best solar panel installation?

[CricketSail]

I was very interested that when I mentioned I was going to have Camping World install solar panels for me, the feedback was not positive. Hm, wonder why..Anyone else had them do this, and were disappointed? The suggestion was to have someone do it 'who does a good reliable job.' That's exactly what I want, but then how to I know who that is. There are links on the net, but sometimes it's a one man operation. I thought that with Camping World, at least they are everywhere and I could hold them accountable if something goes wrong. Any suggestions on a solar panel installer Much Appreciated. This is my winter months goal, and I will travel anywhere east coast to get this done right. Thanks.

[longdog2]

Camping World just doesn't have the best reputation for service work. I made the mistake of going to them for a vent installation because I thought it wouldn't be that difficult and they had a great price on it. See my recent experience:

http://www.travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-camping-world-experience-to-remember.html

Now I do give the manager a lot of credit for trying to make it right but the shoddy work should never have occurred in the first place.

[Cudedog]

Camping World just doesn't have the best reputation for service work. I made the mistake of going to them for a vent installation because I thought it wouldn't be that difficult and they had a great price on it. See my recent experience:

http://www.travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-camping-world-experience-to-remember.html

Now I do give the manager a lot of credit for trying to make it right but the shoddy work should never have occurred in the first place.

Dear God, what a horrible experience!!

Even those that commented on your post below your story had more bad things to say about Camping World. Being new to the camping game, I had never heard this about Camping World. After reading this I will never take my rig there. Ever.

Thanks for taking the time to write this. Much appreciated!!

Anne

[Acadianmom]

Colleen, I'm glad you replied with your experience with Camping World. My experience with Camping World wasn't as bad as Colleen's but I wouldn't recommend them either and I used the Camping World in Louisiana.

I would sure talk to some that have solar panels and find out where they went. I read several blogs by people that do a lot of boondocking in the west and they all use someone located in the Slabs. Not sure where that is but it's a long way to go. Right now there are people that do that in Quartzite but they are probably only there when the crowds are there.

Martha

[Azusateach]

As people have said, Camping World's reputation is spotty at best. Speaking from experience on the West Coast, I'll never darken the doors of their service department again after dealing with them on the purchase of our trailer (what were we thinking, buying from them?!!).

If you can hold off in getting set up with solar until you make your way out here I think you might be happier in the long run. Seems like the West is the Mecca of most things solar. Hot hat said, I believe that Beth had her setup done back east. When she surfaces again I'm sure she'll chime in with where she went, etc.

[Bethers]

I purchased my system by studying, then "interviewed" a few places to have it installed ... used someone in Texas who has been in rv maintenance for years and has done LOTS of solar installations. We sat down and discussed where to put the controller, the inverter, etc ... I was part of the whole process. Then I left it to him to do - after having received a quote for what the charge would be. I would have been happy with a few other places if I had gone to AZ - both places I had talked to when studying up on everything ...

By the way, I'm NOT an expert - just knew what I wanted and needed done - and since I removed my generator, I had to know that it would work!

I still can get taken, but have had negative experiences with CW and almost any rv service department connected to a facility that sells new rv's. I highly recommend you find rv maintenance ONLY places - sometimes mobile, sometimes not. They have been the best for me.

[linann]

Camping World has a reputation for high prices and taking a long time for service. We have several stores in our area and have discovered the service level is not consistent.

Instead, we found a small privately owned shop that delivers better quality work for a much lower price. We replaced the awning for one half the quote from Camping World's sale price. It took a little longrt because the shop ordered the awning material from the manufacturer, but we added a cap cover to protect the awning, got the same exact color and fabric we wanted and saved a lot of money.

I would do a lot of research and find a compahy that specalizes in solar. Compare companies.

[CricketSail]

Well, that does shed a lot of light on why Camping World has not got a good reputation. Thanks for the feedback. And now, if anyone has a solar installation on the east coast (or as far as Texas this winter), I would very much like to know. It helps certainly to know who to avoid, but also it's super to know who does have a good reputation.

[Azusateach]

If you frequent RV.net or the Escapees forum you might want to post something there. Or check them out and see if it's already been discussed. You'll get LOTS of opinions, but if you can wade through them (and the testosterone) you might find a dealer in your line of travel.

Good luck!

[CricketSail]

Sort of amazing. If you want solar panels for you house, easy. Lots of installers, financial help. But for some reason, if you are in an RV that means you are DIYer? Everything is on kids and calculating, like this would be fun for you. Nooo, I am just looking for a good installer..easier said than done I find.

[VickieP]

I just remembered that Nan has solar panels & she's in FL, so I sent her a pm to see if she had any recommendations.

[VickieP]

I just remembered that Nan has solar panels & she's in FL, so I sent her a pm to see if she had any recommendations.

So here's what she said:

The RV dealer in Alachua, Florida, JD Sanders RV is the one that installed solar panels that I had purchased. They are good at what they do and have never been disappointed with their work.

[longdog2]

I think Liz also had her panel put on in Florida but don't remember who did it. I think there may also be a difference on who is better depending upon how you will use it. Occasional use versus full time boondocking where you need it to run most everything except A/C. The calculations become much more complex to ensure the whole system will work together with maximum output.

[Gentleladybear]

I believe Liz used Tri Am Rv in Ocala. They also have a location in Tennessee. She had it set up to run the RV while dry camping. I think if you have an RV dealers that is familiar with solar they know what it will take to run your RV and can assist you in getting it set up.

[Bethers]

I used Hooked UP RV Park (also does service) in Aransas Pass, TX - if the same man is there - he really knows solar and what would be needed, etc. He was also fine with quoting me prices OR letting me get my own parts - which was way less expensive for me (I actually ordered most on Amazon and when it all came in took it to him and had him install. If the same man is there, he knew what he was doing with lots and lots of solar installations under his belt.