RE: [A/S] RE: Flexible solar panels (was 66 Safari)

["Sherry" <sherryhayes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have the same setup as Tom - I don't even use a regulator, but I don't use
very much power, either.  I bought mine about 5 years ago for $250. It works
great and has been extremely durable. I was in a big hailstorm in Georgia a
couple of years ago - the panel is dimpled but it didn't affect the
performance at all. I use a catalytic heater and a Humphrey's propane light
for heat. And Bob, I really don't want to permanently mount my panels. I
don't know what the advantage would be, and the disadvantages are that I
guess I would have to run some kind of wiring through the trailer and I
really don't want to do that.

For you newbies, here's the response that I gave when we went over this the
last time, about a year ago.

The Bambi has two separate electrical systems (12-volt and 110) and I have
been out for months without ever plugging in. I have two small batteries
(one for the trailer and one for an electric motor for my boat), a portable
battery pack, two small solar panels (one flexible 32-watt Uni-Solar marine
model and a 20-watt folding model), a solar oven, and a propane grill. The
flexible solar panel keeps both my trailer battery and the boat battery
charged. The smaller solar panel charges the portable battery pack and I run
my laptop, CD player, and occasionally a small TV off the portable battery
pack. I use a portable printer that has two NIMH battery packs and I have
small solar chargers for the batteries for my digital camera. And I have a
LOT of fun.

Happy Trails -
'63 Bambi, VAC, WDCU, WBCCI 1104