Solar Panel

No worries Stephen. I aleady have an 80w on my van (Jayco Swan Outback) so they do work ok. I will be running a 50l Waeco (Through a plug on the van). Also the van lights etc. The 80w does not cope with the fidge and van etc, especially when it's hot day and night. Although it does extend the time you can stay put. I have 2 x 100 A/hour batteries in the van and can get about 5 days with the 80 w.

I think the 100w will make me self sufficient and also give extra capacity.

I am off on holiday for a couple of weeks so I will give you an update when I get back.

Cheers

He who dies with the most Toys wins !!!!!

Cheers Leigh I am in for an hour or so tomorrow so I will give you a buzz before I go.

>>He who dies with the most Toys wins !!!!! But is nevertheless DEAD.

I am also looking at either an 80 or 100w. I am rebuilding a van from chassis up (why??? I know) and have just done the electrical and left provision for a panel mounted to the roof. That's not my preferred choice but the in-laws (the owners and funders) don't want the hassle of locating the the panels when they want to use them.

I am planning on 2 AGM's to run all 12v (lights, fridge, tv) and a genny and 240v to charge them when available or solar when not.

I am keen to hear how you get on as I expect to be making the decision before the end of Jan '07

Cheers
Cam

Cam,

Personally, I like the flexibility of a ground standing panel, which can be moved about at will, rather than a fixed panel on top.

As an alternative, I have seen a panel mounted to a piece of stainless steel "exhaust" pipe and clamped to the A-frame by the same type of clamp used for a jockey wheel.
Not a bad idea if extra security is needed and still easily manipulated.

Hey Sandman,

Now that's a great idea!!!
I like the flexibility of not parking the van in the sun also. But the outlaws are a bit past it for climbing over the van. The mounted post idea could easily be made to mount the panel yet adjust it to "see" the sun better and still be mostly out of the sun.

Thanks
Cam.

No worries Cam.

I can't claim any originality though.

I saw the invention at the opening of the "Home of 12 volt" store in Adelaide's northern suburbs some months ago. The boys had it set up on a demonstration camper trailer.

It was rigged up with padlockable stranded wire cable to help secure it from all but a determined thief.

As you said, Great idea though.