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Old 10-27-2003, 08:05 AM   #1
Bill
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Default Source for solar panels and other parts

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
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Old 10-27-2003, 08:23 AM   #2
Chris_Bauer
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Default Re:Source for solar panels and other parts

This is good information as I am looking around now. My problem is finding a reliable source for installation here in the South Texas Rio Grande Valley. I am getting closer to a decision but the install is holding me back ???.
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Old 05-12-2015, 09:27 PM   #3
rickst29
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Default For those who are NOT visiting Arizona ....

Wind and Sun is a great dealer. Some TM owners have also had good luck with EBay Sellers "Windy Nation", "Renogy", and "DiscountSolar".

"DIY" installations are typically one or two 100W sized panels, with a "PWM" controller. WIndy Nation's 2-panel kit is perfect, while Renogy's Kit need must be ordered with an alternate, slightly upgraded PWM Controller: At this time (2015) Renogy's cheapest kits include a "standard" controller that is not compatible with Negative-Ground vehicles and RVs (including the TM). You may also delete the Supplied Controller and but a higher-quality controller separately (a Morningstar, for example).
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TM='06 2619 w/5K axle, 15" Maxxis "E" tires. Plumbing protector. 630 watts solar. 450AH LiFePO4 batteries, 3500 watt inverter. CR-1110 E-F/S fridge (compressor).
TV = 2007 4runner sport, with a 36 volt "power boost".
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Old 05-13-2015, 07:48 AM   #4
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I had good luck with Solar AM out of Springfield Oregon. They specialize in RV solar and have free shipping. There is helpful information at their site and I talked with them on the phone prior to buying and they seamed very knowledgeable. I have had mine for 2 years and had no problems. They have a few people that are dealers and do install work. I see one (Greg Young) is going to be in Texas June-Aug.
http://www.amsolar.com/
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Old 05-13-2015, 05:40 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rickst29 View Post
Wind and Sun is a great dealer - but does not do shipping.
Umm, you might want to review that thought. I have ordered from them, and their site clearly talks about shipping.

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Old 05-13-2015, 08:02 PM   #6
rickst29
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Thumbs up corrected, thanks!

My faulty memory is from consideration of buying batteries, not panels.
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TM='06 2619 w/5K axle, 15" Maxxis "E" tires. Plumbing protector. 630 watts solar. 450AH LiFePO4 batteries, 3500 watt inverter. CR-1110 E-F/S fridge (compressor).
TV = 2007 4runner sport, with a 36 volt "power boost".
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