Date:         Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:16:25 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Solar panels for your Vanagon..
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Thought I would chime in here about the PV system I've been using for
about 11 years now. The components consist of 1- Solavolt 75 watt
panel, a SCI Mark lll 15 amp controller and an extension for remote
operation which is made from heavy duty speaker wire (10g, I think).
Connectors are similar to those used for trailer light hookups, only
with 2 conductors. There's a cable coming out of the driver side engine
vent grill that is long enough to plug into the panel when mounted to
my Yakima racks. The aux batt is a deep cycle that lives under the
drivers seat. The capacity I can't recall, but not very high due to
small sized compartment where I want it to go. It hooked to a aux batt
relay kit from gowesty. There's a #6 cable that goes to a fuse block
under the sink to run the subwoofer amp, compressor, 600w inverter and
various lighter loads.

Typical loads are similar to Mr. Squirrel's, but also include running
the Propex heater and stereo/subwoofer for several hours (low volume
when camping, of course). The compressor and inverter are mostly used
while engine is running, as is the refer in the 12 volt mode. The
lights are usually on 'til snoozing time. Camera and accessory
batteries are usually charged after the aux is full.

If there is good eastern exposure at my campsite, the morning sun will
usually charge up the aux batt by late morning and then the charge
controller cycles on/off to maintain float charge.

I used to take the panel off to better position it, but now it mostly
stays mounted to the roof which I try to point SE. In hot weather I
like to find shade and put the panel out in the sun, especially for
multi-day campouts when the van stays put. So far, the battery has
never been run down to the point of needing to shut of all loads until
recharge time. This system is sized just right for my needs, at least
until I add a compressor refer or ?

Works great for me and I wish more of those RVers would get with the PV
program and shut off their @##$% generators!

Keith O

PS There's a lot of good info/ideas getting kicked around here on the
list with regards to PV systems. I like the idea of using a monopod to
angle the remote panel. I went to the trouble to make 2 adjustable
aluminum legs bolted to either side, which works fine, but took some
time to build.