BajaNomad

Solar - Buyer Beware

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mtgoat666 - 8-20-2022 at 06:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Yeah, well, I'm a low-tech guy. I bought my first cell phone a couple of months ago only because of a bank's new website requirement to authenticate with a code sent in a text message. The phone is off with no service now. I think I'll switch banks.



Just stick to tellers. Why you doing e banking?


Good Lord. My mom was a teller at B of A for 20 years, been gone almost that long too. Even she said e-banking was the way to go, and that was in the last century. I can't recall the last time I walked into a bank.

Do you still get paper bills and statements? Sears catalogs too? What's in the latest Reader's Digest?

Maybe mtngoat666 is now oldtimer666?

John


[Edited on 8-21-2022 by John Harper]


Jonny,
I was pulling sfh’s leg. Btw, I use teller at least once a month, only place to get 100 bills.

AKgringo - 8-20-2022 at 06:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

I was pulling sfh’s leg. Btw, I use teller at least once a month, only place to get 100 bills.


I have used an ATM at a local Wells Fargo that spits out 100's, with a $5,000 limit per transaction. It was in the lobby, and someone did come over and check my ID, but it was a smooth event!

SFandH - 8-20-2022 at 06:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
John, if you don't go into a bank, where do you get your travelers checks? :?:


Oh chit, I remember getting traveler's checks before Baja road trips and cashing them at the Todos Santos bank. Yikes!

SFandH - 8-20-2022 at 06:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RFClark  
The kia Niro we bought was the only one the dealer had. They were just taking orders. Now the folks who ordered won’t get the rebate!


I went into a Toyota dealership that wouldn't take orders for a Corolla Cross. They had no idea when they were coming in.

mtgoat666 - 8-20-2022 at 07:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

I was pulling sfh’s leg. Btw, I use teller at least once a month, only place to get 100 bills.


I have used an ATM at a local Wells Fargo that spits out 100's, with a $5,000 limit per transaction. It was in the lobby, and someone did come over and check my ID, but it was a smooth event!


Yes, that atm in lobby will spit out large amounts in 100s, and not do so until person comes over and checks your id. So Easier to just see the teller, get extra envelopes, etc.

John Harper - 8-21-2022 at 06:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
John, if you don't go into a bank, where do you get your travelers checks? :?:


I go to the Blue Chip Stamps outlet, exchange my stamps for cheques.

John

AKgringo - 8-21-2022 at 06:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
John, if you don't go into a bank, where do you get your travelers checks? :?:


I go to the Blue Chip Stamps outlet, exchange my stamps for cheques.

John


Well that is just a mistake....Blue Chip Stamps will never overtake S&H Green Stamps!

JZ - 8-21-2022 at 11:55 AM

Every Wells Fargo gives $50 bills. Better size to carry than $100's.

I have my debit cards set at $2K daily limit. With 2 cards can put out $4K in 30 secs. No ID check or anything.

AKgringo - 8-21-2022 at 12:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Every Wells Fargo gives $50 bills. Better size to carry than $100's.


I was buying a Craigslist Van conversion, so the higher limit and larger bills worked better for me. I was in and out of the bank before any of the people waiting for a teller got to the front of the line.

I also prefer fifty's, they are sort of like the 20's we used to use a lot of!

Alm - 8-21-2022 at 04:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
very good goat... but 100ah is too small...its a golf cart battery....

its actually 4 three v batteries connected together to make 12v

the part that connects the 4 batteries together fails when over loaded

The part that connects "batteries" together is called an interconnect cable :). Would be the last thing to fail in the solar system. What you're talking about is cells within the battery. Still connected with a usual wire (in 12V LiPo).

[Edited on 8-22-2022 by Alm]

Alm - 8-21-2022 at 04:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
The O.P. never asked for any advice, he just wanted to let others know about an unsatisfactory experience with a supplier he used.

Here we are, four pages later getting an education on 220v circuits!

So how many solar panels will the O.P. need to install on his RV to power a 220v outlet?

[Edited on 8-20-2022 by AKgringo]

Yeah. The OP bought a solar kit for RV and wanted a seller to walk him through on installation. When you're buying a kit this concludes the transaction, you're supposed to install yourself or pay one of zillions installers. Most RV owners install it themselves. Except for (maybe) those with very new Class A buses. There is RV.net forum for these things.

How many panels? One 60W panel will do :). Inverter will put 110V to outlets as long as it's connected to battery. Most would choose to install at least 300W array for a minimalist setup like TV, cordless drill charger and smartphone. Today RV folks often cover all the roof with panels and install 500-700 AH lithium battery bank.

lewmt - 8-21-2022 at 04:48 PM

Wow - this topic has meandered like a Baja dirt road. Educational & entertaining.

I only have the 2 roof A/C's which use 220V. Everything else is 12V/110V. So far I only have 1 200 amp hour LiPO battery and 550 watts of incoming solar. I know its probably inadequate but I'm typically not a heavy electrical user.
Outside all day fishing, kiting, surfing, snowboarding....whatever. I mostly prefer the Pac side so don't need a lot of A/C in the evenings there or in most places here in Montana.

I'm curious what-all additional solar I should consider? Plenty of space on the roof for more panels. I'm liking the Renogy flexible 175 W panels I added to my original system.

I also really like my little local bank & on-line banking....and ice cream

monoloco - 8-21-2022 at 04:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lewmt  
Wow - this topic has meandered like a Baja dirt road. Educational & entertaining.

I only have the 2 roof A/C's which use 220V. Everything else is 12V/110V. So far I only have 1 200 amp hour LiPO battery and 550 watts of incoming solar. I know its probably inadequate but I'm typically not a heavy electrical user.
Outside all day fishing, kiting, surfing, snowboarding....whatever. I mostly prefer the Pac side so don't need a lot of A/C in the evenings there or in most places here in Montana.

I'm curious what-all additional solar I should consider? Plenty of space on the roof for more panels. I'm liking the Renogy flexible 175 W panels I added to my original system.

I also really like my little local bank & on-line banking....and ice cream
Flexible panels have terrible durability. The only way I would consider them, is if the RV sat in a covered garage most of the time. If it sits outside with the panels constantly exposed to the sun, they will deteriorate rapidly. Especially in Baja or the Southwest U.S..

Alm - 8-21-2022 at 05:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lewmt  

I'm curious what-all additional solar I should consider? Plenty of space on the roof for more panels. I'm liking the Renogy flexible 175 W panels I added to my original system.

Without microwave and coffee maker (or with very careful use of those) you'll be fine with 500W array. Added panels should match the existing ones and voltage and current of the total array should be within the specs of the controller. I would avoid flexible panels. Talk to RV.net people.

[Edited on 8-22-2022 by Alm]

RFClark - 8-21-2022 at 07:51 PM

ALM,

Do your batteries charge up full most sunny days? If yes, you have enough, if not you need more.

AKgringo - 8-21-2022 at 08:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lewmt  
Wow - this topic has meandered like a Baja dirt road. Educational & entertaining.

I also really like my little local bank & on-line banking....and ice cream


I'm jealous! Your post has generated more views, and more replies than anything I have ever posted. Perhaps the author of the year?

And now I want some ice cream! :wow:

[Edited on 8-22-2022 by AKgringo]

Alm - 8-22-2022 at 07:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RFClark  
ALM,

Do your batteries charge up full most sunny days? If yes, you have enough, if not you need more.

Oh yeah, before noon. The OP will likely have to hire somebody and discuss with them what he/she wants out of offgrid living and what can be done, given their energy audit and wallet health.

In "normal" RV with propane fridge, with limited use of 110V kitchen gadgets very little electricity is needed. But then, there are RVs with 30 cu.ft two-door 110V fridge, 1,500W Keurig in the kitchen and washer-drier.

lewmt - 8-23-2022 at 09:36 AM

"Flexible panels have terrible durability. The only way I would consider them, is if the RV sat in a covered garage most of the time. If it sits outside with the panels constantly exposed to the sun, they will deteriorate rapidly. Especially in Baja or the Southwest U.S.."

My understanding is they are problematic if mounted firmly to RV roof due to overheating. My plan is to mount them with an air cushion to allow some ventilation. Thin corrugated plastic sheet between the panel & the roof. Since I couldn't get a decent response from Dak. Lithium I've watched several DIY solar RV installs on youtube. RV with Tito seems to be the best I've seen so far.

"In "normal" RV with propane fridge, with limited use of 110V kitchen gadgets very little electricity is needed. But then, there are RVs with 30 cu.ft two-door 110V fridge, 1,500W Keurig in the kitchen and washer-drier."

My needs are very basic & my RV is a '97 Diesel Allegro that I'm totally remodeling & upgrading. TV, coffee maker(turns off after pot is brewed), a few lights at night, stereo, and a laptop is about it. I have a 6500KW generator for backup(propane) but would love to save the propane for hot water and fridge as much as possible. No washer-drier.

"And now I want some ice cream!" Try Dreyer's Brownie Brick Road - totally addictive

Udo - 8-23-2022 at 12:21 PM

We have a model X here in Ensenada. We purchased the 220-volt after-market TESLA charger and wired it directly into the meter at the power pole/solar charger.
The charger is capable of 100 AMP charging. With the 1 gauge wires we attached to the charger, our charger currently charges at 72 amps, and it takes about three hours to fully charge from zero.
I only use it when needed for a quick turn-around trip. Most of the time the charge is connected to the 120-volt charger because it is better for the battery. It does not cost us anything to charge the car because of our solar system (in Ensenada).
Quote: Originally posted by RFClark  
John,

Non-Tesla car chargers come in 3 levels currently.

Level 1 is 120VAC 15A draw

Level 2 is 220VAC up to about 50A

Level 3 is not going to happen in BCS soon as it would black out Cabo!

Teslas have destination chargers which are similar to Level 2 chargers.

There are adaptors to allow Teslas to use level 2 chargers.

I don’t know if Tesla owners get a level 1 charger with their car. I have heard not any longer.

Some cars allow you to adjust the charge current in software in the car setup menu.

We have ours set to draw a KW of excess solar.

[Edited on 8-20-2022 by RFClark]

[Edited on 8-20-2022 by RFClark]

How did we get back ON-TOPIC?

AKgringo - 8-23-2022 at 02:07 PM

I thought we had moved on to ice cream. I am craving something like a pecan praline with caramel swirls!

John Harper - 8-23-2022 at 02:17 PM

Denali Mint Moose Tracks. Heavenly ice cream.

John

RFClark - 8-23-2022 at 06:09 PM

The wife and I just stopped in Pescadero at the ice cream store. They have lime pie ice cream for 40 Pesos that tastes like the key lime ice cream pie the expensive places charge $10 US for! The wife had really great peanut butter chocolate ice cream. Ice cream is probably the 3rd or 4th best thing in life.

We’re celebrating installing the line and plug for our 220VAC (yes, Susan I know it’s all a scam) level 2 charger that also will run the wire welder and plasma cutter. Just 30A at 220 though.

Alm - 8-26-2022 at 06:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lewmt  

My needs are very basic & my RV is a '97 Diesel Allegro that I'm totally remodeling & upgrading. TV, coffee maker(turns off after pot is brewed), a few lights at night, stereo, and a laptop is about it. I have a 6500KW generator for backup(propane)


Alternator can be wired to help charging Li battery while on the move, will need DC-DC charger for that. Go to RV.net forum. Post in "Technical issues", this is where everything solar is posted. It usually doesn't get diluted with ice-cream there :).

BajaRat - 8-27-2022 at 09:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by monoloco  
Quote: Originally posted by lewmt  
Wow - this topic has meandered like a Baja dirt road. Educational & entertaining.

I only have the 2 roof A/C's which use 220V. Everything else is 12V/110V. So far I only have 1 200 amp hour LiPO battery and 550 watts of incoming solar. I know its probably inadequate but I'm typically not a heavy electrical user.
Outside all day fishing, kiting, surfing, snowboarding....whatever. I mostly prefer the Pac side so don't need a lot of A/C in the evenings there or in most places here in Montana.

I'm curious what-all additional solar I should consider? Plenty of space on the roof for more panels. I'm liking the Renogy flexible 175 W panels I added to my original system.

I also really like my little local bank & on-line banking....and ice cream
Flexible panels have terrible durability. The only way I would consider them, is if the RV sat in a covered garage most of the time. If it sits outside with the panels constantly exposed to the sun, they will deteriorate rapidly. Especially in Baja or the Southwest U.S..


I’ve been using that 175w Renology flexible panel on the curved roof of our small off road camper for a couple years now. Low profile was a necessity.
Like many things in life we sacrifice longevity for practicality and living on the edge.
Lionel :cool:

This sounds like a good idea!

AKgringo - 8-27-2022 at 06:43 PM

Where to put solar panels? How about where they will help save water!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/california-to-install-sola...

lewmt - 9-7-2022 at 05:46 AM

Interesting idea. I wonder how much loss from evaporation actually occurs? I'd be totally guessing but if it's stated in gallons/month or some such data it would look large but if stated in a percentage of flow might not look as big....but I know in Cali every drop counts.

Just an update on my original post...
I did finally hear back from the company. Over 3 weeks from my original question. Like most tech inquiries the responses lead to more questions or a need for clarification. After installing and upgrading the "system" I ended up not even using several of their components as they were inadequate - especially once I added panels. Their concept of a mounting system on the roof was totally inadequate as well as the charge controller for even a small upgrade in solar input. Inverter is useless. Battery does seem solid though. System is fully functional with upgrades and used on a camping trip with wife over Labor Day.

I will never buy any components or products from this company again - so my original statement remains - buyer beware. As RF Clark has mentioned there are better products for less money out there - my mistake - just thought it's worthy to warn others

Solar panel mount 6 X 540W

RFClark - 9-7-2022 at 11:36 AM

I’ll take a better picture and post it on the container Home Topic

A182CA82-BC8B-4646-B20C-45226C3D894C.jpeg - 27kB

Keithcapt - 9-7-2022 at 04:46 PM

U,,all have it Wrong !! Get a Good boat electrical guy for your project. I sea SOO many bad install's from guys claiming to be be Solar experts, that I throw up. I've been doing Solar on the east cape since 83
And I do electrical for a living and its a sham that there is is no Standards... Almost all electrical stuff today is DCV except motors and microwaves. YOU DONT need a inverter to charge a phone,, laptop, TV, Fridge. DC to ac back to DC.. Get a grip !! If U must have a microwave you need a pure Sine wave unit. I'd stay away from folks that say they are electritions. Why, because they are my biggest source of custermer.. S

Hook - 9-8-2022 at 07:35 AM

I would love to add a portable (foldable or suitcase) solar panel to my existing panel mounted on my truck camper. Probably around 100 watts. I just read so many bad reviews about inexpensive panels coming out of China that only put out half, or less, of their "rated" wattage.

I have an existing (mounted) 140 watt Kyocera panel that is about 10 years old, that's being fed into an older Morningstar Sun Saver Duo. I regularly see between 6-7a even at 14+ volts. But there are times when my desired camping spot is sun-challenged. It would be nice to run a panel out from the rig and into the sun.

Yeah, the Morningstar is a PWM unit but it does charge two separate battery banks, independently (house and truck), which I like. I can assign various percentages of charging to each battery and can set bulk, absorption and float (or not) rates independently, as well. It can also accept up to 25 amps of input.

I recently bought my first LiFePO4 as a new house battery. Getting used to a battery that reads above 13v even when it is 50% discharged has taken some getting used to.

But I have one complication: the battery separator in the camper doesn't send a charge to the truck battery unless the house battery is over 13.3v. This wasn't much of an issue when I had lead acid batteries that hung around 12.6-7 volts when not being charged or discharged. But now, the house lithium battery is always above 13.3v (usually even higher) and the separator is always passing current between house and truck batteries.

I guess this could be advantageous if I put a large load on my house battery (assuming current passes both directions AND the 10 gauge wire in between could really pass much). But, in truth, I am never running anything drawing more than 2.1a @ 12v (a 40qt. Norcold fridge/freezer). The only other significant draw is that noisy, forced air propane heater that virtually all RVs have. I never run that.

I am worried that the constant summing of these two distinct battery banks will lead to degradation of the new lithium house battery as the overall system tries to reach equilibrium. Is this a valid concern? Should I interrupt the current flow from the house to the truck battery? I could put a simple switch between the positive lead from the charge controller to the truck battery. Then, engage it during charging periods.

I don't worry about discharging the whole enchilada to the point where I couldn't start the truck because the separator would interrupt the connection below that 13.3v threshold.

I really like having the charge controller feeding 10% of it's output to the truck battery; well, batteries as it is a Ford diesel with TWO starting batteries (FLA batts). But not at the cost of compromising this new, expensive house battery.

Opinions on a panel to buy or the separator issue?

Keithcapt - 9-8-2022 at 09:45 AM

Hi, if your Norcold (nocold) runs on propane,, I'd recommend that option.. Check out "Blue sea system" ACR. Just might be your answer. I would have to know a bit more about your system and habit's. A energy audit is always helpful..:cool:

Hook - 9-12-2022 at 10:26 AM

No, the Norcold is a sawafuji compressor type. 12v or 120 with an auto-sensing circuit/inverter that is internal. Priority to 120v. I bring this along on long trips and just keep cold beverages in it, or I freeze fish with it. I still run the absorption (propane) Dometic as well, and it works just fine. It does have a 12v circuit but it is a ridiculous draw on the house battery. Neither the alternator, nor the solar panel, can keep up with it's draw.

I dont have the battery capacity, nor an inverter that could handle the mounted microwave in the camper that draws 1400w @ 120v. For that I use the on-board generator. Three to five minute use powers the microwave or the toaster. I love toast!

I just remembered that there is one other significant draw; my e-bike battery chargers. 120w @ 120v EACH (I sometimes charge two at once). These would be nice to charge with an inverter. These are 51v @ 2a chargers that can take 4-6 hours to fully charge the 48v lithium battery from a fairly thorough discharge. I am NOT going to run a generator for 4-6 hours for ANY reason, other than an emergency charging of the house or truck batteries.

Anyway, I am leaning towards either a Newpowr or BougeRV panel. Probably the best overall reviews on Amazon. Anyone ever bought one and have opinions?
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