Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 10:51:38 -0400
Reply-To: phishman068@GMAIL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Craig Cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Solar Power
In-Reply-To: <51CEF0F8.4050009@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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. I found some 40 watt that could stack one on top of another
> up there. My idea is that the top one would be attached by hinges at the
> front edge of the luggage rack and always wired in. The other one is
> stored loose under it to let you easily get to it. Then set it out some
> distance from the van on a long cord for those times when you are parked
> in the shade. That can be a serious issue depending on where you tend to
> camp.
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-40-Watt-Solar-Panel-PV-Mono-crystalline-25-Years-Power-Output-Warranty-/380556850179?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item589af4b403
>
> 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
>
>
> As for the notion of the panel paying for itself in gasoline savings
> from reduced alternator load, I don't think so. You might get a bigger
> savings from improved aerodynamics in the luggage rack.
>
> 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:
>>
>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/30W-30-Watt-Solar-Panel-12V-12-Volt-Battery-Charger-Off-Grid-RV-Boat-/271167309560?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f22d4c6f8
>>
>> I have a 400W power inverter and really only need power to charge 2 phones, 1 ipad, sink pump, 1 laptop, interior LED lights, and maybe a few hours of radio. Would a 30 watt solar panel be enough to keep the battery charged or would a 60/100Watt be needed? I also have yet to camp "off grid" for more than 3 days in a row
>>
>> Thanks - John.
>>
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