Date:         Tue, 8 Oct 2013 07:19:58 -0700
Reply-To:     Dug Smith <dug@DUGBERT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dug Smith <dug@DUGBERT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Mounting Solar Panel on a Westy
Comments: To: "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <CANEuo0gEDH1zMZVPK_S_XZRTExNq1TJcsLHv+xvTxCh+cEmF5g@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi Ken,

I recently installed an 80W solar panel in the luggage rack - $180 from
Ebay.  I drilled holes in the roof, ran the wires under the headliner
and down the door pillar to a controller, then to 4 wheelchair batteries
under the passenger seat.

On 10/8/2013 6:30 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
>

toodle pip,
--
       Dug Smith          | Terry Pratchett: It's almost
(mailto:dug@dugbert.com) |  impossible to ride a rock and roll
(http://www.dugbert.com) |  motorbike and stay on for three verses.