Phaedra,
I've dreamt of doing something like this for a while now. Glad to hear it can be
done and even for a reasonable price. Can you give more info, like what battery,
what wiring, would it be enough juice to run a laptop or charge the laptop
battery?

Peace - donna
'84 Westy (Pepe)
PSavage wrote:

> OK Scott, et all--
> I am currently using in my '85 Westy a power system utilizing an auxiliary
> battery behind the driver's seat & an 8-watt solar panel
> called an MSX Lite by Solarex.  It is very thin, reasonably
> flexible, & "bulletproof"--meaning it is not fragile, as some less
> expensive models can be,  i.e. can survive falling coconuts, etc.   It came
> with a good, long cord, which means I can park in the shade & set up the
> solar panel in the direct sun.
>     I bought mine last Dec from Real Goods Trading Corp.
> Their main headquarters is here in N. Cal &  they have an 800#.  I am sure
> they do an online business.  You can also ask for catalogs for products by
> category.  Normally, you can call & get expert tech advice re all
> alternative energy systems, including solar panels.  I also bought from them
> a large fast battery charger for multiple nicad rechargable AA, C, DD, &
> other smaller types.  I can plug the unit into my van's aux battery or use
> it plugged into the solar panel.   RadioShack sells a good one.
> If you get one, be sure it's the fast charging variety, it's worth the extra
> $.  I have found Radio Shack rechargable batteries for book lites &
> flashlites, etc to be good & reliable.
>      I use the solar panel for a variety of things:  when parked for days on
> end at remote beach spots,  I can trickle charge my main battery just by
> propping the panel up in the sun & inserting it's plug into my cigarette
> lighter.  I also can use it's power when in the sun, to power my small
> battery charger without using my van batteries.  It will also power small
> radios &, I suppose, blasters.  You get the idea.  I paid about $100 or so
> for it & love it!
>     I don't know much about solar, just went ahead & got this panel to give
> myself the extra measure of security & ndependence while traveling in Mexico
> last winter.
> Hopes this helps,
> Phaedra
> '85 Westy-Wolf
> "Hester"