RTR a solar installations possible?

[Stymie]

Plan on attending RTR in January, have heard that there are people who deal in solar are there .  Wanting solar so I am very interested in meeting these people.

 

[akrvbob]

There are two commercial solar shops in Quartzsite that will do it for a fee. The odds are good that someone will volunteer to help you with the install at the RTR (or maybe even want to be paid) but there is no promise of that.

My friend Jamie hosts a "Van Building Party" in November in Lake Havasu, Arizona, if you can get out there then, you'll get lots of help installing your solar. This is about all the info I have on when and where--this years has not been announced except there will be one and still in Lake Havasu in November:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1062538303863905/

 

[DuneElliot]

I'm hoping to be at the RTR and can help you with the process if we are there at the same time. I am no expert but have learned by doing it myself and have a successful set-up...would rather teach you how than do it for you.

 

[Stymie]

Don't have any solar now, or batteries just know i want to have so I can boondock.

 

[tx2sturgis]

...this years has not been announced except there will be one and still in Lake Havasu in November:

His latest video gives this set of coordinates, and the date is first three weeks in November. (1st thru 21st)

https://www.google.com/maps/place/3...1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d34.566333!4d-114.378138?hl=en

 

[DuneElliot]

If anyone is needing solar and wants to explore options before January I'm in Kingman for the winter and willing to help out.

 

[highdesertranger]

nice offer Dune. I am just south of you in Mohave Valley a lot. in fact I was just there. I am back in So Cal for work at the moment. highdesertranger

 

[tav-2020]

Hi Dune  - Just started following your blog - thanks for the time and energy you put into it!
Happy trails

 

[blars]

The solar shops in Quartzsite are expensive for panels, and may require scheduling in advance for installs in January. Not horribly overpriced and limited selection is what I consider them on wire and misc parts, battery prices can be good in some cases. There is a place in Q you can get packages delivered for a fee.

 

[Wabbit]

Hi Stymie and welcome. One thing you'll prob want to do before getting solar and batteries, is to figure out what your power needs are. Lot of help here with that. Best of luck!

 

[MrNoodly]

The solar shops in Quartzsite are expensive for panels, and may require scheduling in advance for installs in January.  Not horribly overpriced and limited selection is what I consider them on wire and misc parts, battery prices can be good in some cases.  There is a place in Q you can get packages delivered for a fee.

If the OP is coming to RTR via Flagstaff, then Northern Arizona Wind & Sun is a good place to get solar stuff. Of course, being at 7,000 feet, it would be cold there in January.

 

[Bast]

Total newbie here. Can anyone ballpark the price of a 150w solar panel installed. I've had an estimate of 1400 and I don't know if that is a good price or not.

 

[Stymie]

have a 25 gallon water tank with a 12v pump, small fridge 120, some led lights.  not sure about a microwave. trailer has an ac unit not sure if I will run it on solar or just on plug in. have a Honda 2000IU gen. have a 1500 watt inverter.
will run laptop and phone also ..

 

[tripper]

Total newbie here. Can anyone ballpark the price of a 150w solar panel installed. I've had an estimate of 1400 and I don't know if that is a good price or not.

That is a very expensive price. It is really not too hard to do the install yourself, there are YouTube videos on it. Or just pick up a nice portable system for now, no install needed. For example a total Renogy 200 watt kit is $340 on Amazon with most of the items needed for install.
Renogy 200 Watt Kit
[img=160x160]https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61sFPhuwuWL._SX522_.jpg[/img]

 

[DuneElliot]

That is a very expensive price. It is really not too hard to do the install yourself, there are YouTube videos on it. Or just pick up a nice portable system for now, no install needed. For example a total Renogy 200 watt kit is $340 on Amazon with most of the items needed for install.
Renogy 200 Watt Kit
[img=160x160]https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61sFPhuwuWL._SX522_.jpg[/img]

I did the 400W version of this kit (actually the premium kit) and although it looks and sounds complicated the install is actually very easy...I hadn't a clue when I started out with it and now, having done it myself, I know how everything works and can fix it myself if necessary. I'd recommend doing it yourself.

I don't get the $1400 either...total installation time for me, with 4 panels and all the stuff included in the kit, was maybe 3 hours max (and that's being conservative). At $340 for the cost of the kit, and 3 hours labor at max $120/hr, you're looking at $700. Don't get ripped off