I thought I had posted this a while ago but it seems that it disappeared. I think it was because I didn't start a new topic.
There are several sites in America covering a new(?) concept of having solar cells on the van awning. Called XPanse Solar Awnings the awning is simply rolled out and with the whole awning surface covered with solar cells you have between 1,000- and 1,200-Watts. When moving on the awning is wound up in the normal manner.
One web site is: https://xponentpower.com but others have youtube videos.
The concept looks good but it has a fair way to go at the moment. First, cost: around $10,000 US dollars. Second, while the cells are waterproof, the awning isn't so every time it rains you would have to pack away your gear and move inside. Also, there might be a problem ensuring that the sloping awning is facing the sun - might be difficult in a caravan park.
Seems like a good idea in theory but have to wait and see whether it will work out in practice.
Murray
-- Edited by Long Weekend on Wednesday 8th of December 2021 08:20:22 PM
I thought I had posted this a while ago but it seems that it disappeared. I think it was because I didn't start a new topic.
There are several sites in America covering a new(?) concept of having solar cells on the van awning. Called XPanse Solar Awnings the awning is simply rolled out and with the whole awning surface covered with solar cells you have between 1,000- and 1,200-Watts. When moving on the awning is wound up in the normal manner.
One web site is: https://xponentpower.com but others have youtube videos.
The concept looks good but it has a fair way to go at the moment. First, cost: around $10,000 US dollars. Second, while the cells are waterproof, the awning isn't so every time it rains you would have to pack away your gear and move inside. Also, there might be a problem ensuring that the sloping awning is facing the sun - might be difficult in a caravan park.
Seems like a good idea in theory but have to wait and see whether it will work out in practice.
Murray
-- Edited by Long Weekend on Wednesday 8th of December 2021 08:20:22 PM
It sounds like a great idea.
There is also an article on the GN home page:
https://www.thegreynomads.com.au/accessories/vehicle-accessories/awning/