Date:         Fri, 11 Aug 2000 08:35:44 -0700
Reply-To:     Bill Davidson <wdavidson@thegrid.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Davidson <wdavidson@thegrid.net>
Subject:      Re: Solar Panels in Vanagons
Comments: To: pokeswagon@blazenet.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> I've dreamt of doing something like this for a while now. Glad to hear it
can be
> done and even for a reasonable price. Can you give more info, like what
battery,
> what wiring,

Donna,
The wiring and battery choices are a long and involved story... with one
clear unanomous choice... it has been covered several times... the most
recent being in June if you want to consult the archives... the easiest
choice is probably the Hella kit sold by Bus Depot although it is not
necessary if you understand wiring since the existing fridge relay will work
fine (see www.vanagon.com for details).... the most robust set up being more
involved with a larger relay and larger wiring and fuse.... I would not
necessarily depend on a mechanic to understand all these options and/or
their installation... best to educate yourself on this one even if you plan
to pay someone else... that way you can be direct them and be sure of what
you are getting.

would it be enough juice to run a laptop or charge the laptop
> battery?

Surely not... 8 watts equals less than 1 amp (about half of a battery
trickle charger)... my lap top requires about 4 amps to run it... that means
my 50 watt solar panel is about right.... they are all different... look at
the ratings on the back/bottom of the computer and or the output rating on
the transformer that came with your lap top for some indication of what is
required.

In short, 8 watts will not get you much. A 50 watt solar panel will cost you
about $300 and you will also need a regulator (about $50) to make sure you
don't overcharge your battery. Most places that sell solar panels can help
you design the system. I wouldn't worry about the durability of a regular
glass solar panel... they are tempered glass and are designed to withstand
the punishment of all types of weather.. including hail storms... the
flexible 'bullet proof' type are more expenisve per watt and put out less
power per unit of surface area as glass is a better conduit for sunlight.

I have posted more on this ... exactly how I wired it... so you could search
the archives with my email address and the work solar...

Good Luck,
Bill



>
> Peace - donna
> '84 Westy (Pepe)
> PSavage wrote:
>
> > OK Scott, et all--
> > I am currently using in my '85 Westy a power system utilizing an
auxiliary
> > battery behind the driver's seat & an 8-watt solar panel
> > called an MSX Lite by Solarex.  It is very thin, reasonably
> > flexible, & "bulletproof"--meaning it is not fragile, as some less
> > expensive models can be,  i.e. can survive falling coconuts, etc.   It
came
> > with a good, long cord, which means I can park in the shade & set up the
> > solar panel in the direct sun.
> >     I bought mine last Dec from Real Goods Trading Corp.
> > Their main headquarters is here in N. Cal &  they have an 800#.  I am
sure
> > they do an online business.  You can also ask for catalogs for products
by
> > category.  Normally, you can call & get expert tech advice re all
> > alternative energy systems, including solar panels.  I also bought from
them
> > a large fast battery charger for multiple nicad rechargable AA, C, DD, &
> > other smaller types.  I can plug the unit into my van's aux battery or
use
> > it plugged into the solar panel.   RadioShack sells a good one.
> > If you get one, be sure it's the fast charging variety, it's worth the
extra
> > $.  I have found Radio Shack rechargable batteries for book lites &
> > flashlites, etc to be good & reliable.
> >      I use the solar panel for a variety of things:  when parked for
days on
> > end at remote beach spots,  I can trickle charge my main battery just by
> > propping the panel up in the sun & inserting it's plug into my cigarette
> > lighter.  I also can use it's power when in the sun, to power my small
> > battery charger without using my van batteries.  It will also power
small
> > radios &, I suppose, blasters.  You get the idea.  I paid about $100 or
so
> > for it & love it!
> >     I don't know much about solar, just went ahead & got this panel to
give
> > myself the extra measure of security & ndependence while traveling in
Mexico
> > last winter.
> > Hopes this helps,
> > Phaedra
> > '85 Westy-Wolf
> > "Hester"
>