Date:         Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:14:25 -0400
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Solar Panel config?

On
>
>Savar @ Gmail typed:
>> I've decided to outfit my 88 Westy with a solar panel for my sojourns
into the Desert!
>> Here's my idea:
>> I want to get a rigid panel (the flexible ones just aren't that
efficient) that fits up in that space behind the folded bed on top. When
I'm camped, I would pop the top, take it out and place it in a good spot
for ol Sol and have a through-lid plug of some sort, with the wiring
running down to my aux. deepcycle battery that's hangin under the rear seat.
>> Has anyone tried this, or some version of it?
>> Any panel reccs?
>>
>> Thx
>> B. Simon
>>

I use a solar panel but in a very simple form.  Mine is about 18 x 30
inches, don't have the specific output figures right now.  I have  a plug
wired directly into my aux. battery..no controller or fancy circuts.  I
just prop the panel against a tire and plug into the plug mounted outside.
I run my water pump and lights, sometimes charge laptops and GPSs and cell
phones  off a power point that also shares the aux. battery.  Stick the
panel behind a bench seat when traveling. It works fine and easy..been
using this set up successfully for about 5 years, sometimes for a couple of
months at a time in Baja..
Don Hanson