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schoonerman Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2008 Posts: 244 Location: vancouver
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:45 am Post subject: roof solar panel???? |
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Hi everyone,
Has anyone installed a solar panel on the roof....what are the problems I might run into?
What's the best size/make etc I've just installed an aux battery so i will just be charging that.
Heading down to Mexico in the fall so lots of SUN to take advantage of...not to mention the Senorita's!!!!!!!
87 westy
Thanks
Mike |
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Lanval Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2007 Posts: 905
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:23 am Post subject: |
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Dogpilot has done extensive write-ups on his setup. Search for solar panel and look for posts by Dogpilot.
Best,
Lanval |
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pushkick Samba Member
Joined: August 09, 2007 Posts: 1366
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject: solar panel |
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i just did it. someone has a good pic on their roof top unit with the roof up. there are even some wiring diagrams. here is the link of best prices that i have that i have found on the web. the problem i had was how to mount to roof so it could be removed (people do steal). on roof rack or not. and how to route the cable from the roof to the inside. if you can afford it make sure that your charge controller with a LD (load disconnect ) this might save your battery. i got a 80 watt panel with 10 amp. sunsaver controller with a stowaway deep cycle 102ah battery.
http://www.affordable-solar.com/instock.htm?source...C=standard |
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MachIII Samba Member

Joined: August 08, 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Marin County
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:29 pm Post subject: Re: solar panel |
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pushkick wrote: |
i just did it. someone has a good pic on their roof top unit with the roof up. there are even some wiring diagrams. here is the link of best prices that i have that i have found on the web. the problem i had was how to mount to roof so it could be removed (people do steal). on roof rack or not. and how to route the cable from the roof to the inside. if you can afford it make sure that your charge controller with a LD (load disconnect ) this might save your battery. i got a 80 watt panel with 10 amp. sunsaver controller with a stowaway deep cycle 102ah battery.
http://www.affordable-solar.com/instock.htm?source...C=standard |
I have been thinking of the viability of solar on my van. Do you have a picture of your setup? What length/gauge wire did you run in? Also, did you test the output at the battery during direct and indirect sun? I would be interested in seeing your data! |
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pushkick Samba Member
Joined: August 09, 2007 Posts: 1366
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Dogpilot Samba Member

Joined: October 03, 2005 Posts: 4205 Location: Flagstaff, AZ
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:48 pm Post subject: |
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Mounting the panel on your roof is the most secure, least setup and least theft potential.
THe downside of roof mounting:
Must park in the sun
Must park with the poptop pointing at the sun
If it is designated parking at the campsite, lets say like Big Sur. The parking spots are usually in the shade. So a mobile panel can be put in the sun.
For me, I like to park in the shade. I like to park where it is more or less flat. So if you have to park for the best sun, you may not like the spot. The sun moves, a phenomenon fist noted by neolithic man. So you either move the van or if you have a mobile panel, you turn it a bit more square to the sun.
So weigh the plusses and minuses, one mounting solution may be more in line with your camping style. _________________ Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G |
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jackbombay Samba Member

Joined: October 19, 2007 Posts: 2725 Location: Portland Oregon
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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I have a tiltable removable solar panel, in all the tilted positions it is locked to the roof of the van with thule rack locking knobs, I have a small tray under the panel that has ~40' of ultra flexible 10 gauge extension cord that is always hooked up to the panel, takes me less than minute to get the panel on/off the van so I can park in the shade and put the panel in the sun.
130 watt panel because it was cheap, and PLENTY of electricity.
Link
I have actually not used the tilt action on the van ever, its not hard to do, its just the the batteries are always full so there is no need to til it, I also would not use the til if it were windy out. Its easy enough to take the whole thing off so thats what I usually do. _________________
Gas struts to pop your top easily!
Pop Top strut kits now available for late Bay window Westies
Samba ad here.
DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs) |
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schoonerman Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2008 Posts: 244 Location: vancouver
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:20 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks everyone, I'm gonna have to re-think this one....certainly don't want to park in the sun in Mexico |
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pushkick Samba Member
Joined: August 09, 2007 Posts: 1366
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:26 am Post subject: solar roof |
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jackbombay thats a nice set up with the roof tilt. i might have to change my mounting looks like you used eyebolts.
Last edited by pushkick on Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:36 am; edited 1 time in total |
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jackbombay Samba Member

Joined: October 19, 2007 Posts: 2725 Location: Portland Oregon
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:33 am Post subject: Re: solar roof |
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pushkick wrote: |
jackbombay thats a nice set up with the roof tilt. i might have to change my nounting looks like you used eyebolts. |
I attached 3/8 smooth steel rod to the front edge of the panel, but I put those bits in a drill and spun them while holding them against a bench grinder wheel to round off the square end uniformly, those bit slide into "spherical ball mounts" that have a 3/8" hole in them, they fit snug, no slop, so there is no rattling.
Ont he back I got some 6x1 metric bolts that are attached to the panel, I made a 1" tall skinny hoop that extends up off a hinge so when I fold the hinge up the "hoop" goes over the 6x1 bolt, then I just screw on the thule knob and lock it. _________________
Gas struts to pop your top easily!
Pop Top strut kits now available for late Bay window Westies
Samba ad here.
DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs) |
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carterzest Samba Member

Joined: January 22, 2008 Posts: 3841 Location: Eagle, ID/Sun Valley, ID
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:46 am Post subject: Re: roof solar panel???? |
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schoonerman wrote: |
Hi everyone,
Has anyone installed a solar panel on the roof....what are the problems I might run into?
What's the best size/make etc I've just installed an aux battery so i will just be charging that.
Heading down to Mexico in the fall so lots of SUN to take advantage of...not to mention the Senorita's!!!!!!!
87 westy
Thanks
Mike |
Good site with some over the top mods, including solar....http://home.earthlink.net/~johndolsen/id7.html
[/url]http://home.earthlink.net/~johndolsen/index.html[url] _________________ Happiness=Portland, Oregon in the rearview mirror! |
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floggingmolly Samba Member

Joined: April 06, 2007 Posts: 1106 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:47 am Post subject: |
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Nicely done Jack. I see you developing a full fledged vanagon parts company! For some reason your video made me long for winter, a real winter. _________________ '85 Wolfsburg Weekender |
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j_dirge Samba Member

Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 4641 Location: Twain Harte, CA
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:04 am Post subject: |
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schoonerman wrote: |
Thanks everyone, I'm gonna have to re-think this one....certainly don't want to park in the sun in Mexico |
Not too muc to rethink really.
Visit your local marine/boating store and have a look at quick release setups and 12volt connector plugs.
You can rig the panel to sit on the roof top or be removed and moved into direct sun when parked in shade.. use some large gauge wire (Ancor makes some nice two-wire single jacketed) to run an "extension cord" of sorts. Keep in mind that the longer the run the less efficient the charging.
A 45 watt panel is probably adequate for basic lights, stereo, etc. when extended camping in a Westy.
An 80 watt panel is probably more than enough to charge for lights, computer, stereo, that type of thing.. but possibly not enough for 12v refrigeration... definitely not in the tropics.
I would suggest you start listing your expected energy use.
List off each light you have, each appliance,.. estimate the number of amp hours they will use, add it all up and that will tell you what size panel you need.
Also, if you use a decent controller (maybe $80) you can charge BOTH banks, so that if you park it for a week or more there is no risk in your starter battery running down either. OR you can purchase a smaller 5 watt panel to trickle charge your starter battery to keep it healthy and topped off.
Check West Marine's on line sources for their solar panel section. They do a decent job of explaining most of this.
Its actually a fairly simple concept and install. |
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jackbombay Samba Member

Joined: October 19, 2007 Posts: 2725 Location: Portland Oregon
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:14 am Post subject: |
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floggingmolly wrote: |
Nicely done Jack. I see you developing a full fledged vanagon parts company! For some reason your video made me long for winter, a real winter. |
Winter EEeeekkk!! We had a low of 26* F here a couple nights ago, the high was 85* that day, almost a 60* temp swing . We've missed a few summers here, but we've never missed a winter
I am building a garage so this winter I'll possibly be making a few more westy related parts for sale. _________________
Gas struts to pop your top easily!
Pop Top strut kits now available for late Bay window Westies
Samba ad here.
DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs) |
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schoonerman Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2008 Posts: 244 Location: vancouver
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:49 am Post subject: |
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J_derge, thanks for the info, what I'm thinking is the security of leaving a non fixed panel out when I'm chasing the senorita's or jogging along the beach. I have West Marine solar panel on my boat. I was interested in the different mounting and cable runs etc which other people have used and now I've got some great info
Thanks everyone |
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j_dirge Samba Member

Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 4641 Location: Twain Harte, CA
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:41 am Post subject: |
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schoonerman wrote: |
J_derge, thanks for the info, what I'm thinking is the security of leaving a non fixed panel out when I'm chasing the senorita's or jogging along the beach. I have West Marine solar panel on my boat. I was interested in the different mounting and cable runs etc which other people have used and now I've got some great info
Thanks everyone |
Valid concern.. my rule for Mexico trips was to not bring anything I'd miss if left behind.
I've experienced a couple of thefts and breakins down there.. and the majority was other gringos feeding on gringos... unfortunately.
A solar panel might be TOO tempting to TOO many.
It sounds like you are familiar with the panel thing from your boating exp. Perhaps the trick is to keep the panel INSIDE the vehicle and only charge when you are nearby... I realize this cuts down on effective charging time..
Another option is to get a panel that fits down INSIDE the front cargo bin.
Out of sight from street level. Use non-reversible fasteners.. (like the ones you see in transit applications.. bus seating and that kind of thing)
Charging won't be super efficient due to angle.. but with newer panels thats not as crucial as it once was.
Cabling would be very easy.. just go thru one of the drain holes and out the back toward the pop top.
I'd probably opt for that route. |
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pushkick Samba Member
Joined: August 09, 2007 Posts: 1366
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:46 am Post subject: yea i agree |
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dirge thats right i like the marine stores and web sites they seem to have all the stuff an rv diy'r needs for that . they are a little more expensive sometimes though. sometimes you can find better deals on the same stuff other places. |
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schoonerman Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2008 Posts: 244 Location: vancouver
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 11:05 am Post subject: |
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Quote: |
Luggage rack
Great idea Derge I will have to look at that one, although I was thinking about putting one of those black camper shower bags in that spot, fill it full of water fastened with bungies....instant shower.
I wonder how efficient solar panels are behind windows...easy to velcro to any window and follow the sun from the inside and maybe more secure, although in full view....but what the hell nothing is secure anywhere, just more difficult to breakin
still thinking!!! |
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PDXWesty Samba Member

Joined: April 11, 2006 Posts: 6344 Location: Portland OR
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 11:47 am Post subject: |
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A couple things:
Be aware that you can lose quite a bit of voltage if you run cables longer that 20' or so to your panel. Sometimes I will use a 14ga extension cord and have my panel 100' away, but I lose about 2-3 volts of power.
I got my panel (125w) from a local supplier for only $100. It retails for $600. I just called around town and asked everyone if they had any used or damaged panels that I could buy. I eventually found a panel that had shattered safety glass which I replaced for about $30. You might want to check around too.
The panel doesn't need to be connected all the time. Frequent driving will keep your batteries charged. I only use mine if I'm parked for a few days with no driving. If you're not going to be around and don't feel it's safe to leave out, just put it away. |
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jackbombay Samba Member

Joined: October 19, 2007 Posts: 2725 Location: Portland Oregon
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Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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PDXWesty wrote: |
Be aware that you can lose quite a bit of voltage if you run cables longer that 20' or so to your panel. |
With small gauge wire that is an issue, but 10 gauge extension cord is cheap at Home Despot, and according to the solar guys I talked is big enough that voltage drop is not a concern through the length I am using, 50' total battery to panel. _________________
Gas struts to pop your top easily!
Pop Top strut kits now available for late Bay window Westies
Samba ad here.
DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs) |
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