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Date:         Tue, 8 Oct 2013 09:39:08 -0700
Reply-To:     Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Mounting Solar Panel on a Westy
Comments: To: Bryan Feddish <uprightbassghost@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BLU180-DS145C008B1BBC2C54B219F5CE1C0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

"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."

I have a Vitrifrigo and two 55W panels. The refrigerator's overnight usage consumes between 19 to 25 amp-hours, depending on ambient temp. In full sun conditions and using an MPPT solar controller, the panels replace the charge in three to four hours.

I don't put the panels on the roof as I usually camp in areas where there are trees and I must move the panels frequently to keep them in full sun. Also, I seldom choose to park the van in the sunniest spot, especially in hot weather -- which is when refrigerator power consumption will be at its highest.

-- Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott 1984 Westfalia, auto trans, Bend, Ore.

On 10/08/2013 07:17 AM, Bryan Feddish wrote: > 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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