

| Subject: | Re: Solar Power |
| From: | Craig Cowan |
| Date: | Sat, 29 Jun 2013 10:51:38 -0400 |
I wouldn't consider less than 60 watts worth it as an input, but good for keeping batteries charged when not in use. I have 80 watts and twice your batteries, and I don't feel it's enough. I also have a fridge though.... -craig On Jun 29, 2013, at 10:36 AM, mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET> wrote: > If you look carefully there are bigger panels that fit, even a rare 60 > watt that fits in the front luggage rack and won't stick up above the > top surface. I found some 40 watt that could stack one on top of another > up there. My idea is that the top one would be attached by hinges at the > front edge of the luggage rack and always wired in. The other one is > stored loose under it to let you easily get to it. Then set it out some > distance from the van on a long cord for those times when you are parked > in the shade. That can be a serious issue depending on where you tend to > camp. > > http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-40-Watt-Solar-Panel-PV-Mono-crystalline-25-Years-Power-Output-Warranty-/380556850179?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item589af4b403 > > The only 60 watt I can find that by its dimensions would fit is this > one, sold in pairs. They won't stack though without sticking up above. > Maybe you have a friend who would take the second one or you could carry > it inside on the upper bed. > > http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-of-Two-60-W-Watt-60W-Photovoltaic-Mono-Solar-Panel-Module-18V-RV-Boat-120W-/221194154695?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338032f2c7 > > > As for the notion of the panel paying for itself in gasoline savings > from reduced alternator load, I don't think so. You might get a bigger > savings from improved aerodynamics in the luggage rack. > > Mark > > > > J B wrote: >> >> I have done some research and would like to find a panel that would fit in the luggage rack of my Westy which measures approx 19"x45". I don't use the luggage rack and would prefer using it rather than the pop-top roof. >> ......... >> The problem I'm finding is most solar panels seem to be 26" wide which won't fit the luggage rack and the largest one I can see that will fit is only a 30W (16"x26") something like this: >> >> http://www.ebay.com/itm/30W-30-Watt-Solar-Panel-12V-12-Volt-Battery-Charger-Off-Grid-RV-Boat-/271167309560?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f22d4c6f8 >> >> I have a 400W power inverter and really only need power to charge 2 phones, 1 ipad, sink pump, 1 laptop, interior LED lights, and maybe a few hours of radio. Would a 30 watt solar panel be enough to keep the battery charged or would a 60/100Watt be needed? I also have yet to camp "off grid" for more than 3 days in a row >> >> Thanks - John. >>
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