Re: [A/S] solar panels

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Arnie,
  I home-brewed my system, but there are many vendors for complete 
outfits, some offering installation also. One company that I've heard 
very postive reports on is RV Solar Electric 
(http://www.rvsolarelectric.com) They do seminars at various RV rallies, 
including the Escapees getogethers. Even if you don't buy from them, 
they have a nice "solar design" book available for (I think) under $10.00.

At a minimum, you will want 2 panels of 75-watt size, an appropiate 
controller, feeding 2 batteries. I personally feel that a monitor such 
as the Cruising Equipment eMeter is an indispensable part of a solar 
system: you wouldn't have a tow vehicle without a fuel guage, so why 
would you want to operate a battery/electric system without one?

A realistic system that will allow you to operate independantly w/o 
regard to when or where your next hookup will be isn't cheap, but it 
sure is nice. We've camped as long as 3 weeks straight in the middle of 
a large field, and MY main concern about power was bitching about all 
the others' noisy generators. :-)

Terry Tyler has a nice little "chart" of what you can do with various 
solar configurations. I can never remember the URL, but I'm sure he'll 
refresh my (our) memory.

Pics of my system are at 
http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer/avion/sep01_02.jpg (panels)
http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer/avion/sep01_03.jpg (brackets)
http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer/avion/sep01_07.jpg (control)



                                 <<Jim>>