Is this Solar System a good deal?

[ParkCountry]

I went into our local Camping World this morning to price 2 AGM batteries for our travel trailer and, in the process, got to talking to the Retail Specialist about a Zamp Solar rooftop solar system. I've been kicking this around for a little while and have been debating whether Solar is the way to go, or a generator. We normally dry camp and must make do with however long our deep cycle batteries can provide for our needs. As such, we don't have need for an A/C unit as we are normally in cooler climes.

The system is a 170 Watt system made by Zamp Solar out of Bend, Oregon. The system retails for $850 and (supposedly) takes 4-5 hours to install. However, Camping World is currently running a $59 "Install Anything" sale, good through March 17. I recognize that the installation special is a GOOD deal, but I'm pretty ignorant of the Solar system itself. The Specialist told me we could add another 170 Watt Solar Panel for $650, and up to 2 extra panels may be added to the stock Single panel setup.

So, for those of you out there in the know, is this a reasonable price for the System? What I'm thinking at the moment is that if the lone Solar Panel proves to be insufficient, adding another Panel is entirely doable. Any advice you all can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Ivylog]

Did you really think a CW price would be good??? My 900W DIY solar installation came out to $1.25/Watt with a high dollar mppt controller.

[htss]

The price is a little high for the equipment for sure but consider that the reason the install price is low is because they are making the profit on the equipment. In other words, I am certain the install price is only valid on purchases from CW.

If they used a good controller and good cabling and did a good job on the install, the price seems slightly less high. My two cents.

[KD4UPL]

Those prices are crazy high. That's almost criminal. A 175 watt panel can be had for around $150. A good MPPT charge controller is about $250 to handle two panels that size. A really nice Outback FM60 controller is about $400 and would handle 4 panels that size. Brackets from AM solar to mount a panel are less than $100.

[morphrider]

I found most of my stuff off of CL. Bought the wire, fuses and such new from other on line vendors. Like stated above you can do it yourself for around $300 or under. I was also looking at the Zamp set up until I did more research on how to install the items myself. Lots of useful you tube videos showing how easy it is. Just make a drawing too on how you want it all set up.

[ParkCountry]

Thanks, all, for your responses and advice so far. It is really helpful for this guy who is totally out of his element here as far as Solar Power goes.

[Boon_Docker]

$850 is a ridiculous price!
Complete 200 watt systems can be purchased for under $300.

[RJsfishin]

The only reason for the cheap installation is because their ripping you so bad on the panels. Run.....don't walk away from CW !!!

[pauldub]

You can buy a 175 watt solar panel on eBay for $165. Just add a controller, proper wiring, and labor. You probably won't get proper wiring from CW. If you want to pay for an installation, consider AM Solar in Oregon.

[fj12ryder]

My main thought on this super installation price is "What exactly is installed and where is it installed". That would have to be perfectly clear, and also the answers to those questions would determine if I felt Camping World could handle the installation in a competent manner.

IMO it's only a steal if it's done correctly. Otherwise the only stealing is from your pocket.

[naturist]

May I suggest you visit this site: https://www.mobile-solarpower.com? The author has written a detailed "how to" book for folks just like you, interested, but not knowledgeable on the topic. The site has most of the content of the book, but updated.

I'd agree that the "install anything" price is a steal. I wonder if that includes solar panels and controller you get elsewhere?

[wanderingaimles]

As you said, the price for the installation is good, now I suggest you research the prices for the components, batteries included, and decide where to do business. I'm sure there are others in your market to check with.

Check the contents of any kits you look into. Plenty of different ones available,
Some varying types from one source alone,,,,
https://www.homedepot.com/s/solar%2520kit?NCNI-5

[2oldman]

You can price out panels and a controller yourself and realize, very quickly, that CG's prices are outrageous. Probably for the batteries too.