On Jan 19, 2014, at 9:02 AM, Timmy Evens <monkey_lips@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

i'm in the process of sourcing the components to wire in a 100w panel for my westy. just curious what brands/deals folks have? i've asked this question before but then had a major detour (engine blew) and am now coming to this project again. so lets hear it! what you all gots?!

tim

I got the GW "kit" and have been very happy with it. I have 176AH in aux batteries in the driver seat box,
and bottom of the kitchen cabinet. It's a portable set up so is easy to take advantage of the sun's location,
while being able to park the van in the shade. This time of year, I mostly put the panels (total 80w for both
of them....they are hinged together, fit into a small carry case which I then stow where the upper bed was)
in the luggage box above the driver cab and can then just rotate them for best solar gathering.

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23897&category_id=&category_parent_id=

Some things to remember: MPPT is the most efficient way to control youir solar gathering, and will allow
use of less wattage in panels because of its efficiency, which is why my 80w set up works so well.

(quoted from another van nutz post when I was inquiring)
The big difference is this -

Simple on/off controller is roughly 40% efficient

Pulse width might get you 50%

A decent MPPT can get you 90 to 97%

MPPTs do a magic thing - their power in is almost equal to power out but the
volts and amps are fiddled with.  So 18 volts (roughly where solar panels are
most efficient) at 12 amps input can be converted to almost 18 amps at 12 volts
charge current (where the battery might want a charge right now).  And they
adapt to power delivered and charge needed second by second.

An MPPT at $250 is roughly equal to about the cost of a good 90 or 120 watt
panel and can save you that much or a lot more in solar panel money spent.

I currently use a Solar Boost 2000e which will handle 25 amps and is 94 to 97%
efficient for my system.  It also will equalize the battery system, has
temperature compensation and can be set for optimum base battery voltage.

And on amps, make sure when you size an MPPT controller you pay attention to
whether it's X amps in or X amps out.  I bought a cheap one ($100) for my 180
watts of panels and neglected to pay attention to that.  It was 10 amps in but
ended up almost 15 out which burned up the 10 amp out MPPT controller.

I can't say too many good things about Solar Boost products.  They are great.
(end of copy/paste)

One place to look for your "stuff" is Solar Boulevard. Their 100w, 12V "kit":
<http://www.solarblvd.com/Solar-Panels-&-Systems-12-Volt-Solar-Kits/c1_272/p2747/12-Volt-100-Watt-Solar-Panel-Kit-with-FREE-SHIPPING/product_info.html?utm_source=Email+Created+2013%2F06%2F13%2C+4%3A31+PM&utm_campaign=solar+kits+newsletter&utm_medium=email>

And here is a link to some of the Solar Boost products:
http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com

Bob