[CCRaulie]

I'm sure anyone posting here has heard of Aptera and how solar panels will extend the range of that car. I had a crazy thought one day since I have a 2016 eGolf and can squeeze out a 100 mile range when driving like I'm almost 80. Can those solar panels be applied on top of the e-Golf, and connected to the battery for charging. Seems like a good idea.

That should not violate? VW power train warranty.

 

[cah197]

Have you though about putting the solar panels on your house?

 

[Edd Beesley]

Car-mounted Solar

Hi, Does anyone know a company that installs solar panels on electric cars? The solar panels should charge the battery (obviously). I've seen a DIY guy on YouTube do this, but I'm wondering if anyone does it professionally. I think the guy on YT planned on starting a company to do this...

www.speakev.com

Hyundai and Kia to introduce solar roof charging system

Hyundai and Kia to introduce solar roof charging system | Autocar Interesting but I don't see it being implemented till at least 2020 on PHEV or EV models.

www.speakev.com

Solar charging for EV's

I'm looking at the idea of a charging system using photovoltaic cells on my roof. I've established that the roof and alignment being west and south is okay so that's a good start. However I'm not sure what data is needed for the installation. This is the Zoe vehicle spec. attached. It says it's...

www.speakev.com

Solar charging a BMW i3. Is this a stupid idea?

I have been toying with the idea of putting flexible solar panels on the roof of my i3 for a while. Is this just a stupid idea? I'm aware that the rate of charge might just be ridiculous and it might just be 2/3 KW of charge in a day, or worse the panels might get stolen. But let's just say...

www.speakev.com

etc.

it’s a bad idea.

 

[dk6780]

The key with the Aptera is the incredible efficiency of the car - 10miles/kWh which makes the solar panels just about viable in a very sunny climate for a low usage scenario.

 

[cah197]

The key with the Aptera is the incredible efficiency of the car - 10miles/kWh which makes the solar panels just about viable in a very sunny climate for a low usage scenario.

Perfect Segway to moving this discussion on to eBikes!

 

[6652]

I’ve no idea about solar panels, but you’ve got to try mounting a mini wind turbine on the roof, perpetual energy innit!

 

[peterboat]

I have a Aixam electric truck with 900 watts of solar on the roof, MPPT controller in the cab valence LifePo4 batteries underneath. It runs at 48 volts so its an easy do as the three panels are in series running at 100 plus volts. Over the last couple of years its been a great truck and costs peanuts to run, but for normal EVs running at 400 volts plus its a non starter

 

[CCRaulie]

Have you though about putting the solar panels on your house?

I may soon be getting a different house but yes in the future.

 

[CCRaulie]

Thanks Edd Beesley, I'll look into those links. I was wondering if this was brought up.

I know the Aptera is made for this (solar) with it's efficiency, let's just say aerodynamics (there's another word but after working last night I can't think of it). I don't need a 1000 miles or even 500. 200 would be great.

 

[6652]

Thanks Edd Beesley, I'll look into those links. I was wondering if this was brought up.

I know the Aptera is made for this (solar) with it's efficiency, let's just say aerodynamics (there's another word but after working last night I can't think of it). I don't need a 1000 miles or even 500. 200 would be great.

The Aptera does look like something we should be driving by now if we’d believed The Jetsons and/or Thunderbirds etc, I’d be very interested in such a thing.

The energy requirements of even a fairly modern EV are big though, far too big for current solar technology to make much difference to range.

There are some amusing YouTube videos of folks towing solar panels behind e-bikes and trying to work out how many you’d need to effectively replace what you’re using, and even for those it’s a lot.

 

[cdlb]

I’ve no idea about solar panels, but you’ve got to try mounting a mini wind turbine on the roof, perpetual energy innit!

Nah, mount it in the cabin at the A/C vents.

 

[MDave]

Innovative Sustainable Solutions on YouTube has fitted solar panels on an old Nissan Leaf body and on a roof rack where more solar panels can slide out covering more area. I believe he is located in Texas so lots of sun, he gets about 30 miles of range per day from it sitting in the sun all day.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_7AI5UsaaHYChQYecLq0dg

 

[cdlb]

Incidentally, you can get a Prius with solar panels on the roof. So Toyota genuinely make a self charging hybrid. The irony is that it's also a plug in.

The Toyota brand | Toyota Europe

Toyota offers a wide range of advanced and innovative cars – including an extensive electrified line-up – that help people go places safely and reliably.

www.toyota-europe.com

 

[Edd Beesley]

Innovative Sustainable Solutions on YouTube has fitted solar panels on an old Nissan Leaf body and on a roof rack where more solar panels can slide out covering more area. I believe he is located in Texas so lots of sun, he gets about 30 miles of range per day from it sitting in the sun all day.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_7AI5UsaaHYChQYecLq0dg

The bit I watched said he’s getting 3.2kwh per day, that’s not 30 miles, more like 10-12.

 

[i-s]

I’ve no idea about solar panels, but you’ve got to try mounting a mini wind turbine on the roof, perpetual energy innit!

You've missed the obvious:

 

[cah197]

You've missed the obvious:

View attachment 142703

That’s silly.

Just fit the alternator in the engine bay!

 

[JamesE]

What a load of rubbish. It takes energy to drive the generator or wind turbine which said energy is coming from the battery which is being charged. Take into account the lack of 100% efficiency and you are wasting energy not conjuring up a form of perpetual motion.

I have solar panels on my house roof, in the winter they produce b*gger all. In the summer on a good day they produce several KWH but that's from 11 big panels. I suppose you could mount or integrate about 1.5 panel's worth on a car roof - absolutely not worth the cost. I had panels on my boat roof which charged the 12v battery on the "domestic" side. Just about enough to cover lighting, the heater motor (used diesel as the fuel) and a bit of TV viewing. There is no way they could charge a big EV battery.

 

[cah197]

Take into account the lack of 100% efficiency and you are wasting energy not conjuring up a form of perpetual motion.

Couple of bungee cords attached to a lorry, and voila!

 

[Edd Beesley]

You've missed the obvious:

View attachment 142703

WTF?? I'd love to know the story behind that.

 

[jonsel]

I specified a combined solar panel/sunroof on my (“self-charging”) Prius when I bought it new in 2010. It was an expensive option and it doesn’t do much more than power a fan in the summer when the car is locked to keep the temperature down a bit. It’s been a good talking point and relevant to my job in the solar industry but not value for money.