Date:         Thu, 1 May 2008 10:36:05 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Solar
Comments: To: obeechi@runbox.com
In-Reply-To:  <E1JraYk-0004zE-4K@garm.runbox.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Solar charging is a great way to get an endless supply of juice when camping
for extended periods. No generator, no need to run engine. Panel output/size
depends on what the intended load will be for your particular needs. 120
watts will supply plenty of power to a multi-battery aux. system. Used PV
panels are available if you want to get the best price. I would not be too
concerned about brand or type. Any panel that is built for 12 volt systems
would be OK. My 75 watt Solavolt has been working fine for 12 years now. It
is now mounted to a set of Yakima racks and can be removed so that I can set
it up in the sun at the right angle. Others have either permanently mounted
the panel(s) to the roof or stash smaller panels in the van for a more
portable solution. One friend has two 50 watt panels that he will stow in a
homemade storage bag inside the van. Lots of options. I like having the
panel on the roof so that it charges the aux battery all the time (good for
when the van sits for weeks at a time without starting the engine).

Keith O

On Thu, May 1, 2008 at 8:18 AM, Mark C <obeechi@runbox.com> wrote:

> I'm in the market for a really good solar panel. It will go on the roof. I
> know some people have used Kyocera with a 120 watts. Does anyone have any
> good leads or recommendations? This will be for on the roof. Thanks.
>