Monument Solar
Frequently Asked Questions page
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really run your air conditioners with a solar system?
We have actually had a lot of success both starting and running multiple AC units. Typically, ACs pull the most power when they are initially started or in a compression cycle. Depending on the sun conditions and the capacity of your solar array your AC may need the assistance of a “soft start” which is installed on the AC to assist with that initial heavy power draw. With that said, whether you will have enough power to run your an AC will come down to how much solar energy is being absorbed by your panels, how much is lost via your cabling and electrical system, the capacity of your inverters, and how many watts are consumed by your ACs. In our tests, our 5280 watt system was able to run a 15k btu and a 13.5 btu AC with around 3200 watts. This gave us extra power to run our other needs or continue to charge our batteries.
Will one of your systems work on top of my RV?
This is a loaded question which is difficult to answer. A few things you will need to consider are the length and width of the roof, how much weight your RV roof can carry, how much clearance you need to avoid AC units or other rooftop components, and whether the solar panels will block or interfere with other rooftop mounted hardware (satellite dishes, antennas, etc.) With that said, each system is modular and can accommodate a variety of spacing needs including width, length, and height. To determine whether one of our systems will work for your needs, please request a free consult where we can assist you further.
Do you provide the Batteries and other electronic components I will need for my system?
Presently, we only provide the components to your solar system from the roof up. This includes the solar panels, racking system, and wiring components. However, we do have connections with many companies and could potentially help you get a greater discount on your system.
How much does one of your systems cost?
This is an interesting question… for the solar panels and racking system, you can anticipate spending anywhere from a $2,500 to $15,000 depending on the size, number of solar panels you plan to have in your system, and if you have a promotional discount code. However, there are additional costs you may need to factor in. For example, if you do not already have the needed batteries and other electronic components, these will need to be purchased and installed as well. If you do not already have the batteries and other electronic components, we can refer you to our partners and potentially help you get a better discount.
What if I need to gain access to my roof once the panels are installed?
All of our solar racking systems allow the solar panels to be moved into a vertical position or removed completely. This provides you with nearly unobstructed access to your entire roof when needed. In addition to this, If you only need to walk across to the other end of your roof, our system is designed with a 4 to 6 inch “catwalk” gap between the solar panels. This will allow you to inspect, clean, or adjust the angle of the solar panels when needed.
I am worried about snow accumulating on top of the panels? Can the panels support the added weight snow when stored?
We have incorporated structural support for the solar panel frames in our design to help the system as a whole bare the weight of the panels both at rest and while traveling. However, we do not recommend having any additional weight on the solar panels or racking system. If there will be snow accumulating on the panels, we recommend the panels be placed with the panels angled outward at a 45 degree angle. This will help the snow fall off of the panels and off the sides of your RV.
What are the benefits of a Monument solar system over using a generator or using shore power
Generators - these can be a great option for a lot of people but there are a number of factors to keep in mind when choosing this route. First, generators can make a lot of noise and may not be allowed at, or only at certain times within, the destinations you are wanting to visit. State and national parks typically have these restrictions. In addition to this, many generators will claim to operate quiet enough to be used in national and state parks but, from our experience, these claims were only valid when running on propane and with little to no load. Second, depending on how often you travel and the type of generator you plan to use, the price of the generator, installation, and fuel will add up. Third, for those who would prefer to use “clean energy”, solar would be your best route.
Shore Power - when shore power is available and is included in your camp fees at no additional cost, it is a great option to take advantage of. This is typically the case for overnight to weeklong stays. However, for those who stay for longer periods of time, may be asked to pay for the power they consume in addition to their camp fees. when this is the case, having a solar system which prioritizes your solar and battery power before using shore power can lead to some considerable savings.
Who is going to install my solar system?
At this time, we have a limited capacity to install solar systems but we are in the process of building out a network of installers across the nation. These partners will consist of both RV dealership service centers and competent independent technicians. If you are wanting to install a Monument Solar system on your newly purchased RV and the dealership is not already part of our network of installers, please encourage them to reach out to us via our partner portal and we will get them onboarded and trained.
Is it possible to use my monument solar system to power my home when I am not on the road?
Yes! With the right equipment, and when your RV is parked in a sunny spot next to your home, the power generated by a Monument Solar system can be used to power your home. This will reduce how much power you need to purchase from your local utility. In addition to this, your RV’s battery bank can serve as your home’s source of power in a power outage or other emergency.
Beyond the solar panels, what is needed to make the solar system work?
Monument Solar systems are effectively an off grid cabin setup but are mounted on and within an RV or other mobile application. The components of these systems can be broken into the following categories as follows:
Solar Panels - these come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. All have unique efficiency ratings, features, and price points. The solar panels are what actually capture the suns energy and channel that energy into the system.
Electrical Components - The first electrical component the solar energy flows into is the charge controller and it’s function is true to its name. It controls the charge of the rest of the system. Typically, the power running from the solar panels down to the rest of the system is kept at a high voltage and low amperage and is kind of messy due to changing solar exposure. This helps to keep the size of wire running across and down from your roof small. Once it reaches the charge controller, this power is converted into a lower voltage (typically 12, 24, or 48) and a higher amperage. Once this power is cleaned up by the charge controller, the power is ready to be sent to the Inverter(s). These change the power back into a higher voltage and lower amperage to be consumed by your AC units or other appliances. The power is now in a form which is similar to what you typically find in a residential home.
Battery Bank - This is where the power is stored if it is not consumed by the inverter(s). Once the charge controller cleans up the power coming from the solar panels, it is now in a form which the batteries can capture. Typically, for RVs or other mobile units, weight and capacity play a big factor in deciding what type of battery to use. Each comes with it’s pros and cons. When trying to decide how large of battery bank you want or need, you need to understand that your batteries will be rated for a certain level of power absorption and power consumption. Going higher than these limits can damage your batteries. Adding larger batteries or additional batteries relieves this strain. This is why the bigger your solar production or energy consumption is the larger your battery bank is going to need to be.
Cabling and Isolators - The rest of the system consists of what ties each component together and the elements which keep you and your system safe. The cables allow the power to flow from one point to the other and will vary in size based on how many amps will flow through each and the distance the power will need to travel. The fuses are placed typically between each step in the system and are there to cut off power if too much power flows through any given point. These are typically all placed on what is referred to as a “busbar” which is used to keep all the wires and component organized. The DC breakers are used to isolate the solar panels from the rest of the system if the need arose. These differ from standard AC breaker and are rated for the DC current specifically.