solar panels anyone??

[gotto_03801]

iv'e seen drivers have battery banks generators for comfort while on the road. what are peoples thoughts on solar panels for things like keeping the batteries charged for a dorm sized fridge and some LED lights. but mainly to keep the battery bank charged to keep the fridge going while your driving

 

[xiggi]

Talk to ebsprintin he has solar panels.

 

[danthewolf00]

I had 2 125watt panels on my sprinter and I miss them! Go power sells a 200 watt kit $1100 to $1400....but the kit has a inverter and solar controller all made to work together.

 

[xiggi]

What kind of weight do panels and necessary components weigh?

 

[Unclebob]

Are they permanently mounted on the roof? Did you notice much mpg difference?

 

[danthewolf00]

25 lbs a panel , solar controller was like 2 lbs .
great thing was I rarely ran out of power.

 

[xiggi]

Does that include all the brackets, frames, wiring etc to complete the job? Did you happen to do a before and after weight ticket?

 

[gotto_03801]

and was the fridge a 12 volt or 110 volt?? i'm gonna be going with all LED lighting and as much 12 volt stuff as I can!! and how big was your battery bank

 

[ebsprintin]

http://www.expeditersonline.com/forum/truck-talk/39798-solar-panels.html#post342963

The link goes to the weight of my components. I've since added a third panel. Wiring and hardware for the third panel adds up to maybe three pounds.

A little on the van.

Another write up.

A little more on the batteries.

eb