Solar is happening

[Screwby]

Are these the four GC2s DURACELLs you are using... I'm surprised you got them in your Harbor freight box ok... I may have to re-think my high dollar Truck Side Mount Box...

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/sligc110

Roy Ken

Those are my batteries

 

[Screwby]

I'm all hooked up. Took forever,but I wanted to make sure it was right. I'll post more pictures when I'm not so tired lol. It's 7:15 pm here and the sun went behind a cloud and I'm bringing in 3-6 amps depending on cloud cover

 

[X213_2015]

Awesome install. I went with Renogy as well. Great customer service!

 

[playersz28]

Did you consider the higher watt panels? I'm looking at a 265w panel that's 65"x39" vs the Renogy 100w at 22"x47". For pwr to area they are the same but for $/w the larger panel is about 1/2 the cost. It does need an MPPT controller vs PWM though and weight about 5lbs more than 2x 100w panels.

I'm thinking that the MPPT controller is better for charging than the PWM.

 

[klassic]

I just picked up another 260w panel the other day from the place I told you about Players

 

[evanweiss]

Newby

I am picking up my 28dsbh on Saturday. It is solar ready (so it says). Zamp has a 160w portable, folding panel with the connections set for the TT. I had the dealer install another 12v interstate battery. This is my starting point. I haven't bought the panel yet, so I am only 170.00 in for the battery, box, and wiring. The panel (with controller, hard case, connections, and 30ft of extra cable is 690.00). Is this a good starting point, or should I scrap it and start some other way. I also noticed everyone is using 6v batteries. Are they better than 12v?

 

[G_man-JAY]

At the risk of being nosey, how much is this going to cost you?

 

[Screwby]

I eneded up right at $700 for the 400w kit during the 4th of July sale. Your going to have little extras here and there like zip ties and what-not and of course batteries aren't cheap. I'm roughly $1100 in the hole give or take for my system.
I researched and researched and Renogy kept coming up in forums so being a firm believer in "buy once cry once" I opted for a kit. I couldn't be happier so far, going to get the chance to real world test this coming weekend. I'll keep you updated!
Surely with 400w of panels and 430ah battery bank I won't be let down. I've heard both camps on the MPPT vs. PWM, from what I understand the MPPT isn't worth the extra cost if your wiring a small kit, who knows? Renogy didn't try to up sell me on one so I'm guessing I'm good with the results I'm seeing.

 

[Cdash]

I am picking up my 28dsbh on Saturday. It is solar ready (so it says). Zamp has a 160w portable, folding panel with the connections set for the TT. I had the dealer install another 12v interstate battery. This is my starting point. I haven't bought the panel yet, so I am only 170.00 in for the battery, box, and wiring. The panel (with controller, hard case, connections, and 30ft of extra cable is 690.00). Is this a good starting point, or should I scrap it and start some other way. I also noticed everyone is using 6v batteries. Are they better than 12v?

It is up to you on how you spend your money, but $690 is really expensive for 160 watts of solar. Zap and Go Power are really expensive for what they are.

I recently purchased a Renogy 200 Watt starter kit that I am using as portable. It runs about $350, and with miscellaneous stuff, I'm at or under $400. Granted, I have to do a bit more work in layout and installing. Plus, with a 30 amp charge controller, I could add another 200 watts to it.

I used it to spend 2 weeks in Glacier without hookups and never had to worry about my battery levels. Full every day!

 

[evanweiss]

Thank you. I did not mean to hijack the thread, sorry. I did not think about using a starter kit as a portable, but I like the idea of 200w expandable to 400w.

 

[Screwby]

Hijack away! Was meant to be a running thread to learn and help out as I learned myself.

 

[Mustang65]

Thank you. I did not mean to hijack the thread, sorry. I did not think about using a starter kit as a portable, but I like the idea of 200w expandable to 400w.

Renogy has a GREAT starter kit, that allows for expansion as they have mentioned... also a lot less expensive than the other mfr.

When you have time stop by RVing with SOLAR, our Social Group and read about our members's installations, solar panels, batteries, SOLAR charge controllers....

Don