Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 09:37:39 -0700
Reply-To: mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Solar Power
In-Reply-To: <uEs51l01W08X5Fr01Es8KM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
The OP does NOT have an electric fridge. His solar needs are not mission
critical. Even if he did, it all depends on how the vehicle is being
used. Some people like the OP want a panel that fits hidden inside the
luggage rack and that is what I was addressing. Here is another source
for a single 60 watt panel that by its listed dimensions will fit down
inside the front luggage rack.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/60W-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel-18V-CE-TUV-RV-Motorhome-Boat-60-Watt-/130807502002?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e74bc14b2
I have been running 2 Vanagon campers with electric only fridges for
years, without solar, without charging from 110v, just on alternator DC
charging for trips of weeks and months. Solar is icing on the cake at
times and I have it for when I need it, rare as that is for me. I have 3
batteries in each camper, with well configured alternator charging and
that is the key. The solar is nice for keeping things topped up when the
vans are just sitting and for extending the battery life by a few days
but I can stop for 2-3 nights just on battery of 120ah.
Mark
Craig Cowan wrote:
> I wouldn't consider less than 60 watts worth it as an input, but good for keeping batteries charged when not in use.
> I have 80 watts and twice your batteries, and I don't feel it's enough. I also have a fridge though....
>
> -craig
>
> On Jun 29, 2013, at 10:36 AM, mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET> wrote:
>
>> If you look carefully there are bigger panels that fit, even a rare 60
>> watt that fits in the front luggage rack and won't stick up above the
>> top surface........
>>
>> The only 60 watt I can find that by its dimensions would fit is this
>> one, sold in pairs. They won't stack though without sticking up above.
>> Maybe you have a friend who would take the second one or you could carry
>> it inside on the upper bed.
>>
>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-of-Two-60-W-Watt-60W-Photovoltaic-Mono-Solar-Panel-Module-18V-RV-Boat-120W-/221194154695?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338032f2c7
>>
>>......
>> Mark
>>
>>
>>
>> J B wrote:
>>>
>>> I have done some research and would like to find a panel that would fit in the luggage rack of my Westy which measures approx 19"x45". I don't use the luggage rack and would prefer using it rather than the pop-top roof.
>>> .........
>>> The problem I'm finding is most solar panels seem to be 26" wide which won't fit the luggage rack and the largest one I can see that will fit is only a 30W (16"x26") something like this:
>>>
>>>
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