In series?  So the panels are just under 6 vdc each?

Mike

On 11/18/02 10:19 PM, "Tom Cullen" <stcullen@TELOCITY.COM> wrote:

> 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
>