Those three 15 watt panels that Harbor Freight sells are "antiques" by solar standards. I just noticed that the 100 watt panel at Costco is sold out, it was only $139 the last time I saw it pretty recently. I bought it last spring for $150 when they first lowered the price. There are plenty on eBay like this 100 Watt with free shipping http://tinyurl.com/kzpng99 . 100 watts should allow you to keep the batteries charged in mixed weather conditions. You'll need more though if you are running a Vitrifrigo. The next thing you need is a controller, I have this one http://specialtyconcepts.com/SPECIALTY_CONCEPTS_PDF_FILES/MARK_15_SPEC_SHEET.PDF that I bought used. I really like it because it shows current in addition to voltage, which is much more important. Bryan -----Original Message----- From: kenneth wilford (Van-Again) Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2013 9:30 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Mounting Solar Panel on a Westy 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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