New GoWesty Solar Panel System

Howesight

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

TerrapinStation · Samba Member Joined: March 31, 2021 Posts: 1 Location: VA

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.

designer · 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.

Phishman068 · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:17 pm Post subject:

I was given a set of the harbor freight panels and gave them to a friend. In my opinion they're not really worth even carrying. I have an 80/90 watt panel on my roof that's almost 1/3 the size of their giant low wattage setup. It's impressively low quality.
_________________
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=559766&highlight=winter+rust
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482402&highlight=sunroof+syncro
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=569774
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6864936#6864936

"Along with the ability to go fast, one looses the desire to hurry."

r39o · 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)

CaptTurbo · 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.

Gizmoman · 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).

gerstle · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:48 pm Post subject:

r39o · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:04 pm Post subject:

LachlanMcLean · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 3:00 pm Post subject:

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

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:56 pm Post subject:

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

PDXWesty · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:22 pm Post subject:

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

gerstle · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:14 pm Post subject:

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?

r39o · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:06 pm Post subject:

gerstle · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:58 pm Post subject:

joseph928 · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:55 pm Post subject: remote mount solar

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

_________________
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.

gerstle · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:50 pm Post subject:

CaptTurbo · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:31 pm Post subject:

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.

PDXWesty · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:26 pm Post subject:

Has anyone ever purchased from solarblvd.com ?
_________________
89 Westy 2.1 Auto

singler3360 · Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 1:21 pm Post subject:


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Vanagon	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time Page: 1, 2 Next
Page 1 of 2