Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2013 12:44:48 -0600
Reply-To: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Subject: Re: Mounting Solar Panel on a Westy
In-Reply-To: <CANEuo0gEDH1zMZVPK_S_XZRTExNq1TJcsLHv+xvTxCh+cEmF5g@mail.gmail.com>
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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
