| Author |
Message |
Gizmoman
Samba Member
Joined: September 10, 2011
Posts: 1560
Location: Nevada
|
 Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 4:35 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
Anyone tried the Harbor Fright panels?
_________________
82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale). |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
CaptTurbo
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2012
Posts: 93
Location: SW Florida
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 4:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I think the panels you are speaking of at 15 watts each and they aren't all that small. They often sell three of them together as a "solar power kit" and you still only have 45 watts. Pick up one real panel which can give you 200+ watts and ... fill those batteries. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
r39o
Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Gizmo,
Do NOT waste your time with those cheesy Harbor Freight panels.
The local Craigslist has used panels if you wish to play.
I even see them at the Santee Swapmeet from time to time.
Or just drive to SolarBlvd if you are so inclined.......
_________________
"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) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Phishman068
Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2007
Posts: 1998
Location: Pittsburgh PA (ish)
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
designer
Samba Member
Joined: November 05, 2009
Posts: 523
Location: Idaho-but just the tip
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2014 6:43 pm Post subject: |
|
|
In the past, I purchased from here: http://sunelec.com/
It doesn't look like they have as robust an inventory as in the past, but it may just be in between containers or something.
Just worth keeping them on the radar. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TerrapinStation
Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2021
Posts: 1
Location: VA
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2021 1:23 pm Post subject: Re: New GoWesty Solar Panel System |
|
|
| Any new developments in this discussion? I'm just opening pandora's box here on solar options (and wheel upgrades). The portable route makes the most sense ATM since we seek out shade when we're parked. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Howesight
Samba Member
Joined: July 02, 2008
Posts: 3402
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2021 1:45 pm Post subject: Re: New GoWesty Solar Panel System |
|
|
Although you would be tempted to think that little would change in the solar energy products market between 2014 and today, there has been a lot of change. There are many threads here on the Samba touching on the topic.
From my own personal experience, for those seeking portable solar panels allowing the panel to be placed in the sun, leaving the Van in the shade, there are two panels I have personally seen will fit in the "luggage rack" of the Westfalia:
1. This 100 watt "suitcase" folding panel from Renogy: https://www.renogy.com/100-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-foldable-solar-suitcase-with-voyager/
2. The "compact design" Renogy 100W panels seen here: https://www.renogy.com/100-watt-12-volt-monocrystalline-solar-panel-compact-design/
The other significant changes in this field are the tremendous drops in prices for DIY Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) battery components. These batteries are truly a game changer. See the Samba thread here, and some others started in the last 18 months or so:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=739611
_________________
'86 Syncro Westy SVX |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
