Solar system costs to upgrade: Costs in apples to apples
I wanted to clarify the costs of the project I posted a few weeks ago. Over lunch, dinner, around the campfire at Quartzite two nights ago and in other posts I have received direct and indirect feedback, charitable, about an $8,000 solar install. Updating and entire system is being conflated with something else entirely. There was no $8,000 install and in fairness to those who will consider these projects I think a clarification is needed.
First, the solar panels, controllers, combiner box, switches etc. came to roughly $2,200. This is for 800 watts and a Victron100/50 controller. This comes nowhere close to the $8,000. Yes I know I could have gone to slab city and done it for less. Last September when purchased we were not headed west. With $12 flat charge shipping, the AM Solar price was better than Wind and Sun in AZ where I purchased my last two RVs solar panels. We did the work ourselves as RV solar is not a hot topic in VA.
Second, the Victron Multipass 3000. This is a pure sine wave hybrid inverter to replace the very dated Freedom 2000 in our coach. I did buy the kit and returned some of the pieces for credit. Cost $2,000.
Third, I did splurge a bit and purchase several control elements and gauges that are separate from the solar install. I previously used a Morning Star 45 controller that had been upgraded with a control panel. I don't remember the upgrade cost but I believe it was over $100. I also used a Trimetric that with harness and shunt was around $250. Both of those pieces are generations behind what Victron has done with the CCGX and BMV 702. Those two came to roughly $750. That makes it $400 over my costs last time. A little off topic, that CCGX is an amazing piece of equipment that I almost did not purchase. That would have been a mistake.
Fourth, the lithium batteries. Lithium is more expensive than AGMs. These are September 2016 prices. They also have 2500 cycle lifetimes making them less expensive over time than Lifelines. I am currently compiling data that some on the forum have asked for. So far they are an amazing technology that calls for smaller not larger solar arrays and less storage needed. At the time I purchased my 200Ah system the batteries were on sale for 15% off. The kit was just over $4,500 for a 200Ah system with controllers, bms etc. The additional 200 Ah battery was $1770.
I own a 97 270 that was set up for two 8ds. There is an excellent post on increasing battery storage that Don did a while ago. That had to be worth at least $1,500 of coach work to add the power capacity he did to his unit. I dont have his skills, few do, and would have had to have that outsourced.
So to summarize as close to apples to apples as I can from memory:
Solar 800w 5 panel self install $2,200
Victron Multipass 3000 kit $2,000
Panel pieces $750
Total for non Li $4,950
Taking 30% credit $3,465
Battery cost and comparison
200Ah Lithium battery kit 4,500
Second 200Ah battery 1,770
Total Li 6,270
Lifeline comparisons
3 Lifeline 8ds 2,400
4 Lifeline 8ds (best comp) 3,200
Bay modification 1,500
Total 3,900 – 4700
Difference $1570 – $2370 for lithium
Total battery $6,270
30% credit $4,389
Total system after credit: $7,854 with lithium or by comparison $5,995 -$6755 with Lifeline 8ds
Now if you want to round that up to the $8,000 mark please feel free but do compare apples with apples. How long will it take to break even on $1570-$2700? Really? There are variations in the figures as this is my best from memory and I don't have the invoices and returns in front of me. While I understand man gossip of who spent what and the wisdom of the purchase, I wanted to get this as close as I could for those considering this project. I have received several requests to update folks as we get further into use in the field and will do so. So far it is all that I had hoped for in the system and more. Fascinating after all those years with wet battery banks.
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