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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2016 08:10pm
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This is really decent and complete, except the inverter. But I'd personally nix the four 6-Volt batteries that come with it and seek about $1,500 off. Then, add a Magnum inverter and the 5 kwh lithium batt and it would provide a lot of wattage without draining the battery. I'd rather bite the bullet all at once than have to keep adding stuff in short order.
https://bensdiscountsupply.com/sunstar-1380-watt-solar-kit-3-24-volt-6-panel-roof-mou nt-system/
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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:37pm
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So I called Ben's Discount about this kit. It's so complete and the price is quite good but I would want it modified for my purposes. For instance, I don't want the batteries and I'd like to know their price on the Magnum inverter-charger. (Perhaps they can get it at a better price than I found.) And I need to know if the panels are mono and if getting Solar World panels is an option.
Anyhoo, a very pleasant CS answers and says she's sorry but the solar techs aren't available to answer my questions and I'll have to call back in the morning. I thought that was odd because Ben's is in Nevada. OK, here's the GREAT and rather amusing part --
Ben's contracts with an Amish family in Indiana to build their solar kits! Hahahahaha! They're Amish brothers and they do all of the solar work, customizing the kits to customers' needs and then sending the assembled kits and the price over to Ben's Discount for fulfillment. She said they do great work and they are very, very knowledgeable about solar and serving off-gridders. Well, yeah, I guess they would be, lol!
That's kind of awesome! Amish folks helping us "English" live a simple life. Now I'm wondering if some of the Amish are using solar power in their homes? I wonder if it would be considered rude to ask them?
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Wendigolake
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# Posted: 13 Apr 2016 08:29pm
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It would be nice to find out who the Amish brothers are and any contact info. Then anyone here on the site might be able to contract direct with them. I am putting solar in my cabin probably in 2017. Would be nice to cut out the middleman and go direct.
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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 13 Apr 2016 08:52pm
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Well, I have their names but I think their religious beliefs affect how they are comfortable being contacted, handle financial transactions, etc., which is why most work for other companies and subcontract, if you notice. I wrote down some info; let me see what I've got. I definitely wouldn't feel comfortable putting personal stuff about them on the Internet, though, out of respect for their beliefs. Perhaps I can private message anyone who is interested?
Speaking of which, I Googled the Amish connection to solar and found that some Amish communities have indeed embraced it and early on but other, more traditional Amish groups haven't, which would be another reason not to "out" this family specifically for basically working in the solar power field. Other Amish frown on it.
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creeky
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# Posted: 14 Apr 2016 09:47am
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I don't think you have to worry about "out"ing them. Who amongst them would see it? 
But they talk ... alot. so everybody knows everybody. If the boys are doing solar it's with the blessings of their local group.
One of the fun things about dealing with the Amish. No phone service. No internet. You really have to go there and talk to them in person. At a time when they're not working. Farming. Having lunch, etc.
Wendigo, your best bet for bypassing the middle man is to buy the equipment online. Keep an eye out for used and internet sales. Some of the newer equipment is a bit pricier but has much better tech. worth it, in my mind.
Also, self assembly saves big time. Make an equipment list. Steve_S posted a nice list. And others here have good builds documented as well. And let the hunt for bargains begin!
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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 14 Apr 2016 01:22pm
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Quoting: creeky I don't think you have to worry about "out"ing them. Who amongst them would see it?
LOL, true that.
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