Question Solar install

[Rollin Ollen]

With knowing solar, lithium, and the electronics that make the technology work is moving fast to obsolescence. I question the validity of the debate at all.

That said my system ROI was 6 months on my first system. The ROI on my current system,(having the learning curve behind me), was 3 times the size, and complexity, was much the same.

My debatable opinions are based on the knowing that my methods would not be considered on this forum, as my talking points, cost being in the forefront. .

It's much like the Dallas society pages once published where a bunch of the elite women in Dallas couldn't or didn't want to put together an outfit for under $100, even to win a competition. That was the early 80's. This solar discussion proves nothing has changed.

Kevin, I don't understand where you are coming from. It sounds like you don't think anyone should use solar unless it can be cost effective. Then you equate users like me to being elitist because we want the enjoyment of having the ability to spend time boondocking without the noisy generator running. How I spend my hard earned dollar shouldn't have any effect of you. I certainly don't begrudge your lifestyle. I find it intriguing that you can find ways to engineer solar to fit your needs but I have better things to do with my time. I have no problem paying someone else for the engineering of my comforts.

 

[Neal]

Let's keep it kind and at this point forward we will eagerly await the report from @Joe Dutchstar, or his credit card company, on how his install went. I look forward to hearing about his SES visit as mine was great and well worth the upgrade to my coach. Joe, I'm also curious of what they say about the saga you've been dealing with regarding charging I believe it was?

Resume Joe's party...

Thank you.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Kevin, I don't understand where you are coming from. It sounds like you don't think anyone should use solar unless it can be cost effective. Then you equate users like me to being elitist because we want the enjoyment of having the ability to spend time boondocking without the noisy generator running. How I spend my hard earned dollar shouldn't have any effect of you. I certainly don't begrudge your lifestyle. I find it intriguing that you can find ways to engineer solar to fit your needs but I have better things to do with my time. I have no problem paying someone else for the engineering of my comforts.

I think it wonderful that people are going solar. I think ROI can, or could be, a reasonable expectation. But as long as the users are willing to go along with prices that don't reflect true value, people will continue to be ripped off.

Whether that is due to a crafty sales force or??? (Omitted for obvious reasons), until the customers fixes the problem with their wallets it will continue.

My opinion may in fact be due to just fixing a wonderfully blotched job from a solar company in Quartzsite, made worse by others unqualified personal during these summer months, while trying to get things back online.

I know by reputation that SES is not in the same league, but their prices make reasonable ROI an impossible view. Even more impossible when the rig never sees a dirt lot without hookups.

That again is up to the individual. Carry-on!

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I think it wonderful that people are going solar. I think ROI can, or could be, a reasonable expectation. But as long as the users are willing to go along with prices that don't reflect true value, people will continue to be ripped off.

Whether that is due to a crafty sales force or??? (Omitted for obvious reasons), until the customers fixes the problem with their wallets it will continue.

My opinion may in fact be due to just fixing a wonderfully blotched job from a solar company in Quartzsite, made worse by others unqualified personal during these summer months, while trying to get things back online.

I know by reputation that SES is not in the same league, but their prices make reasonable ROI an impossible view. Even more impossible when the rig never sees a dirt lot without hookups.

That again is up to the individual. Carry-on!

Your quote: "But as long as the users are willing to go along with prices that don't reflect true value, people will continue to be ripped off."

I guess your idea of "true value" and mine will remain different and that's alright. Different strokes. I'm certainly happy to pay for my "manufactured RV" along with the conveniences that I enjoy. I feel that I am getting value for my dollar. I know that I will never recover my initial investment as RVs do depreciate and someone else building my solar may cost a few bucks but that is not a value that I'm worried too much about. My value is about seeing what there is to see on this continent. I value the people I meet along the way. I value the memories I am accumulating. They will stay with me as long as I have a memory. Cash?? While I am not extremely wealthy, I am quite sure that I have enough to live out my lifestyle. If I die broke, it will not sadden me because I shall have a fully piggy bank of memories and experiences. I don't call that being ripped off.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

As I have had time to meditate on adding solar to the RV, based on our camping style and other considerations, and the excellent discussion on this Board, we are going to take a Pass this year. Until we have definite Boodocking plans it realistically does not make sense for us.