I've ended up with three Siemans SM-55 panels mounted to the pop-top,
for a total of 165 watts at 17.5VDC. The three of them are connected in
series to the charge controller, which in turn feeds two large Optima
golf-cart batteries stowed under the rear seat.

I've disconnected the camper accessories (fridge, sink pump, rear
interior lights, etc., also the stereo) from the Vanagon's "stock"
system, and all of these items are now powered by the solar panels. Even
wired in a separate ground system for all of this, so as to not
interfere with the Van's original system - yeah, prolly overkill, but I
wanted to keep everything separate to keep the electrical gremlins at
bay.

I generate enough juice to run the fridge 24 hours a day, with enough
left over for running a few lights for reading at night, or watching a
DVD movie on the laptop.

Considering adding a fourth panel for those shadier campsites/overcast
days.

Tip for anyone considering adding a panel: Mount your first one in such
a way that you've got room for your second, third, fourth.... Also, make
a wiring diagram for yourself, and for a new owner in the unlikely event
that you sell your van.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Jeff
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 8:20 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Solar Panels

On a related note, what wattage panels are people using? I'm considering
buying a 60 watt BP, I'm thinking this will be enough to power a laptop,
the stereo, charge the cell phone, and run some lights for a few hours
each night (and every night, when I'm "full-timing" it). Is this
overkill? Of course, I'd like to have enough battery capacity to last
maybe 2 or 3 cloudy days (longer than that, and its time to move on!)
anybody bought a panel and later wished they'd bought a bigger one?

jeff kennedy
1984 westy, soon to be powerized!

-----Original Message-----

I have the Siemens 50 watt panel and charge controller mounted on the
pop top of my 85.  Works like a charm.  The charge controller should
limit the current/voltage on your battery with no prob.  And you can
parallel it with other charging devices (e.g., my 400 watt wind
turbine).

Dave in KC
85 Westy