No way.  If you covered the roof with solar panels, at a cost probably of
over $1k, you would most likely be able to produce only 10-15 amps.

Dave in KC (been there, done that)
85 Westy
http://members.fortunecity.com/davebaker1

----- Original Message -----
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 10:53 AM
Subject: Re: insane AC idea

> I'll toss in a question from an admitted electronics numnutz:  I've seen
> photos of a van with a solar panel on its roof; how much power can be
gotten
> from one of these panels?  Enough to drive the AC unit?  Adequate to
assist
> in driving the unit, perhaps?
>
> Karl Wolz
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Chris Stann" <ChrisS@INFORMS.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 8:43 AM
> Subject: Re: insane AC idea
>
>
> > Just an idea...
> >
> > If the Westy does not already have A/C, why not mount a second
alternator
> > there, and help with the extra current load?  Feasible?  I don't mean to
> > detract from the heated-but-interesting A/C Frye-day conversation.
> >
> > Chris.
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> > Of David Beierl
> > Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 10:30 AM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: insane AC idea
> >
> >
> > At 11:23 AM 8/3/2001, Joe Reed wrote:
> > > > We're using a second, deep-cycle 72-amp hour battery (dedicated to
the
> > > > a/c -- we're not using the Vanagon car battery) which at 100 amps
> > provides
> > >a
> > > > cycle of 7.2 hours of continuous draw before requiring charging.
> > >
> > >
> > >Not *completely stupid*, just got happy with the "0" key -- that's a
> > >*10-amp* load, of course, for a 7.2 hour cycle...not 100-amp load!!
> >
> > Danger, Will Robinson -- your six amps at the A/C is going to translate
to
> > at least 60 at the battery.
> >
> > d
> >
> >
> > David Beierl - Providence, RI
> >   http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
> > '84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
> > '85 GL "Poor Relation"
> >