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New GoWesty Solar Panel System
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madspaniard
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PostPosted: Fri May 31, 2013 2:20 pm    Post subject: New GoWesty Solar Panel System Reply with quote

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23897&category_id=253&category_parent_id=

I like some details of this new product when thinking about a portable system:

* folding panels (easy to handle) with a protective bag
* tilt legs
* protective corner guards

I wish they would sell the panel only with the bag. Don't need the rest. Most of us solar power fans already have some kind of panel and controller already hardwired. This portable 80w panel could be a good addition to my poptop 135w panel for those times when I'm camped in full shade all day long.
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climberjohn
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PostPosted: Fri May 31, 2013 2:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This was posted here a few months ago. I do not have one but am tempted.

Folding 100 watt system on the Big A for $350.
(This does not fit in the luggage rack like the GW one; that's a nice feature.)

Google < Mars100 Portable >

http://www.amazon.com/Instapark-PowerBox-Fold-n-Go-Solar-powered-Controller/dp/B007VWW8X2

Selling on Ebay for about $300:
http://bit.ly/11It567
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gerstle
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 11:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm getting ready to buy some kind of solar setup... That 100W one looks nice, but has some pretty damning reviews. The fact that you can't leave it out in rain makes me wonder how it would work for someone who regularly camps on the coast where it's fairly damp.

Anyone know if the go westy one can handle a little moisture?
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r39o
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 11:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.solarblvd.com

Solar Boulevard has some portable systems on sale right now.......
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gerstle
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 12:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

r39o wrote:
http://www.solarblvd.com

Solar Boulevard has some portable systems on sale right now.......


Damn, those are a lot cheaper.
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singler3360
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 12:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

r39o wrote:
http://www.solarblvd.com

Solar Boulevard has some portable systems on sale right now.......


With the built-in charge controller, does this mean it can stay on the outside of the van? I'd like to bolt it to the Yakima bars and leave it up there most of the time but don't know if the electronics are protected enough to leave it up there.
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r39o
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 12:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Singler3360,

The topic here is "systems."

Leaving a folding system bolted to the roof, to me seems, to defeat the idea.

What I do is a portable rack of less expensive grid tie panels back to a high PV input voltage controller for extended stay portable use.

Mine is water resistant by nature, you would have to inquire about the Solarblvd.com ones, as I only got an email ad from them to share.


Gerstle,

So you saw the $168 100w, $195 120w..... systems, some with free shipping?
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singler3360
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

r39o wrote:
Singler3360,
Leaving a folding system bolted to the roof, to me seems, to defeat the idea.


I agree this does seem like a contradiction but my first inclination is to be able to take it off easily and move it out of the shade. I only want one panel to keep up with and most of the time I'm hoping to keep it on the roof next to the SkyBox. Keeping it foldable would allow for the quick breakdown and stash inside the van when we are away from the campsite.
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PDXWesty
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Has anyone ever purchased from solarblvd.com ?
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CaptTurbo
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You can find a lot more bang for the buck by going to solar suppliers and buying an individual panel or two and a charge controller. I have 44 230 watt panels on my roof (house not van LOL) and inverters in the garage. If or when I get around to putting a rack and a panel or two on the Syncro I would approach it much the same way. The prices have come way down on the components from when I did my system back in 2010.

My panels back then cost me more then $800.00 each and now they are well under $400.00. Solar power finally really does make sense if you go about it the right way.

The panels are made to be in the weather and the charge controller can be installed where ever is convenient in the van.
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gerstle
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

r39o wrote:

Gerstle, So you saw the $168 100w, $195 120w..... systems, some with free shipping?


Yeah, thanks! I was thinking the 100W system would be a good fit, but the damn thing doesn't fit in the luggage rack, "closet", or in the back of the top bed. The go-westy one does, but I can't justify the extra $300 just for that.
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joseph928
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:55 pm    Post subject: remote mount solar Reply with quote

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400299768998?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 ------ http://www.ebay.com/itm/85-Watt-12-Volt-Solar-Pane...3cd35dc148
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
$12.99 for the remote mount kit. The front solar panel 85 watt the rear 140, the rear is permanently mounted, the front 85 can be taken off in 15 sec. to remote mount. Ebay is up one the price of the panel got mine for $50.00 + shipping. Now looks like there are $119.00. But panel and mount just $132.99 not to bad. Charge controllers are cheap, and wire is cheap, if you need it. Left link remote mount right link solar panel. I keep 30 feet of 10 G wire,with the MC-4 connectors easy to hook up. Very Happy They still had 60 watts for $50.00. Not a lot of people bidding on them right now! PS- these are water proof. Lot less money then the GW ones. Idea
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Last edited by joseph928 on Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:05 pm; edited 4 times in total
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gerstle
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Anyone know if the go westy one can handle a little moisture?


FYI - I sent them a message and they said it can be left out in the elements no problem.
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r39o
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

PDXWesty wrote:
Has anyone ever purchased from solarblvd.com ?

Yes.

That is why I get emails from them.

They tend to be one of the less expensive places to purchase from.

I use their 20 watt panels for my 60 watt luggage rack arrays.

On iPad now so too hard to post URL but search luggage rack and you sold find the thread.
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gerstle
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

r39o - Those are nice! Good design. (http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=295946&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20)

Seems like more people are moving away from the permanently mounted systems and going for ones they store and can set out separate from the ave?

Any opinions/arguments there?
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PDXWesty
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My 125 watt panel has always been portable because it's so large. I take it with me only on trips where I will be stationary for more than two days. On driving trips, I have never needed it since the alternator has plenty of time to charge. I carry it in the upper bunk when I need to take it, then mount it on the van or remote in the sun. For me, it just makes more sense. My gallery has some different pics of where it is depending on where I'm camped and in what direction I'm facing.
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crazyvwvanman
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Recently someone found a source for an 80 watt panel that fits down inside the front luggage rack of the Westy. I was hoping he would post a photo, maybe he will see this and share some info on his install.

Mark
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LachlanMcLean
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Would a 100W panel be a good starting point for occasional use? (As in camping a couple weekends per month with moderate use of lights, refrig, etc.) I'd love to get set up with solar power but I want to do it right, and do it once.
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r39o
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

gerstle wrote:
r39o wrote:

Gerstle, So you saw the $168 100w, $195 120w..... systems, some with free shipping?


Yeah, thanks! I was thinking the 100W system would be a good fit, but the damn thing doesn't fit in the luggage rack, "closet", or in the back of the top bed. The go-westy one does, but I can't justify the extra $300 just for that.


You sure you can't stow it?

Dimensions: 33.5 x 23 x 3.5 inches

Seems like that is about the empty space upstairs in the back of the bed.

Maybe?
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1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)
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gerstle
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

r39o wrote:

You sure you can't stow it?

Dimensions: 33.5 x 23 x 3.5 inches

Seems like that is about the empty space upstairs in the back of the bed.

Maybe?


I just went and measured it and from back to front is an easy fit for something ~20". If I pull the flip down bed piece all the way forward and scrunch up the padding, 23" _might_ fit, but it'd be super tight. Probably worth trying. As long as you're under 2 beers, you could probably fit it without breaking anything. Smile
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