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Topic: Additional solar panel selection (Read 501 times) previous topic - next topic
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Additional solar panel selection
Since technology moves forward rapidly, I’m looking for updated recommendations for solar panels to add to, or replace, my two factory-supplied 100 W panels.
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #1 –
"Recommendations for updated solar panels..."

You can hardly do better than working with AM Solar out of Springfield, OR (twin-sister city of Eugene, OR)

I've done business with them for years and have had on-site work accomplished there on three different occasions. They will not over sell or point you wrong.  ;D

RV Solar Panel Kits: Portable, Folding, Tilt Mount Bracket: AM Solar


Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #2 –
I agree with Steve. After many very informative and friendly e-Mail exchanges with Garret Towne at AM Solar, I made the trip to Oregon and had them upgrade my OEM solar installation on our ‘15 RB.

The Solar installation team was fantastic. As I journeyed the Oregon coast for the 5 day install, they stayed in contact with me to insure everything went according to the set install plan.

Now, 9 months later, I couldn’t be happier with my choice of AM Solar as my installation team. I wouldn’t change a thing. Their team of professionals helped guide my component choices with my best interests in mind. No hard sell just good sound advice.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #3 –
As I see it, you have 2 potential paths.  First would be to keep the existing panels, add more of the same voltage, possible upgrade the wiring and charge controller, and go from there.

Second path would be to move to high voltage panels with a MPPT charge controller than downsteps the higher voltage to 12v.

Keep in mind that adding solar often means adding battery capacity to match.

2013 isn't that old, so maybe the first option would be a good one? 

If you can't or don't want to do the analysis on your own, AM solar has a good reputation for being knowledgeable. 

There is lots of advice on youtube from the RV and sailing communities.

Rich


 
2003 MB
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #4 –
Quality RV Solar in Fremont CA is an AM Solar dealer/installer
I was going to have him replace my single 100 watt panel with 3 180 panels.    We agreed to add 2@180, 1@100, kept the original, upgraded the wiring and controller.   I was quite satisfied, but he's a small shop and a near mothership-level backlogs. 
It's 550 miles closer than Springfield.

joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #5 –
Just a heads up: Dan (Quality RV Solar) is fully booked for 2021, and in the process of moving his business from Fremont. Some information is available on his website.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
Just a heads up: Dan (Quality RV Solar) is fully booked for 2021, and in the process of moving his business from Fremont. Some information is available on his website.

Where are they moving to, Joan?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #7 –
“It's 550 miles closer than Springfield.”

As this is the case, AM Solar is nearer to The Tillamook Creamery. 🐄

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #8 –
The general information is found on the ‘Request an Estimate’ page’.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
Just a heads up: Dan (Quality RV Solar) is fully booked for 2021, and in the process of moving his business from Fremont. Some information is available on his website.

Moving to the Sacramento region.

Sounding like I’ll need to make call to either solar installers mentioned here once I get the call from LD.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Keith Sweitzer  - 
Since technology moves forward rapidly, I’m looking for updated recommendations for solar panels to add to, or replace, my two factory-supplied 100 W panels.


Question....
How far down the rabbit hole of solar do want to go?   I.E. what is your end point?  what use case do you have?  how much money do you want to spend?  do you want to do the work?  etc etc.  
I have a few tips on solar but I'd like to know a tad more on what you'd like to know.

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #11 –
I am asking a narrower question about panels at this point.
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #12 –
"It's 550 miles closer than Springfield."

That's what wheels are for!

Here's one very little known bit of information. Along the shore of the Willamette River in Eugene (sister city of Springfield) there is a shopping mall called Valley River Center. Things may have changed but the last time I was there you could get a permit from Mall Security for two nights of parking along side the river for 0$. Just flag down the roving security folks and ask.  ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #13 –
I called AM Soar yesterday as I’m preparing to upgrade my solar and may hire them for the job, instead of DIY. AM said they are booking for July installation. So, not too far out.

W
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Keith Sweitzer  - 
Since technology moves forward rapidly, I’m looking for updated recommendations for solar panels to add to, or replace, my two factory-supplied 100 W panels.


You have already paid for two panels installed in the Factory's preferred way. Keep them if you can.
Panels come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and wattage outputs, they can be mixed as long as their output voltage is the same. Mapping your roof would be helpful in determining if the room is available for the desired amount of added solar wattage without removing the existing panels. Determining your power needs is the next task.

There may be more efficient panels available but the payoff may be minimal and not cost-effective or needed at all.
There is a lot to know about solar and it's constantly evolving, either you educate yourself or pay an expert for that knowledge.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
You have already paid for two panels installed in the Factory's preferred way. Keep them if you can.
Panels come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and wattage outputs, they can be mixed as long as their output voltage is the same. Mapping your roof would be helpful in determining if the room is available for the desired amount of added solar wattage without removing the existing panels. Determining your power needs is the next task.

There may be more efficient panels available but the payoff may be minimal and not cost-effective or needed at all.
There is a lot to know about solar and it's constantly evolving, either you educate yourself or pay an expert for that knowledge.

Larry
I am using 3 original 85w panels, HPV-22B controller and original converter after 19 years, and they still perform quite well. My power needs are not great, however. Please share a knock on wood with me.  ;)

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Additional solar panel selection
Reply #16 –
"Here's one very little known bit of information. Along the shore of the Willamette River in Eugene (sister city of Springfield) there is a shopping mall called Valley River Center. Things may have changed but the last time I was there you could get a permit from Mall Security for two nights of parking along side the river for 0$. Just flag down the roving security folks and ask."

This really is a hidden treasure.  You park right next to the Willamette River and a pedestrian/bike trail.  Get there early to enjoy or stay 2 nights.  It is less than a mile off I-5 and you don't even have to flag down the security folks, as they watch things carefully and will greet you and log you in.  We make it a point to spend a night there whenever we are passing through Eugene.

I can't comment on AM Solar as I've always done my solar installation stuff myself.  They must do good work, judging from comments on this board, but they do look to be on the pricy side to me.
Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD