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madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Fri May 31, 2013 2:20 pm Post subject: New GoWesty Solar Panel System |
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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. _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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climberjohn Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2005 Posts: 1840 Location: Portland Orygun
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gerstle Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2009 Posts: 22 Location: santa cruz, ca
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 11:17 am Post subject: |
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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 Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 11:45 am Post subject: |
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http://www.solarblvd.com
Solar Boulevard has some portable systems on sale right now....... _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
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 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2009 Posts: 22 Location: santa cruz, ca
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 12:28 pm Post subject: |
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Damn, those are a lot cheaper. |
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singler3360 Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2009 Posts: 1191 Location: Corvallis, Oregon
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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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 Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 12:50 pm Post subject: |
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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? _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
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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singler3360 Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2009 Posts: 1191 Location: Corvallis, Oregon
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:21 pm Post subject: |
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r39o wrote: |
Singler3360,
Leaving a folding system bolted to the roof, to me seems, to defeat the idea.
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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 Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006 Posts: 6245 Location: Portland OR
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:26 pm Post subject: |
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Has anyone ever purchased from solarblvd.com ? _________________ 89 Westy 2.1 Auto |
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CaptTurbo Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2012 Posts: 93 Location: SW Florida
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:31 pm Post subject: |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2009 Posts: 22 Location: santa cruz, ca
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:50 pm Post subject: |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2011 Posts: 2114 Location: flagstaff az.
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:55 pm Post subject: remote mount solar |
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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 $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. 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. _________________ 1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug.
Last edited by joseph928 on Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:05 pm; edited 4 times in total |
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gerstle Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2009 Posts: 22 Location: santa cruz, ca
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:58 pm Post subject: |
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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 Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:06 pm Post subject: |
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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. _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
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 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2009 Posts: 22 Location: santa cruz, ca
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:14 pm Post subject: |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006 Posts: 6245 Location: Portland OR
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:22 pm Post subject: |
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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. _________________ 89 Westy 2.1 Auto |
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crazyvwvanman Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008 Posts: 9923 Location: Orbiting San Diego
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:56 pm Post subject: |
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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 Samba Member
Joined: January 29, 2013 Posts: 111 Location: Adirondacks
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:00 pm Post subject: |
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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. _________________ '91 Westfalia 2.1L auto |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:04 pm Post subject: |
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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? _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
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 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2009 Posts: 22 Location: santa cruz, ca
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Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:48 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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