Date:         Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:01:04 -0500
Reply-To:     Matt Roberds <mattroberds@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matt Roberds <mattroberds@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Solar panels for your Vanagon..
Comments: cc: Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <20070619152452.GNOC28013.fed1rmmtai111.cox.net@fed1rmimpi04.cox.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

> From:    Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
> Date:    Tue, 19 Jun 2007 05:43:46 EDT
>
> What do you think about this deal at Costco ?
> http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10300711&whse=BCCA&Ne=4000000&eCat=BCCA|20076|20116&N=4009348&Mo=23&cm_re=1-_-Quad5-_-PowerUpSave&No=8&ViewAll=123&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&cat=20116&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=&forcelang=en-CA_

If all you get are the two panels and the charge controller, it seems
maybe a little expensive.  Looking around the Web, a 120 W Kyocera solar
panel runs around US$600 from a US vendor.  In snow pesos that's around
$640; two of them would be $1280.  I'm pretty sure you're not going to
get a 240 W charge controller for $20, but I'm also pretty sure you can
get one for cheaper than ($1800-$1280) or $520 Canadian.  If the kit
also includes some decent wire, the price is a little more justifiable,
but if it's just the panels and controller, you might be able to do
better elsewhere.

Another key question on any kit: who actually made the solar panels?
There are only a few manufacturers, but it is probably better to get a
"name" than to get something from People's Shining Solar Panel and
Tractor Factory Number Seven.

I realize that importing things from the US to Canada will probably
incur additional fees; you aren't a big enough corporation to purchase
legislation like NAFTA.  You could have the hardware shipped to a
sympathetic location in the US, make a run for the border, mount the
panels to your van, and come back across at a different border crossing
and play the "No, these panels have always been there" card.  Then
finish the wiring at your leisure.  :)  Caution: this is probably
illegal.

Matt Roberds