"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."

I have a Vitrifrigo and two 55W panels. The refrigerator's overnight
usage consumes between 19 to 25 amp-hours, depending on ambient temp. In
full sun conditions and using an MPPT solar controller, the panels
replace the charge in three to four hours.

I don't put the panels on the roof as I usually camp in areas where
there are trees and I must move the panels frequently to keep them in
full sun. Also, I seldom choose to park the van in the sunniest spot,
especially in hot weather -- which is when refrigerator power
consumption will be at its highest.

--
Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
Bend, Ore.

On 10/08/2013 07:17 AM, Bryan Feddish wrote:
> 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