installing solar power in a westy

[ghost123uk]

^^^ all true (imho of course)


.

[keith]

im not technical...but when my little girl has watched a dvd, we've charged a phone, had the radio on, interior lights on...and that kind of light stuff.....the meter shows that both batteries had taken done some work....the next day both batteries have miraculously recharged .
my van also stands for weeks outside my house and its nice to know the batteries are always trickled.

in the grand scheme its not a lot of money for something that seems to do exactly what it says on the tin.

[printmonkey]

I installed a panel in the luggage rack to keep both of my batteries topped up. It has paid for itself by saving me the hassle of removing seats (westy) and carrying batteries up into my flat to charge them.

[shepster]

My vans parked about 100ft away from my garage at the end of a steep drive so to charge my leisure batt I have to either carry it up and down or run an extension lead which neither are particularly difficult but now I no longer need to.

Although my kids are a little older now they still watch the odd film on an evening and this coupled with the propex during winter camps and 'tunes' on during the day I found I would need to carry a spare leisure to make sure I had enough power whereas now I have plenty.

Another advantage I've found is that the starter battery is always fully charged too and as I run on lpg starting is a lot better now.

I don't really think they are looked at as a money saving thing, although I suppose any hook-up costs could be eliminated, but more of a convenience.

You can get a bit anal about 'amperage' though when amongst other 'solars', besides what bloke doesn't love a good gadget?

[ghost123uk]

besides what bloke doesn't love a good gadget?

This is also true (and is "me" )

[CovKid]

I can think of more exciting ones though.

[shepster]

I can think of more exciting ones though.

You're quite right, but lets face it unless we're talking BIG engines, is there really anything to get that excited about with a campervan?

[CovKid]

Yep, just getting up each day knowing I'm going to be driving it. This all reminds me of people who become obsessed with the quality and frequency range of their sound systems but then forget to actually listen to their music.

The amount of times I've seen owners wives eyes roll whenever the mention of solar comes up.

Its like the Tilley Lantern brigade. I love gadgets too. I just avoid the expensive ones that don't make much sense. Needless to say my iphone soon went - pile of junk that was.

This all started when (in 1968) shoe-brand 'Tuf' brought out shoes for boys with, wait for it, a compass in the heel. Cripes even at age 9 I thought that was ridiculous. Been suspicious ever since.

[shepster]

The amount of times I've seen owners wives eyes roll whenever the mention of solar comes up.

Unlike painting your van with a roller and RAL codes, I bet that really gets them wet!

[ninja.turtle007]

The amount of times I've seen owners wives eyes roll whenever the mention of solar comes up.

Unlike painting your van with a roller and RAL codes, I bet that really gets them wet!

[LeeME3]

This all started when (in 1968) shoe-brand 'Tuf' brought out shoes for boys with, wait for it, a compass in the heel....

Oooooh, neat idea. Want

[CovKid]

Fortunately I don't go on and on about it. Everyone else does that for me.

The amount of times I've seen owners wives eyes roll whenever the mention of solar comes up.

Unlike painting your van with a roller and RAL codes, I bet that really gets them wet!

[keith]

Fortunately I don't go on and on about it. Everyone else does that for me.

The amount of times I've seen owners wives eyes roll whenever the mention of solar comes up.

Unlike painting your van with a roller and RAL codes, I bet that really gets them wet!

and the link in your signature bit

[CovKid]

Saves shouting. Told you this was a spanner in the works. These weekend solarites don't like it up 'em.

[keith]

Saves shouting. Told you this was a spanner in the works. These weekend solarites don't like it up 'em.

I think you're tarring us all with the same brush (or roller)