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Topic: Another PV Install at AM Solar (Read 5783 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #60 –
WOW!! Looks like a fantastic job!

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #61 –
Quote from: valento –
Solar panels are all on - 3320 watts.  LifeBlue batteries all installed - 31,200Wh.  Now they are finishing up all the rest of the wiring.  Installing the Auto Gen Start is the last hurdle and they think they have a solution for that.  Tentative finish date is this Thursday.


Are you willing to share the CB layout for the entire system?
Thanks
Chris

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #62 –
Wow for sure!!!

I suspect the most expensive system they ever installed.......  I know how much mine cost without a new inverter and just 1200W and lifeline batteries.........YIKES!!!!!

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #63 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Are you willing to share the CB layout for the entire system?
Thanks
Chris

Chris - I will not be able to do that for a lot of what they did to my coach was a first for them.  All I can say was it took a LOT of CBs and if not for the 30% tax credit I probably would not have installed the system I am getting.  You will be able to get a rough estimate by just going to the AM Solar website and looking up the hardware I am having installed.  Their labor rate is $130/hr.  I will have been here for about 3 weeks with multiple people working on my coach.

While I have been here I have seen many installations and also people coming back to add on to what AM Solar had already previously installed and they praise the work AM Solar had done for them.  If you have the skills, tools, and cover to do this kind of work you will save lots of CBs.  AM Solar will put together a kit to fit the needs you require and send it to you with wiring diagrams and all the parts you will need.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #64 –
Quote from: rbark –
WOW!! Looks like a fantastic job!

So far I am very satisfied with their work.  I was really happy when they were able to put four of the eight LifeBlue batteries back into the battery compartment where my three GEL batteries were.  That left me more storage in my Joey area than I was expecting.  The solar on top is spaced far enough apart in the center to walk to the rear A/C unit from the rear ladder without having to tilt them up out of the way.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #65 –
MORE PHOTOS!  (when you have a chance to take them without getting in the way)

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #66 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
MORE PHOTOS!  (when you have a chance to take them without getting in the way)

Almost finished!  Two batteries during testing proved to be out of spec so AM Solar ordered replacements that are to arrive on Monday and be installed on Tuesday.  Here are some pictures of the install.  Where you see the foam blocks is where my two batteries will be going.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #67 –
Oscar, what are the different wattages of panels that were used, it looks like they used 2 different size panels.
Chris

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #68 –
Oscar and Janet, Nice meeting you last week at AM Solar.  Congratulations on your system.  Now comes the best part, getting to travel with it and being self contained.

How do like the bluetooth? I have only the Victron battery moniter 712 and a Victron solar controller 150/85 TR, and find this so easy to monitor. (and so I've not so many sytems to moniter, do you primarily use the color monitor or the bluetooth?

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #70 –
Congrats Oscar! That install looks awesome. You'll need to post pics with the panels tilted showing your access. Thanks for blazing this path. Keep us updated on how they perform. A lot of us will probably follow in your footsteps. (more or less!) :)

see ya
ken

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #71 –
Bring it to California!!! 900,000 households with no power right now. We have been on the U300's generator for days. You could power a neighborhood or even a small town.

Bet your coach is cooler in summer with the panels keeping the sun off the roof.

Pierce

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #72 –
Well done guys and yes from me on AM SOLARS workmanship and quality.
Might be worth considering doing this on ours but will wait a bit to see how yours performs.
JohnH

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #73 –
Guys/Gals,

This thread has taken a turn from the original topic.

PLEASE, back to the original topic, without political/social overtones.

Thanks.

Brett/moderator

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #74 –
Oscar, what is the benefit of using 90 and 100 watt panels over say 325 watt panels?  I'm not a solar guru so just wandering what the difference is?
Send me a PM if you don't want to get into details on forum
Chris

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #75 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Oscar, what is the benefit of using 90 and 100 watt panels over say 325 watt panels?  I'm not a solar guru so just wandering what the difference is?

Chris

Chris,

Good question!  I was first looking at using LG's 21% efficiency 365 watt panels but was not able to get as much total wattage do to their size.  I also wrote to LG to ask if they would warranty the panels if mounted on my RV.  I got passed around to different departments and they would never answer the question.  Using the ZAMP 100 and 90 watt panels I was able to utilize more of the available space on the roof and maximize my total wattage.  ZAMP panels have a 25 year warranty and are built to be placed on mobile platforms.  Their efficiency is only 18% vs LG's 21%.

Hope this answers the question.
Oscar

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #76 –
I was lucky to be able to mount four commercial panels on our roof because of their size. Unless you use a residential fridge, four big panels are plenty. We could use more battery capacity.

Pierce

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #77 –
Finally finished the install today.  Everything works as planned.  I really like the number of options for automatically starting the generator.  You can have your generator start by each of the following parameters:  SOC, battery voltage, battery current, AC load, inverter high temperature, inverter overload, and periodic run.  I only have enabled the SOC and battery voltage.

We are on our way to Jojoba Hills RV Resort (Escapees SKP) and am anxious to see if I can run totally off of my solar and batteries during the winter months.  I know we will not have any issues during the summer on our travels.

Below is a picture of my AM Solar DC layout if you are interested.

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #78 –
Quote from: valento –
We pulled the trigger and we are having AM Solar install a 3320W PV system to include 1200Ah 24V LifeBlue lithium battery and monitoring system, Victron Quattro 24/5000/220-100/100 120V Inverter/Charger system, and auto generator start system.  They are estimating it will take about 3 weeks to install.  They are trying a new technique of PV installation so that I will still be able to tilt the panels and also have room to service my A/C units.  Below are some pictures of them removing my satellite dish, local TV antennae, and compass unit.  Tomorrow starts the PV install.  I will see if they will let me enter the shop at the end of the day tomorrow to get some inside pictures of the work they have done.
They do good work, and I've been really happy with RV Solar Solutions which is one of the authorized installers. 

Re: Another PV Install at AM Solar

Reply #79 –
How's it working Oscar?