Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (April 2009, week 2)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Wed, 8 Apr 2009 11:53:28 -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 Panel Fitment
In-Reply-To:  <49dcdbd4.aa53f10a.2860.ffff91b6SMTPIN_ADDED@mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

Depends on whether you want to set up the panel in a remote location or just leave it mounted to the roof. It's sure nice to have the panel in the sun and the van in the shade, if possible. There are several ways to do this. One option is to stow the panel inside the van while under way and then set it up when you get to the campsite. The advantage to this option is portability and ease of use. The downside is that you have to set it up every time you want to charge up and the panel is subject to theft. A 50ft cable of the proper gauge would probably be long enough to do the trick. I use large gage speaker wire, #12 I think, which has very little voltage drop for the 75 watt panel I have.

Another option is to mount the panel to a roof rack. Mine is attached to 2 Yakima cross bars using the standard bar mount brackets and some SS bolts. This gives me the option to leave the panel on the roof, set it up remotely or put the rack & panel in storage when not needed. The upside of this option is that the panel is always charging as long as there is sunlight. It can also be locked to the rack for security. But it is difficult to remove the panel for remote setup unless you have a ladder.

Some volks like the simple approach and permanently mount the panel to the roof. Using a larger higher output panel will help compensate for off-angle alignment to the sun and shady campsites.

Whatever option you choose, be mindful of the added weight of the panel, racks and hardware to the poptop. It will make lifting more difficult. Lift assist struts solve that problem.

Keith 90 Syncro Westy "VikingWagen"


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Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived.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.