Date:         Wed, 1 Nov 2000 15:39:25 -0500
Reply-To:     Richard Young <RichardY@DOWNEASTCONCEPTS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard Young <RichardY@DOWNEASTCONCEPTS.COM>
Subject:      Solar Power
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

A few months ago, I looked into putting a solar panel into the '91.  I do
alot of field recording.  Last nite I did String Cheese Incident for all you
cheeseheads.  I was looking for a way to recharge my portable batteries.  I
called up a catalog company called "Real Goods".  I think they are also
online?  www.realgoods.com    They do alot of work with volks who want to go
offline.  We had a great conversation about options for the van.  Putting in
a deep cell battery, what type of panel is needed.  They were and are still
very helpful.  The requirements for recharging the recording
batteries,running a laptop and all auxillary lights inside the van were
taken into account.  If my memory serves me correctly,  (Old age 29!!!!!) I
think the battery would fit exactly into the compartment behind the drivers
seat.  When the spring time rolls around, I am going to do put a solar panel
on the van with a deep cell battery.

I also remember seeing a solar powered fan in their catalog.  Might be worth
a try.

Just my .02 cents worth

Rich
The Buoy Master
Busses by the Buoy
'91 Westy
'75 Westy

Recording info:
Earthworks
Lunatec V-2
Apogee A/D1000
Tascam DA-P1