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Solar installers in California

Yahoo Message Number: 79826
I would like to upgrade my electrical system with ~800w of solar panels, a MPPT charge controller and new AGM house batteries. I want to make sure it gets done right, which probably means I shouldn't attempt it myself. I've talked to RV shops that say they install solar, but in talking with them, I can tell they have a limited knowledge. Anyone have a good recommendation in southern California for someone that and install all this and get it all working correctly? Arizona is a possibility too.

Jim 99' Magna #5629

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79828
I have been buying my AGM batteries from the LifeLine distributor in Azusa CA 626-969-7227. I talk to Dave one of the owners. He also sells Magnum inverters. For solar there are several in Quartzsite AZ. One is Solar Bill.
I can not vouch for any, but they do sell and install systems there and you could test them in the desert sun.
Make sure to use large enough wire from the panels down to the controller and the batteries.

Bob Wexler
SOB

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79832
I highly recommend Solar Mike at The Sun Works. He and his family have been living off the grid since the mid-80's and I don't know anyone more knowledgeable and capable.
Jim Barber
'87 LTD
~~~~~~~~~

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79834
Jim - Here is a three part article I did on my installation. http://www.muniac.com/Power1.html Might be worth a read. As for solar, you won't live long enough to pay it back. Good luck with your project and installation.

At 06:11 PM 6/2/2012, you wrote:

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79866
I have heard good things about Sunworks at the slabs however you should check the sales tax. It is my understanding that Arizona does not charge sales tax on solar systems and California does. That would be a significant savings. You may want to check this out for yourself to see if that is still the case.

Jim Hedlund

2000 Allure 30413

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79870
Jim

There are a couple of longtime solar shops in Quartzite that come each year for the season and have permanent facilities in Quartzite. I was at Solar Bills in February and he was selling an individual a second panel for 40% less than he had bought the same unit the prior year. You won't make your money back but is nice not having to run the generator for hours.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79873
Since installers in AZ are mentioned I will throw in Starlight Solar in Yuma AZ. I have done business with them and have seen their work on friends RVs. They do a first class job.
If you are up in Oregon then I would recommend AM Solar in Springfield which just outside Eugene. I have had work done their also and I would highly recommend them.

Norm

2004 Intrigue 11773

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79891
Thanks so much to everyone for all the great suggestions!

Jim 99' Magna #5629

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79892
Scott, I'm more of a lurker, but I follow all your stuff closely. Great info on both solar and cold weather camping!

Jim 99' Magna #5629

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79898
Jim - Thanks for the kind words. I try to put back some helpful information to offset what I take from others. Again, good luck with your solar installation.

At 11:22 AM 6/5/2012, you wrote:

Re: Solar installers in California

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79901
I just had solar installed this week by Temecula Valley RV. This is a high quality full service facility that has dome much work on our Affinity over the last three years. Eric the owner is very knowledgeable about solar. Ask for him if you decide to call.

Bob Nuttmann

2002 CC Affinity 42'

Solar installers

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 80004
I second the suggestion of Starlight Solar in Yuma. You will get more knowledgeable information and quality work along with as good or better prices. I have heard of several disappointments from Quartzsite installers such as the infamous Solar Bill's who do a lot of installations, but not always the best. (Like a knee surgeon I once used who did a lot of operations, but not a lot of operations done well {and perhaps some unnecessarily} as I found out later when using a different and better surgeon.) But call first to see if Larry and Debbie Crutcher are there or in Montana for the summer.

Gene Merryman
2006 Intrigue