Is the cost of a solar system worth it?

[Rixey & Jeff]

We have a '22 38' 3231CK. We're full-timers (6 month so far) and wondering if solar can be installed as a DIY project. Our rig is 'prewired' for solar and there is one 200W panel installed that keeps the batteries charged. I have a good idea of what we need (1600ish watts) as well as the other equipment that goes with it. Done professionally, it would run probably $18K, I can probably buy the components for $10K. Has anyone, as a non-professional, installed their own system? I feel that if the components came with quality instructions and access to tech support (and YouTube of course), I should be able to pull it off. I'd love to hear from those smarter than me who have a recommendation.

[DutchmenSport]

Only if do boondocking! If you are a campground with hook-ups camper, then solar not necessary. However, if you park your camper for storage and need to keep batteries charged and have no AC power available, then Solar will be worth it. Solar is needed ONLY if you do not have electricity available. Then, it's priceless!

[Daryles]

IF you boondock a LOT in areas with few trees, solar works great. Last summer we were in the Canadian Rockies. Stayed at NP Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. They have TALL trees (except for Jasper, previous fire) solar didn't help much. We used our generator. We also have a DC-DC charger as a backup for when we don't want to carry the generator. We used that on Ocracoke Island OBX NC when it rained for three days (no solar, didn't bring the generator).

[bshgto]

A super quiet 220volt generator of a high wattage is over the top cheaper and more reliable and can provide all the power you could use. Just don`t see the expense for this. We are at a campground now and it has been cloud cover for the last three days. Trying to sleep in a oven on hot days with no a/c would keep my wife in the cranky mode, and fans just wouldn`t cut it, not conducsive to a good time.
This is the one I have, 220 volt, dual fuel, auto fuel change over, Costco has them at a very reasonable price.
https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervie...411EA9CF683B73

[Foldbak]

With my solar and lithium batteries I rarely run my gen. If fact the only time I start it is when using the microwave, vacuum, or hair dryer. I might top off just before I go to bed. Using lead batteries I'd have to run it more often. Of course it depends on the sun. If cloudy the solar still produces but it's reduced output. I have 400 watts and 200 amp hours. Some here have 1200 watts and 800 amp hours. They never run the gen.
I highly recommend it. If you do it I'd suggest you go lithium.

[bshgto]

Originally Posted by Foldbak

With my solar and lithium batteries I rarely run my gen. If fact the only time I start it is when using the microwave, vacuum, or hair dryer. I might top off just before I go to bed. Using lead batteries I'd have to run it more often. Of course it depends on the sun. If cloudy the solar still produces but it's reduced output. I have 400 watts and 200 amp hours. Some here have 1200 watts and 800 amp hours. They never run the gen.
I highly recommend it. If you do it I'd suggest you go lithium.

Then you must not use your A/C`s. I ran that past my wife and she said you`ll be camping and sweating alone, sport. I looked at her with a wink, she said don`t you even think about it. I suppose I have to agree. LOL

[mlh]

It wouldn’t be worth it to me. I can buy a 5000 watt generator that you can’t hardly hear run for $900 that will work in the shade on a rainy day.
Lynwood

[Foldbak]

Originally Posted by bshgto

Then you must not use your A/C`s. I ran that past my wife and she said you`ll be camping and sweating alone, sport. I looked at her with a wink, she said don`t you even think about it. I suppose I have to agree. LOL

I have a built in LPG Onan for that! Absolutely use AC's when camping in summer. We camp a lot at the coast where we use mother natures AC. When inland we either full hookup or bring an extra 40 lb LP tank.

[AZ Traveler]

Rixey,

You are the only one that can answer your question. It depends on how and where you plan to camp. You can start smaller with your system and expand as needed. It can be a DIY project - several here have done it. Even with a substantial solar setup there are times you will need a genny. Start with your battery bank and build from there.

If you provide more input on where and how you plan to camp you may get more help. The where should include if AC is needed and the how would be the percentage of boondocking planned.