Solar Cost

[Vanguy]

Any idea how much I might expect to pay to have a cargo van upfitted with a solar panel, battery, charging system, inverter, and shore power plug? Looking at buying a van that's all ready outfitted vs getting a cheaper van and having it added later. I don't have time to do this kind of work myself so would have to pay someone else to do it.

Thanks

[86Scotty]

Be more specific about how much juice you are planning to add. Panel size, inverter size, battery bank size. It could make a huge difference.

Your location could make a huge difference also. Much easier to find people to do this kind of thing in urban areas than rural. It isn't rocket science but a lot of people aren't familiar with it.

[Vanguy]

I'm in NW Arkansas. I'm also new to this so not exactly sure of everything you are asking. But it would be something like 1 or 2 panels 1 or 2 batteries and about 2000 Watts of inverter power. Not doung a full buildout just want to be able to run a small fridge and some lights with some power in reserve.

[Twoxentrix]

Vanguy,
Might be easier to make your "plans" if you are a little more familiar with some of the options. Some great threads out there associated with Solar & batteries. Use the search function for more, for now you may find some of these helpful:

This First link IMO is important to know (Scalf77 shared this knowledge)
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ing-21140.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...lar-26453.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ert-24669.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ler-25863.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...els-23929.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...lar-20550.html

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...tml#post275598

Also like this one: Kibo shared a good link (its the 5th post in this Thread) that helps you decipher your "system" needs:
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...tor-26410.html

[Vanguy]

The problem is I dont have a whole lot of time on my hands. I guess I'll just have to research who could do that kind of work here locally and get with them on pricing. Thanks...

[Vanguy]

Do you think it would be possible to get a solar panel, shore power plug and charging system/battery isolator installed for less than 5k?

[86Scotty]

Oh yes. Much less. The materials are less than $1k if you aren't getting too fancy. If you want an inverter as well you make get up to 2k with installation.

[Vanguy]

Awesome! Thanks

[olivelawn]

You can probably power a fridge with just a isolator and house battery if you intend to move around every 2-3 days.

[Lilnuts2]

Unless you want 2 lithium batteries (which you do)
For a 2000w inverter $400 to $1,500
2- Batteries $1,900
2--200w panels $400 to $600
Charge controller $300 to $500
Mounts, wire, fuses etc $300
Plus labor you can get to $5,000 fairly easy.