Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
roof solar panel????
Page: 1, 2  Next
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
schoonerman
Samba Member


Joined: May 14, 2008
Posts: 244
Location: vancouver
schoonerman is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:45 am    Post subject: roof solar panel???? Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Lanval
Samba Member


Joined: June 09, 2007
Posts: 905

Lanval is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dogpilot has done extensive write-ups on his setup. Search for solar panel and look for posts by Dogpilot.

Best,

Lanval
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
pushkick
Samba Member


Joined: August 09, 2007
Posts: 1366

pushkick is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 2:50 pm    Post subject: solar panel Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
MachIII
Samba Member


Joined: August 08, 2008
Posts: 12
Location: Marin County
MachIII is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:29 pm    Post subject: Re: solar panel Reply with quote

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!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
pushkick
Samba Member


Joined: August 09, 2007
Posts: 1366

pushkick is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

try this search link its kind of what i did.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=235349&highlight=solar+panels
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Dogpilot
Samba Member


Joined: October 03, 2005
Posts: 4205
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Dogpilot is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jackbombay
Samba Member


Joined: October 19, 2007
Posts: 2725
Location: Portland Oregon
jackbombay is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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 Smile


Samba ad here.


DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
schoonerman
Samba Member


Joined: May 14, 2008
Posts: 244
Location: vancouver
schoonerman is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks everyone, I'm gonna have to re-think this one....certainly don't want to park in the sun in Mexico
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
pushkick
Samba Member


Joined: August 09, 2007
Posts: 1366

pushkick is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:26 am    Post subject: solar roof Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jackbombay
Samba Member


Joined: October 19, 2007
Posts: 2725
Location: Portland Oregon
jackbombay is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:33 am    Post subject: Re: solar roof Reply with quote

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 Smile


Samba ad here.


DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
carterzest
Samba Member


Joined: January 22, 2008
Posts: 3841
Location: Eagle, ID/Sun Valley, ID
carterzest is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:46 am    Post subject: Re: roof solar panel???? Reply with quote

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!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
floggingmolly
Samba Member


Joined: April 06, 2007
Posts: 1106
Location: San Diego, CA
floggingmolly is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
j_dirge
Samba Member


Joined: August 08, 2007
Posts: 4641
Location: Twain Harte, CA
j_dirge is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jackbombay
Samba Member


Joined: October 19, 2007
Posts: 2725
Location: Portland Oregon
jackbombay is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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 Shocked . We've missed a few summers here, but we've never missed a winter Laughing

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 Smile


Samba ad here.


DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
schoonerman
Samba Member


Joined: May 14, 2008
Posts: 244
Location: vancouver
schoonerman is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 9:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
j_dirge
Samba Member


Joined: August 08, 2007
Posts: 4641
Location: Twain Harte, CA
j_dirge is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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. Laughing

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
pushkick
Samba Member


Joined: August 09, 2007
Posts: 1366

pushkick is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:46 am    Post subject: yea i agree Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
schoonerman
Samba Member


Joined: May 14, 2008
Posts: 244
Location: vancouver
schoonerman is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 11:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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!!!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
PDXWesty
Samba Member


Joined: April 11, 2006
Posts: 6344
Location: Portland OR
PDXWesty is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 11:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
jackbombay
Samba Member


Joined: October 19, 2007
Posts: 2725
Location: Portland Oregon
jackbombay is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 12:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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 Smile


Samba ad here.


DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2025, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.