8W DC at 12V gives you less than an amp.  My old klunky DELL laptop sucks
about 2.5 amps DC, don't have specs on other machines.  Charging current
would be less.

Brian

----- Original Message -----
From: "PSavage" <psavage@saber.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 7:57 AM
Subject: Re: Solar Panels in Vanagons

> Hi Donna,
> The 2 battery set up in my '85 Westy was already installed
> and configured when I bought it.  I had a mechanic look it over & explain
> the rudiments of it's particular installation.
> It seems to be set up logically:  I can take power from the Aux battery
for
> "house" use, without tapping the starting battery.
>     However, when my engine is running, or if I plug my solar panel into
the
> main cigarette lighter on the dash,  both batteries charge simulaneously.
> If I want to recharge only the Aux battery I plug the solar panel into a
> second lighter socket I had installed behind the driver's seat.  It is
very
> flexible.  Radio Shack has many of the smaller components, pigtail
> connectors, etc.
>     To accomplish this, you must "isolate" one battery from the other.
> Since this was done by my van's PO, I cannot comment
> on this process.  This is a critical part of "house" battery use, for you
do
> not ever want to tap into the power of your starter power.
>     My solar panel measures 11 x 19" & is approx 1/16" thick.
> It can put out 8 watts of power while in full sun/good angle.
> I have not yet tried using my new laptop with my system, but
> will be soon.  So, don't know if 8 watts is adequate.  If it is not,
> I will simply call Real Goods Trading Co & find out how many
> more watts I need.  Solar panels come in a variety of wattages.
> It is perfectly easy to use them in tandem--& can be more useful that way,
> at times.  Just be sure & buy the "bulletproof" type.
> Hope this helps,
> Phaedra
> '85 Westy-Wolf
> "Hester"