Hi Jack,

I once did a comparison once between the energy input from a solar panel
and the requirements of a 50HP electric motor. With one HP = 746 watts,
it takes a LOT of solar power to move a vehicle the size of a westy.

IF you could get by with a 50HP motor to push your vehicle I would
expect about 25-30 minutes of operation for each WEEK spent charging the
batteries. If you factor in the losses created by the aerodynamic drag
caused by the solar panel it would probably come out equal.

In short: NO.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
www.busesofthecorn.com
www.pottsfamily.ca

Jack R. wrote:
 > Would there be a cost / range benefit to add a large solar panel to your
 > roof?

y