Those three 15 watt panels that Harbor Freight sells are "antiques" by solar
standards. I just noticed that the 100 watt panel at Costco is sold out, it
was only $139 the last time I saw it pretty recently.  I bought it last
spring for $150 when they first lowered the price.  There are plenty on eBay
like this 100 Watt with free shipping http://tinyurl.com/kzpng99 .   100
watts should allow you to keep the batteries charged in mixed weather
conditions.  You'll need more though if you are running a Vitrifrigo.  The
next thing you need is a controller, I have this one
http://specialtyconcepts.com/SPECIALTY_CONCEPTS_PDF_FILES/MARK_15_SPEC_SHEET.PDF
that I bought used.  I really like it because it shows current in addition
to voltage, which is much more important.

Bryan

-----Original Message-----
From: kenneth wilford (Van-Again)
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2013 9:30 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Mounting Solar Panel on a Westy

I have been restoring a very nice 91 Westy for a customer and I am getting
ready to set up his secondary battery system.  I don't know why but the
other morning I woke up with the thought of why not add a solar panel to
the roof of the Westy and then that could charge the secondary battery no
matter what?  I looked in Harbor Freight paper and they are having a sale
on a 45 watt panel setup with accessories for $149.  I remember when these
were $300 so they have really come down in price.  The Westy already has a
beefy rack mounted to the pop top which was going to have a basket style
safari rack installed on it, but I could mount the solar panels there
instead there is plenty of room and the rack is plenty strong to support
the panels.

I plan on installing three 22 amp hour wheel chair batteries in parallel
and then I could also install an inverter if the customer wanted to charge
his laptop or power a tv.

I guess what I want from the list is to see if anyone else has done this
and if so, if you have any advice for me.  I am a solar newb but I am very
good with electric.

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com