Date:         Wed, 9 Oct 2013 06:06:14 -0400
Reply-To:     Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Mounting Solar Panel on a Westy
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

        Ken, I've had a solar panel set up on my Westy for years <http://www.frankcondelli.com/solar.htm>  130w and I find it insufficient so that 45w panel is pretty small in my estimation, I guess it all depends on what your usage is.  Batteries, I'm using four 22ah ones under the drivers seat, four fit in there just fine, they have been in there since 10/20/09 and are still working like new.  88ah is better than 66ah and it's not more trouble to put four in there.  Also, this battery here may be better  <http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinum-automotive-battery-group-size-65-price/p-02850065000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3>  not really sure as I have not tested it myself.  I did install one for a customer and they have not made any complaints.  It fits in the battery box almost perfectly.  It is a little high but the seat will still turn.  I just covered the battery with the carpet flap, no metal cover, make sure the positive terminal is covered with something.  Also, for a really good deal on solar panels see here  <http://www.windynation.com/products/solar>  I put their 200w kit on our new Europa RV and it's way better than that Kyrocera 130w panel I bought for my Westy.  I installed one of their 100w panels on Karl Wolz's van while there and you could ask him how that's working.




On 2013-10-08, at 10:11 PM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> 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.



Cheers,    

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale)
Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, 
June 05 ~ 08, 2014