4 ms·
> The only way bringing the solar panel with the bike makes sense is a multi-day ride. But as is being pointed out, you're going to be spending a lot more time
by ilyt 4y ago
> The only way bringing the solar panel with the bike makes sense is a multi-day ride. But as is being pointed out, you're going to be spending a lot more time sunbathing rather than biking under power.
I guess the sensible way would be just having bigger, fold down solar panel array and to deploy it where you stop.
- Xylakant 4y agoI did run the math for our last extended bike tour and even that doesn’t really work out. We carried two pairs of 650Wh batteries for our cargo bikes and made around 60-90km per day. This used on average half a battery charge, so ~600Wh. Foldable panels of reasonable size and weight top out at 300W. So best case, ideal conditions, no charging loss you’d need 2 hours to top off each bike. Add non-ideal conditions and charging losses and you’re easily looking at 6-8 hours, a significant chunk of your day. And you’ll likely need to carry an inverter, since DC chargers for e-bike batteries don’t seem to be a thing. We ended up carrying an extension cord. Things may work out if you plan on having a stationary camp somewhere remote.
- bluGill 4y agoMost people plan to ride during the day and stop at night. While you can get some charge over lunch break, the best charging hours are probably when you are riding. There are no easy answers.