Can't really direct my experience at your specific questions, but can tell u what I've done. 

Spent some $$$ and got the GoWesty "Kit" and so far love it!
My first trip using it now, and have found it easy to set up/take down. 

2 40W panels hinged together, in their own carry case that will fit into the Westy
Luggage box, but I removed the bedding in the upper bunk and stow it and now
several items in that quite-large space. I put a shower assist handle screwed
to the steel cross-member to keep stuff from coming down upon hard stops. The
50' cord allows the panels to be placed in sunlight while parking the van in shade. 
That came in real handy yesterday afternoon when it was in the low 90's and this
morning when I was able to put the panels the full 50' away in the sun while the
van was in tall evergreens. Very nice set up.

I recharge/maintain a bank of 8 UB12220 batteries (176ah total), lap top, iPad,
music (radio, iPod, Jawbone Jambox, lights, etc.. 

Bob

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 28, 2013, at 12:57 PM, J B <jbever@EXCITE.COM> wrote:

> Hi everyone. I was hoping to get feedback and ideas from anyone that has looked into a solar panel set-up for their Vanagon.
> 
> I have done some research and would like to find a panel that would fit in the luggage rack of my Westy which measures approx 19"x45". I don't use the luggage rack and would prefer using it rather than the pop-top roof.
>