Solar solar everywhere!

[Stargazer]

Recently, I was cruising through new RV's and noticed many of the 2015 models now are prewired for solar, "Zamp Powered". Panels are up to you to purchase separately but the RV's are wired so that all one has to do is
mount the panel and plug it in.

It is a consumer driven market, indeed.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Given the price of copper, I'll bet you dollars to donuts they used wire that's too thin.

Anyone who knows what he's doing will wind up ripping the factory wires out and replacing them with thicker ones.

Unfortunately, new rv buyers usually DON'T know what they are doing, so they'll try using them and wind up massively disappointed with how poorly their expensive solar system works.

Just another damn marketing gimmick, I'm afraid.

Regards
John

 

[highdesertranger]

I think paranoid is right. judging by the way they build rvs I wouldn't have much faith in quality. I see the prices for preinstalled ones is pretty outrageous for smallish systems. highdesertranger

 

[jeanontheroad]

Just so they have blocking diodes so the batteries don't drain out the other way at nite!

 

[66788]

Just so they have blocking diodes so the batteries don't drain out the other way at nite!

Most modern charge controllers have this feature built in. All of my MorningStar controllers have had this. Stick with the name brand charge controllers and you will have no problems.

 

[Stargazer]

I don't know about the quality of these solar system installs. My point is that, apparently, enough people want them so the manufacturers are installing them. Just my personal observations. I think the drive towards self sufficiency and off grid living tells the whole story. And the RV manufacturers adding solar to their products, to me, is a very loud statement.

 

[LeeRevell]

Yep, it speaks volumes about more people deciding to go into the wild and eschew the crowded and expensive campgrounds ("RV Parking Lots"). I think it's a good trend. Seems to be more younger people getting into Class Bs these days too.

 

[akrvbob]

Jan, I was afraid your question about the Unisolar panel coming loose would get missed so I created it's own thread for it. You can find it here:

https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=11121

Bob