solar panels

Jules,

There is plenty in the archives on this subject. Just quickly, I have used a 20 watt panel that puts out just under 1 amp for 3 years now. Initially just replenishing 4x7amh hr batteries in my small camper. Now hooked to 80 amp hr deep cycle in new larger camper trailer.

Worked fine. Like u, use gas for fridge and 12 volt for lights.

All u need to do is make sure your overall draw for the evening is not too much more than you can put back the next day. Say 6 hrs sunlight then u dont need to draw down much more than 6 amps for the evening. Say 2 x 10 watt lights = 1.7 amps for around 3-4 hours max. That way your battery slowly goes down but not so much that u run out of light during your camp. Just don't let it go down too far.

See the post before yours for a link to my home page for more battery info.

Longest we camped without power using those sorts of numbers was 10 days. No problems

Ps. We always carry a small gas light just in case.

Cheers

Magnus

Thanks for quick responses - have gas lanterns - but it is insdide the camper - don't like having gas inside - and our bed is quite high - and I like to have a light right next to me hanging from the centre pole.
will check out the suggested info.
jules

Solar power is great for many operations, mainly while stationery. But how come no one has come up with a wind-powered accumulator attached to the vehicle?

Wind farms are becoming more popular all around the world .. so wouldn't some form of mobile "wind turbine" attached to the vehicle make sense?

Obviously a constricting air intake would be necessary, but any reasonable forward speed should then be able to drive a fan connected to some form of turbine or whatever.

Perhaps one of you more experienced scientific types can tell me if the idea has some sense to it, or if I'm of in La La Land.

Bernard,

I reckon that's a top idea - not "la la land" at all. Hmmm,,,,,,,,have to have a good think about this. It would be a useful addition to my solar panels ( which I use on a roof rack) to charge an additional battery on a dull day. Simple to switch off - just stop it turning by having a plate over the intake.

Let's see 100 kmh for about 8 hours a day ( or night) - should be enough draught to keep up a charge. My son's an electrical engineer, maybe he can work out if it'd work.

Bilbo

Bilbo,
Thanks. Sounds like there might be some blue skies ahead. Hope ypur son can come up with an answer. Will keep checking Post for the latest info.

Bernard

We bought a single portable (made a stand for it) solar panel. We did have extra battery in the van, but when the levels were low, put the panel facing the sun for a bit and it charged up much quicker than when driving. Ran the fridge (fitted engel fridge-freezer, and adequate lights.

Some int4eresting comments and info - and there is a wind turbine available - seen in July issue 4WD Monthly - about $900 - would be good for caravan or bus. Notr much info on it - just an ad.
jules