I'm new to Westys, but considered the best solar route to go for some time. I went with a portable, a 120 watt panel from Zamp Solar in Bend, Oregon. Fabulous knowledge base there in addition to great craftsmanship. Pricier than the imports of questionable quality, and comes with a 25 year warranty. It folds into a ballistic case at about 20x40 inches and fits perfectly behind the passenger seat and in front of our cooler. Why do a portable? 1). You don't need a panel on the roof for charging your house battery on the road, the alternator does that for you; 2). Solid-mount panels cannot be adjusted to be square to the sun (except for at Noon on the Equator), severely limiting power gather; 3). Takes up space for other things you might want on the roof, whether now or later — like cargo boxes — while adding extra weight and a slightly higher center of gravity; 4). Out of constant sun, rain, dust, hail, slippery fingers, etc. — factors which are hard on anything, as we all know; 5). Here's the Big One... does anyone want to park in the sun in the summer? I believe that GoWesty now carries the Zamp panels, and they do their homework. EW Eric Wunrow Pictures 85 S Union Blvd, #Q123 Lakewood, CO 80228 303. 988. 8717 EricWunrow.com (soon!)  On Oct 8, 2013, at 7:30 AM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) wrote: I have been restoring a very nice 91 Westy for a customer and I am getting ready to set up his secondary battery system. I don't know why but the other morning I woke up with the thought of why not add a solar panel to the roof of the Westy and then that could charge the secondary battery no matter what? I looked in Harbor Freight paper and they are having a sale on a 45 watt panel setup with accessories for $149. I remember when these were $300 so they have really come down in price. The Westy already has a beefy rack mounted to the pop top which was going to have a basket style safari rack installed on it, but I could mount the solar panels there instead there is plenty of room and the rack is plenty strong to support the panels. I plan on installing three 22 amp hour wheel chair batteries in parallel and then I could also install an inverter if the customer wanted to charge his laptop or power a tv. I guess what I want from the list is to see if anyone else has done this and if so, if you have any advice for me. I am a solar newb but I am very good with electric. -- Thanks, Ken Wilford John 3:16 www.vanagain.com |
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