Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (November 2002, week 3)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Tue, 19 Nov 2002 06:59:49 -0600
Reply-To:     Dave Baker <DBAKER5@KC.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Baker <DBAKER5@KC.RR.COM>
Subject:      Re: Solar Panels
Comments: To: Jeff <kennedy@THERIVER.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

As I said, I installed a 50 watt solar unit and wish it had been 75 or 100. In adition to the applications you mentioned (i.e., charging a laptop battery, camera battery, etc.), I also run a ham radio transceiver (100 watts transmitter power) and a 12 v cooler. My 50 watt panel does not keep up with all this, so I have to ration the electricity very carefully.

Keep in mind that the rated output power is the maximum power that the panel can deliver. In the real world, reduced winter sunlight and the inability to keep the panel always oriented perpendicular to the sun's rays will substantially reduce the output. Even on the brightest midsummer days, I have not seen my 50 watt panel deliver more than around 40 watts.

Dave in KC 85 Westy


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.