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Old 03-13-2022, 10:31 AM   #1
rames14
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New Solar Facebook Group

This is just to advise that there is a new closed group on Facebook. By closed, I mean it is restricted to Montana Owners with factory installed solar, from 200 - 1200 watt systems. This is NOT Solar prep, it is usable Solar installed at the factory. The purpose is to help new and experienced users navigate their systems and get the best experience. Obviously, it is readable by anyone, so prospective new owners can get an idea of what to expect with their factory systems - the good, the bad and the ugly. The group is Montana Fifth Wheel Factory Solar Flex. We look forward to seeing many of you over on the Facebook group as well.

The reason we started a separate group is two fold. First, it is a subset that includes all 2022 and future units. Second, there are, as everywhere, a group of people on here that want to make others feel bad about their purchase. The goal of this group is to maximize the satisfaction of owners through transfer of knowledge, specif8c to installed components.
 
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Old 03-13-2022, 10:47 AM   #2
Foldbak
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Great idea and thanks!
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Old 03-31-2022, 03:01 PM   #3
kengquist
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Hi Ron and Terrie, my husband and I are in the buying hunt for a 5th wheel. Our #1 is the 335bh. We have found one on the lot that has 400i solar installed. But we need to know a lot more about the system and how to expand it before we commit. I've done a ton of research and it seems your new FB group could be a huge benefit. However, it's private and therefore I'm not able to see any discussions or posts. I'd like to join the group to learn more about the system so we can move forward with our decision.
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Old 03-31-2022, 04:29 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by kengquist View Post
Hi Ron and Terrie, my husband and I are in the buying hunt for a 5th wheel. Our #1 is the 335bh. We have found one on the lot that has 400i solar installed. But we need to know a lot more about the system and how to expand it before we commit. I've done a ton of research and it seems your new FB group could be a huge benefit. However, it's private and therefore I'm not able to see any discussions or posts. I'd like to join the group to learn more about the system so we can move forward with our decision.
Here's everything you need to know. I have one and it's so simple and automatic. It kept the batteries charged with the TV on all day!

https://www.keystonerv.com/solarflex-400i-overview
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Old 03-31-2022, 05:47 PM   #5
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Ken, I sent you a PM. Hope it helps.
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Old 04-01-2022, 06:13 AM   #6
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Thanks Ron. And my name is Kim, not Ken, lol. Unfortunately this forum's rules won't let met respond to your DM because I'm not a "trusted member" yet. Yay for me, I just typed you a pretty lengthy response and it didn't tell me I couldn't send it until I was done. I appreciate your info about what you have on your rig. We're looking at a HC on the dealer lot that has 400w of Keystone solar. We'd like 1200w. Trying to figure out if we can add onto with Keystone products to accomplish the 1200w. The website clearly states we can add onto it, however it's not clear if you can add enough to the 400w package to get to 1200w by just adding. Will it require us to remove the current package to get to 1200w? Our dealer isn't a very big help and pretty much tells us they don't have experience with the Keystone solar packages and would probably just remove the 400w and start from scratch because they don't know any other way. Pretty frustrated with that.
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Old 04-01-2022, 06:17 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by Foldbak View Post
Here's everything you need to know. I have one and it's so simple and automatic. It kept the batteries charged with the TV on all day!

https://www.keystonerv.com/solarflex-400i-overview
Thanks for your reply and experience with the 400w package. However, the website isn't everything we need to know in reference to adding onto the package. We still have questions and the dealer isn't a good resource.
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Old 04-01-2022, 09:14 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by kengquist View Post
Thanks for your reply and experience with the 400w package. However, the website isn't everything we need to know in reference to adding onto the package. We still have questions and the dealer isn't a good resource.

The 400 is prewired to expand to a 1200


Start about 3 minuets in. https://www.keystonerv.com/solarflex-detail-faq-content Keystone also has online chat to help answer your questions or customer service (866) 425-4369 (toll free)



SolarFlex 400i is the ultimate platform to grow with you. A second roof port, prep for an additional charge controller, as well as prep to invert the main air conditioner, gives owners the ability to enhance the system for serious boondocking adventures.**


EXPAND YOUR SYSTEM

SolarFlex 400i is designed to be easily customized at the dealership before you take delivery of your RV or as your solar energy needs change.
ADD SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION
ADD SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION + FASTER CHARGING
  • Install 1-2 additional 200w Future Solutions panels (KRV part# 679074)and add a 15A (KRV part# 679075)or 30A solar charge controller (KRV part# 679077) in the charge controller prep location.
  • Upgrade 200-watt panel(s) with two 300w Future Solutions panels (KRV part# 661019) and add a 15A (KRV part# 679075) or 30A (KRV part# 679077) charge controller in the charge controller prep location.
  • Add 100 Ah heated Dragonfly Energy™ Lithium-ion batteries – available exclusively through authorized Keystone RV dealers
ADD SOLAR POWER TO RUN A/C
  • Add a second inverter (Xantrex - KRV part# 653865 or Magnum - KRV part# 686127)that is large enough to provide power for the A/C unit to the pre-wired A/C loop. In many cases, the air conditioner that comes with your RV can be used when equipped with a Micro-Air Soft Start, Soft Start RV, or similar component. Consult with your dealer for advice specific to your make and model.
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Old 04-01-2022, 03:47 PM   #9
Carl n Susan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kengquist View Post
Thanks for your reply and experience with the 400w package. However, the website isn't everything we need to know in reference to adding onto the package. We still have questions and the dealer isn't a good resource.
Feel free to post your questions here on the MOC so that all of us can sure in the learning.
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Old 04-01-2022, 05:46 PM   #10
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Kim,

Foldbak posted the details of a upgrade path. (Good info)

In addition, Future Solutions in Elkhart, IN are the designers of the Keystone Solarflex systems.

Maybe give them a call.

Ron M.
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Old 04-01-2022, 07:29 PM   #11
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As Carl said, part of this is education. The 1200 I Solar has a lot more components than most talk about on the forum. We even have one member that says you can do it for $1000. I will agree that you can probably do it yourself cheaper, but for those wanting a turnkey system it is hard to beat.

COMPONENTS
2, 30A solar roof ports w/ MC4 connectors & 10 AWG MPPT solar charging circuits
4, Future Solutions 300-watt solar panels & CS2 splitters
2, 50A Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers w/Bluetooth app
3000-watt inverter/charger w/ built-in transfer switch (all outlets inverted)
2, soft start air conditioners
Zamp Solar portable solar charge port
Victron SmartShunt battery monitor w/Bluetooth app
Victron Cerbo GX
Battery Guardian
2, 270 Ah Dragonfly Energy heated Lithium-ion batteries
Precision Circuits power control system

Not everyone needs all of the components, but if you are talking a path forward from 400 watts to 1200 watts equal to the 1200 I, there are a lot more components and integration. For example, the Precision Circuits energy management system allows you to augment shore power with battery power. If you moochdock, it’s nice to be able to run the microwave and AC with a 15 amp plug from your friend’s house.

We have a number of people that could do it on the forum, but most of us couldn’t. And, since it’s factory installed, it’s covered under our extended warranty. It all starts by what you are trying to accomplish, how handy you are, how much room is available and how much you can afford. An example of room is adding another three 300 watt panels on a 3121 or 3231. Space is tight. We couldn’t put a Winegard Travl’r on our 3230 (old designation with RV fridge) because there wasn’t space.

In our 2021 3230CK, we use 10 amps per hour from about 4:30 pm to 8:30 am during the winter in Arizona just to run alarms, chargers, inverter, etc. Now add in TV, residential fridge if you have one, lights, 10 amps per hour with gas furnace and fan off, coffee, etc. We usually use about 200 amps of battery on our January to March trip from when we stop charging to when we start again. Over the course of a sunny day, we would get about 4.1 kWh per day (4100/12=341 amps replenishment). Remember that 10 amps/hr? 24x10=240 amps with RV fridge. That means we end up, with 1200 watts of solar, 101 amps to brew coffee, use the TV/Satellite, microwave, lights, etc. (By the way, that LED accent lighting will run 6 amps/hr).

Did I know this before we got our Super Solar? No. This is what we learned traveling with Ron (Arkware) for 8 weeks. Having two virtually identical units next to one another helped us to learn a lot. Again, it starts with what you are expecting. YMMV.
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Old 04-12-2022, 05:23 PM   #12
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Thanks for all of the detailed replies

I have been guilty of taking my Solar Flex conversations and experiences over to the FB Solar group.
It has been a learning experience.
Not only are we new to a 5th wheel but solar is completely new to us.
Bought the Super Solar Flex system, picked it up July 2021.
We LOVE the system.
We are long time recreational RVers. Looking to spend a lot more time in our rig as we near retirement.
Our Solar group on FB is close to 100 members now. Please join us.

Thank you for all of the detailed answers and explanations on this thread.
Sometimes I feel like an expert on Solar Flex and then there are those other times...
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Old 04-12-2022, 05:28 PM   #13
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Foldbak, I am in Livermore CA, near you.
RAMES14 is in Livermore Colorado.
That started a funny story last year but also a good friendship.
And I met the other Ron. Arkware.
And we met their wives.
And the a whole bunch of MOC members.
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Old 04-13-2022, 07:12 AM   #14
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Since square footage is limited on the roof, why use any panels less than 400 watts?
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Old 04-13-2022, 07:48 AM   #15
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Since square footage is limited on the roof, why use any panels less than 400 watts?
I can't answer your question but I have been on my roof and the 4x300 panels fit nicely. Leaving room to walk on my 35 foot rig. Of course a longer rig will have more room and most likely have more weight capacity.

I am sure there is a cost/size/weight/supply analysis between all of the components calculated in this from Future Solutions and Keystone.

I have read more about the panel watts to battery capacity ratio and it seems like this is the sweet spot for an off grid system. Size/weight/money/capacity
Sure that might change as technology changes and costs change.
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