Solar question

[1969chevmalibu1969]

kmaker on your BABs project you put smaller panels with more watts compared to your house with larger panels less watts. Why not use smaller on your house? More surface area for light? Was it price? Availablity? Upgraded newer technology? Didn’t what to side track your build.

 

[kmakar]

Most panels that put out higher wattages are all about the same size (80" x 40"), but older technology didn't have the same density as the new panels do. I bought my house panels about 3 years ago, and got a great deal on them ($135 a panel), whereas the new panels I'm buying for BABs are the same size as the house panels 80" x 40" and put out more power. The new panels for BABs are going to cost about $240 each. The panels on my house are 96 cell vs the new panels I'm buying are split cell and are only 72 cells total per panel.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Was the increase in cost due to inflation? I would hope the price would go down or you just got a good deal on your house panels? How easy is it to get parts if need while on the road? Is that expensive? I know this is trial and you might not know yet. Thanks for taking time to explain.

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

RV solar is a hot trend now. Out West it makes more sense than on the East Coast because many sites in the East are wooded.

 

[kmakar]

Combination of inflation and supply and demand like Jon said. The more who buy solar, the higher the prices go. Getting parts is easy, but I've designed my system so there isn't a single point of failure, so even if something dies along the way, we can continue on and I can just get parts when I return, or have them shipped to where I'll be.

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm happy to share my knowledge.

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

Are Lithium Batteries still about a grand a piece?

 

[kmakar]

Are Lithium Batteries still about a grand a piece?

Nope, they've dropped considerably. You can buy a 12v 100Ah for $350 now. I'm buying four (4) LiFePO4 12v 300Ah batteries for BABs at a cost of $1,100 each.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

That was another question I had. We’re you going with batteries to. Was sure cause you were installing a generator inverter. I think Richard’s vw bug had eight batteries. Price is why it’s sitting dead and very outdated. You’ll be the man to road trip an rv without roadside repairs. Good thinking. Will it be able to tow anything? What’s that drain?

 

[kmakar]

That was another question I had. We’re you going with batteries to. Was sure cause you were installing a generator inverter. I think Richard’s vw bug had eight batteries. Price is why it’s sitting dead and very outdated. You’ll be the man to road trip an rv without roadside repairs. Good thinking. Will it be able to tow anything? What’s that drain?

BABs is diesel powered and will stay that way. For sake of ease and power it had to be diesel for driving and towing. Everything else on BABs will be electric with one exception, the water heater. That will be LP powered and we are upgrading to an on demand 60k BTU LP water heater that will put out 2.4 gallons per minute. We'll be towing Lisa's Ford Escape EcoBoost on a tow dolly, so we won't have to move the rig every time we want to go somewhere.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

BABs is diesel powered and will stay that way. For sake of ease and power it had to be diesel for driving and towing. Everything else on BABs will be electric with one exception, the water heater. That will be LP powered and we are upgrading to an on demand 60k BTU LP water heater that will put out 2.4 gallons per minute. We'll be towing Lisa's Ford Escape EcoBoost on a tow dolly, so we won't have to move the rig every time we want to go somewhere.

Looking forward to watching this happen. Sounds like you have a pretty solid plan. Hard part leaving and planning where to visit next. I’ll make room or find a spot here in central Washington. Lots to do and nice weather for the most part.