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My 15Watt one on my truck is NOT powerfull enough to allow me to keep the field on alternator off all of the time. Maybe 54 watts will be enough. I live in Tucson AZ so we have sun 360 days a year. I've found that knowing where to park and setting the angle of the panel to get the most sun helps the most.
I thought my windshield might affect it as well. So I would put the panel on the roof when parked for a few weeks. I did not notice a difference so now I just leave it on the dash.
I think the trick is to get a couple of deep discharge batteries. I leave the truck at the airport for 3 days. Get home on Friday night. I can not make it home (20 miles with lights) on the full charge of the standard battery. To make it work you have to have enough power to make your longest trip without an alternator. I also think you should carry a battery charger with you. That way if you run low you can stop somewhere and plug in the battery charge for a 1/2hour or longer so you can make it home.
Good luck ----- keep us informed on you progress.
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