3 ms·
You're not far off on the math for the most efficient cars, but I can't even get that much solar on top of a 23' camper, and that's with full sun and assuming I
by mattmaroon 7y ago
You're not far off on the math for the most efficient cars, but I can't even get that much solar on top of a 23' camper, and that's with full sun and assuming I can park directionally. You're talking about 80 sq ft. Even taking into account these more efficient panels, you're looking at maybe 10 mi a day range added, best case.
And that's assuming you're parking outside at all while at work. In suburbia you might be. Good luck in any big city.
Overall I don't see how this is going to be economically efficient any time soon, even in the best use cases. It seems better to have fixed solar and a plug. But I hope I'm wrong.
- aembleton 7y agoThere's also the extra weight involved. If you used that extra weight for more batteries instead of solar panels, you might have even more range.
- jfengel 7y agoIf they could paint the solar cells directly into the surface of the car, it would add little additional weight. Most of the weight of a solar panel is the backing and frame to provide stiffness, and you could use the car body for that. That's a big "if", though. Photovoltaic paint is currently around half as efficient as commercial solar panels.
- codedokode 7y agoIt doesn't have to be a paint, it could be a film.
- wiglaf1979 7y agoSomething like this might be what you want. Hangs on the window and is solar powered. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Solar-Sun-Powered-Power-Window-Fan-Ventilator-Auto-Cool-Air-Vent-for-Car-Vehicle/110659418?athcpid=110659418 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Solar-Sun-Powered-Power-Window-Fa...
- travisporter 7y agoThat was proven to be useless. However, I found this project https://acool.global/ https://acool.global/. Anyone have any insights on this?