I was quite surprised as to the quality and attention to detail when receiving the DIY total kit. The step-by-step directions provided were easy to understand and fool proof after utilizing the many YouTube videos RPS made available.
I went with eight 100 watt panels purchased ahead of time and added an extension due to the larger size. This worked out after making a call to the support line for assistance.
I highly recommend RPS to anyone looking to go with solar powered well water off grid. The quality and support are top notch!
Here are pictures of our installation we just completed. There was already a little over an inch of ice we we went to set the diffusers and that is why you can see tubing on top of the ice.
Installation was straightforward and simple, and it performs flawlessly as long as there is some sunlight.
We are very happy we purchased from you and will recommend.
The panels were installed near well location at base of windmill. In the background is a nine thousand gallon storage tank that is pumped into. Also, by changing a valve, the water is pumped over a ridge to another nine thousand gallon storage. Total head 140 feet; distance 3500 feet.
I had to take the damaged wheel off the old windmill so that pieces would not fall and damage solar panels. Have barricaded the panels to keep cows off but have not bear proofed panels yet......must happen before spring.
RPS made it so simple to put a pump in a well that hasn't produced water in many years. We put a RPS200 in the well and the wildlife started coming.
After hurricane Helene, we decided to upgrade our RPS system which supplies water for our home. First, we purchased an additional 4 batteries, bringing our capacity up from (8) 440 ah to (12) 660 Ah (photo 1). We also decided to upscale our 100 watt panels from 8 to 16. Unfortunately, the increase in panels necessitated an upgrade to our mounting system. We moved from a single-post tilt sanction to a fixed four-post mount. I should state that the RPS equipment worked perfectly for the 7 days our power was out; this was merely an upgrade.
The existing panels were Back 40 Solar and the new panels were Rich Solar. They both can be attached to the mount, however their dimensions are not the same on length or width. And that caused our problem. The mount (VC2-HR8) is designed to hold 16 x 100 watt panels. However, rail length is specifically for Back 40 panels. If you have Rich Solar or a mix, the rails will be too short.
I contacted customer service and spoke with an engineer about the problem. As this was a new issue, there was not an existing fix established. Since replacing the 8 Rich Solar panels with Back 40 panels was cost prohibitive (for shipping), I proposed building rail extensions which would be cheaper, faster, and still safe. The only issue was that RPS has a contract for those rails and does not have the capability to cut pieces for extensions; you'll need to cut the rails yourself.
Along with the extensions, some additional hardware was required (L-brackets, bolts, nuts) and they were more than happy to send me those, again at no cost. See photo 5.
Overall, though somewhat time consuming to work out the solution, I'm very satisfied with RPS, their products, and especially their staff. I would recommend them to anyone and have done so.
