Installing Solar

wornoutcowboy · Mar 10, 2021

I am just getting started in all of this. i would like to know if there is a company in the Phoenix area that would install solar on my roof and help with the set up. I am completely a failure at such things.

Is solar on my van roof the way to go or should I just do something like a Solar bank?

I do find the roof top solar attractive being I wouldn't need to be around for my panels to charge but is a solar bank a cheaper way to go?

user 37446 · Mar 10, 2021

Hi and welcome. You will find that reading the electrical threads and watching targeted YT videos may answer a lot of your questions. You haven't given responders much to comment on as there are very few details about what you need or intend on using.

Phoenix will have several RV shops who will gladly take your money and install solar. Best to watch some videos and note that it really is not so hard. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself as far as your abilities. The other thing is to try and connect with people down in Quartzite as there are many at this time of year.

Read, watch and learn for now. It could save you a lot of $.

bullfrog · Mar 10, 2021

First thing is to determine your needs. Start looking at appliances, chargers and things you want to use for how many watts they use. Then figure out how many hours in a 24 hour period you will use them. Simply make a list or daily log. A Kill-a-watt meter that plugs in line can really help and are very inexpensive. Solar gets expensive when you start guessing and only you can determine your needs. Jimindenver is a member here and does consultations I believe if you want more help quickly.

wornoutcowboy · Mar 10, 2021

Thanks for the information guys. I am really so new at this it is hard to judge just how much power I will need. I hate stuffy rooms so probably would want to power a fan as well my phones, a laptop and lights at night. The point of me even doing this is to spend more time in the great outdoors so i don't want to turn my van into a place I would just be a couch potato in.

Thanks for the tip about the RV shops. Why didn't I think of that myself? LOL.

highdesertranger · Mar 10, 2021

Welcome wornoutcowboy to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

Highdesertranger

Camper · Mar 10, 2021

Here's a solar calculator that very easy to use...

https://www.parkedinparadise.com/solar-calculator/

Cammalu · Mar 11, 2021

Santan solar has 100 and 250 watt panels for $50. If you are in Phoenix you are closeby. I’m sure they can give you the info on someone that can do an install there. They also carry everything else you would need