Cheap Solar Power

by Vanessa Dillon
(Hangtown, CA)

Hi Brian and Y'all,

Back in 1994 I had a 26' Airstream 1956 dual axle Overlander and I went on my first trip to Arizona and ended up in Why AZ, between Ajo and Organ Pipe cactus National Park.

There was a guy there who was selling used solar panels and I picked up a used 48 watt panel for $175.00. It came with a couple of adjustable brackets to set it on the ground with a 50' cord.

It only put out 2.3 amps, but by repositioning it 4 times a day to follow the sun directly it worked as good as two roof mounted stationary panels. I also, more importantly, found that I could park under shady trees and position the panel out in the sun. I had enough power for my water pump, up to three hours of using up to two lights at a time at night, including my vintage table lamp.

I put an old fashioned screw in 12v bulb that fit the 120v socket perfectly. I could also watch up to 2 hrs of TV a night.

I guess what I'm saying is solar doesn't have to be complicated. I did have two deep cycle batteries. By the way I was a single woman then and found out that I could go down to Mexican beaches for free without any hassle from "banditos". Can't wait to go there again.

Brian, I lived in Port Angeles WA for almost 10 years And I recognized your Photos from Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park and the beautiful Buchart Gardens across the pond in Victoria, Canada
The Trailer Lady