Bill
10-27-2003, 08:05 AM
As my wife and I do more and more dry camping in State Forests and National Parks in the west, it has become apparent to me that we have to go solar. After almost a year of planning and research, I have identified what I think is a really good source of solar materials and information - at least the best I have been able to find.
Take a look at Northern Arizona Wind & Sun at http://www.windsun.com. I have no affiliation with this company, and in fact have not yet bought anything from them. But I have arranged to go to their store in December and pick up a two-panel 160-watt solar system (Kyocera panels), including a 3-stage charge controller, for about $700.
Their prices are lower than others I have found, they have name-brand stuff, a wide selection, and good tech information pages. I especially note that their tech info pages tell you what NOT to buy, what you DON'T need, which manufacturers' products they have had trouble with, and why. To me, this is a sign of good honest tech info.
They also seem to have good prices on stuff that is vaguely solar-related - like real good prices on Thin-Lite fluorescent fixtures and repair parts.
I won't get my system assembled and use-tested until January. My panels will be portable/ground-mounted, so I'll post info and pix to complement Ray's excellent roof-mounted story.
Bill
Take a look at Northern Arizona Wind & Sun at http://www.windsun.com. I have no affiliation with this company, and in fact have not yet bought anything from them. But I have arranged to go to their store in December and pick up a two-panel 160-watt solar system (Kyocera panels), including a 3-stage charge controller, for about $700.
Their prices are lower than others I have found, they have name-brand stuff, a wide selection, and good tech information pages. I especially note that their tech info pages tell you what NOT to buy, what you DON'T need, which manufacturers' products they have had trouble with, and why. To me, this is a sign of good honest tech info.
They also seem to have good prices on stuff that is vaguely solar-related - like real good prices on Thin-Lite fluorescent fixtures and repair parts.
I won't get my system assembled and use-tested until January. My panels will be portable/ground-mounted, so I'll post info and pix to complement Ray's excellent roof-mounted story.
Bill