Solar Panel at CW - Montana Owners Club

MuddyPaws · 03-07-2005, 05:11 PM

I got a flyer from CW offering a 50w ICP panel for $422 and 50% off on add on panels. Looks like I could put in a 100w system for less than $700. Assuming that the charge controller is included.

Has anybody here done solar? Is it worth the bucks?

Thanks,
Russ

Countryfolks · 03-08-2005, 05:59 AM

I've got 1 75w panel, they're great if you need them, ie dry camp in the boonies, but I haven't used it in a while. I believe you can get a better deal if you look around a bit. There's a place in Quartzite and an alternative energy place, can't remember exactly where.
Heres an example of whats available.
http://www.mrsolar.com
then look at RV kits

Skip

Montana_657 · 03-08-2005, 07:04 AM

No charge controller... very light duty (cheap) panel. ICP builds/supplies low cost consumer photo electric products out of Montreal.

Have a look at partsonsale.com ... much better quality.

Montana_2428 · 03-10-2005, 10:12 AM

I purchased three 15W panels at $92 each. The charge controller was $25. I ordered these for an older 5th that has a solid roof. The Montana's have rubber roofs. Haven't installed yet and may not due to the rubber roof.

Can someone let me know how your system is installed? Did you use plywood as a base? Did you mount directly on the roof?

My panels were from Sportman.

Thanks for any information

Don and Michele

Montana_2048 · 03-10-2005, 03:42 PM

I have (2) 75 Watt Panels from BP Solar with mounts that let me attach them right to the roof on my 5ver... Had an ocean going sailboat for 11 years with the same setup (150 Watts). Do your homework as this is one arena where "you may get what you pay for".... Check panel warranties. You'd be surprised at the spread. My panels were chosen due to their stamina in a marine environment so I'm reasonably certain they will be with me for years to come. Oversize your charge controller to allow for adding additional panels later (Its easy to do as they are linked from panel to panel. Now, routing the wire below...... THATS another story but lets just say that I had to get VERY creative

Hope this has helped and Good Luck!!

Roy (KA6IVK)

applejack · 03-12-2005, 11:59 AM

I have 2 100 watt panels , 2500 watt inverter. 4 12 volt batteries and a transfer switch installed on my 2980. This gives me lots of power for a coffe makerm toaster,TV etc, for dry camping.

Montana_2785 · 03-14-2005, 12:49 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by applejack

I have 2 100 watt panels , 2500 watt inverter. 4 12 volt batteries and a transfer switch installed on my 2980. This gives me lots of power for a coffe makerm toaster,TV etc, for dry camping.

applejack,

How may total amp-hours do you have in your battery bank? I'm considering installing an 1800 watt inverter.

Thanks

Eric

applejack · 03-15-2005, 03:42 PM

I ahve 820 amp hrs of cold sorage in my batteries. The down side 9is that they take up quite a bit of space in my front compartment and add
a couple of hundred ponds.

Montana_2785 · 03-16-2005, 12:56 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by applejack

I ahve 820 amp hrs of cold sorage in my batteries. The down side 9is that they take up quite a bit of space in my front compartment and add
a couple of hundred ponds.

What type and brand of battery do you have? As far as I know, it takes about a half a pound of battery to supply 1 amp hour. That should put you in the 400lb range....

For example, the Exide golf car batteries I get from Sam's Club are 61 lbs each and 220 amp hours. Total is 122lbs of batteries for 220 amp hours. For a lead acid battery, everything hinges on how much lead you have in the box.

Eric

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