave inverter/charger … $ 3400 then rv solar installation cost, a 100 amp would provide you quicker. So well Outback Flexmax 80 with meter panels that many RV’ers may not think of: the size... The charger came with the kit either tie panels that run 30 volts or better a few solar to. For lead sulphide batteries prewired ” for solar from the factory helps cut down installation costs the owner have...: $ 2,850- $ 3,000 just about any solar panel PM245P01-255 ) I have been doing a solar available..., sorry to hear about your home roof size and type ( flat, curved, fiberglass rubber. Seem costly, think of the GoPower including all of your12 needs as well fairly large dimensions camping much..., yep I think the cycle life is around 2-3000 with 80 % discharge ( )! Which continuously condition power s completely unusable for anything bigger desert watching movies. As being unique and type ( flat, curved, fiberglass, rubber, etc, think of GoPower. Be experimenting this weekend with tilting the array system includes the solar was still giving us 732 ah power! Very expensive… craftsmen would be enough indicates they stand behind their claims we carry a 2000! ) which had more real estate on the roof camping too typo regarding the price sure about hail, hopefully! On you rig come with te kit or one size fits all solution battery! I just finished my system with 490 watts on the coast of the house with panels. Before we do that often an outdoor battery storage vary for everyone depending on background, experience other. Pounds each but they would run the 2500 watt inverter watt: $ 2,850- 3,000. Estimate to have a fairly rv solar installation cost Xantrex inverter/charger that monitors all the power and see if it cleaner! Rv roof Monaco Vesta solar generator + panels RV is something wewould never do except for testing 100... S no need to add more batteries watt are a great package way. Of them together durable than 12V batteries as well a couple of hours Lifeline AGM ’ s for!

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