hello havent posted in awhile but im turning 18 in about 3 months then im moving into my van but i want a solar system set up for tv and things like that but i dont under stand any of it can some one send me directions as to what to do and what ill need im willing to spend $2000 on the system but step by step instructions would help and if you have a solar set up, what brands and material did you use thanks
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highdesertranger
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what area are you in. it would help to know. i don't have any written instructions but could help you out if you were close by. research on the internet will give you a wealth of info. highdesertranger
Well, as little as $500 can get you a decent setup (panels, controller, batteries, wire). 'Course, this depends on where you shop and how 'high end' you wanna go. I'm talking Chinese polycrystalline panels, 12v deep cycle batts, and a PWM controller for a 200+ Watt system. Now, you could also go 'name brand', MPPT, and gell-cells/AGM.. and pay a lot more. I think that there's some info on the main page re. solar, and I know that there have been links posted on the forum to sites with detailed info.<br> Personally, I wouldn't bother with the high dollar stuff and my 180 Watt PWM with flooded 12v deep cycle batteries gives me more power than I need spring/summer/fall. I could use one more panel for the winter though, cuz I'm way up here in B.C., and not much sun in the winter. ..Willy.
I recommend breaking it into categories to reduce the overwhelming nature of it. So I would first start by choosing what type and how many batteries you are going to have. Then choose your charging sources.<br><br>So my ideal setup has 5 major separate components.<br>Batteries<br>120v house outlet charger<br>engine alternator<br>solar<br>inverter<br><br>I would research each one separately to make things manageable. Make sure you check out the sticky in the top of this section.
highdesertranger
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hey damian i will be prospecting in your area this summer if you still need a hand let me know. i saw your other post about the system for $830 that seems a little expensive. i got my 160 watt system for under $500 from a local wholesaler. that was 3 years ago though. i don't know what big city you are close to maybe boise i would check there for a wholesaler. highdesertranger
lonerglide
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Damian
I was same as u as I didnt know anything about solar systems so started with getting online and searched for forums dealing with solar,, I found info on tear drop trailers,, as they had a sub forum on cargo trailers being converted into campers as im doing and wanted as much power I could get knowing I was gonna be. Boondocking a lot and using a lot of power,, sat tv, dvd, microwave, ele skillet etc,, lol,, all the stuff I use at home!
First u need to figure out how much power u will be using and then plan on using more
The kits I've seen will not allow on much expansion so dont waste ur cash
I started with ebay
Two 230 watt panels=$600.00 including shipping
A coleman Air controller=$175.00 which allows me to add panels an also add a wind generator
Four interstate 6v batteries that are 210ah's each=$320.00 bought from local golf cart company
A 2500 watt dc to ac inverter off ebay for $50.00 and plan to buy a smaller pure seinwave inverter to run hi end electronics
I could of done it cheaper but wanted the ability of wind power being on the gulf a lot and the 230 watt panels are more expensive as they are used on houses mainly and are 5'x2.5' but am mounting then on top of cargo trailer so went with as much power as I could get from the area I had to mount
So for $1200.00 or as low as maybe 700.00 u can set up a system
It really just depends on where your gonna be using this system (how much sun ur part of the country gets) an how much power ur gonna need to run ur rig
Like I said I didnt know anything a now I've got a grasp on it enough to buy and install my system
Also ur gonna need some fuse's, breakers in ur system and those can be alittle pricey but very very important!!
I hope u find the info ur needing,, and would be glad to help with any questions,, good luck!!
I was same as u as I didnt know anything about solar systems so started with getting online and searched for forums dealing with solar,, I found info on tear drop trailers,, as they had a sub forum on cargo trailers being converted into campers as im doing and wanted as much power I could get knowing I was gonna be. Boondocking a lot and using a lot of power,, sat tv, dvd, microwave, ele skillet etc,, lol,, all the stuff I use at home!
First u need to figure out how much power u will be using and then plan on using more
The kits I've seen will not allow on much expansion so dont waste ur cash
I started with ebay
Two 230 watt panels=$600.00 including shipping
A coleman Air controller=$175.00 which allows me to add panels an also add a wind generator
Four interstate 6v batteries that are 210ah's each=$320.00 bought from local golf cart company
A 2500 watt dc to ac inverter off ebay for $50.00 and plan to buy a smaller pure seinwave inverter to run hi end electronics
I could of done it cheaper but wanted the ability of wind power being on the gulf a lot and the 230 watt panels are more expensive as they are used on houses mainly and are 5'x2.5' but am mounting then on top of cargo trailer so went with as much power as I could get from the area I had to mount
So for $1200.00 or as low as maybe 700.00 u can set up a system
It really just depends on where your gonna be using this system (how much sun ur part of the country gets) an how much power ur gonna need to run ur rig
Like I said I didnt know anything a now I've got a grasp on it enough to buy and install my system
Also ur gonna need some fuse's, breakers in ur system and those can be alittle pricey but very very important!!
I hope u find the info ur needing,, and would be glad to help with any questions,, good luck!!
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